The Federal Aviation Administration reported earlier today that 181,000 drones have been registered in their database since they opened registration two weeks ago.
- There are an estimated 700,000 drones that have been sold over the holidays.
- People who owned drones prior to Dec. 21 have until February 19 to register.
The FAA said it is working with the private sector on ways to streamline registration including new smart phone apps that could allow a manufacturer or retailer to register a drone automatically by scanning an identification code on the aircraft.
“As of today, about 181,000 aircraft have been registered,” FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said in a statement. “But this is just the beginning. Now that we have set up the registration system, our challenge is to make sure everyone is aware of the requirement and registers.”
The FAA unveiled the registry for recreational drone owners on Dec. 14 and launched the database on Dec. 21. Owners of drones weighing between 0.55 pound (250 grams) and 55 pounds (25 kgs) must register and display an FAA identification number on their aircraft. Federal officials see online registration as one way to address unauthorized flights near airports and crowded public venues that have raised safety concerns across the United States.
If you own a drone you should register it before the February 19 deadline. The penalty could be severe if you get caught flying an unlicensed aircraft. They can confiscate the drone as well. The registration process is easy. Follow the link below to find out more.
FAA Drone Registration Website