UAVs: New FAA rule requires UAS operators to register in national database

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced new rules that will require nearly all owners of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to register in a national database. The federal law will be effective Dec. 21 and drone owners will be subject to civil and criminal penalties if they do not register.

Drone owners will be required to submit their names, home addresses and email addresses with the FAA.

“Make no mistake: unmanned aircraft enthusiast are aviators, and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Registration gives us an opportunity to work with these users to operate their unmanned aircraft safely. I’m excited to welcome these new aviators into the culture of safety and responsibility that defines American innovation.”