FAA launches unmanned aircraft registration system

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched its online registration system Monday for drones and other small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Owners must register remote-controlled aircrafts weighing between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds if the equipment will be flown outdoors for hobby or recreational purposes. The new requirement was announced earlier this month by Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker. The registration page is at www.faa.gov/uas/registration.

Registration, which costs $5, is required for any UAS before its first flight from here forward. The FAA will refund the credit card charge for the first 30 days the service is active to help ensure speedy compliance with the new rule.

Registrants will receive a personal registration number, which must be included on every UAS device flown. The number can be marked on the UAS devices any way the owner chooses as long as the number is easy to read.

Each registrant will receive a certificate featuring the owner's name, registration number and the dates of issuance and expiration. A print or electronic copy of the certificate must be kept on hand whenever operating a UAS. Registration covers three years of operation; after that, it must be renewed.