Drones That Require FAA Registration [SOLVED]

Only the military used drones in the past, but as technology advanced, movie directors and researchers began using drones. Now, adults and children use drones for fun and professional uses. Moreover, this is why we have to know the rules regarding the use of drones according to the FAA. The FAA requires some drones to be registered while others don't.

Below are the things that make a drone required to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration:

• The drone has a weight that is above 250 grams or 0.55 pounds
• The drone is used for commercial purposes
• The drone will be used to make money either by capturing videos or taking pictures

Before flying a drone, you must have met the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration. Otherwise, you are at risk of getting a fine, and your drone seized. No one wants to pay a fine and lose their precious drone.

Which Drones Need Federal Aviation Administration Registration

All drones, including hobby drones, need to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration before you can fly them. Although the drone's purpose is important, you still need to register your drone to avoid severe consequences.

After registration with the FAA has been done, you will be given a Federal Aviation Administration identification number for your drone. This identification only costs five dollars and has to be renewed every three years.

The FAA ID number has to be placed on the drone's exterior so that it can be easily identified. An FAA registration certificate will also be given to you once your registration is complete.

The certificate must always be with you when flying your drone, as any law enforcement agency can request it. You can either have the certificate as a paper or digital copy. If someone else will be operating your drone, they must have the certificate in possession.

How To Register Your Drone With The Federal Aviation Administration

Flying a drone without registering it with the FAA is punishable by a fine of twenty-seven thousand dollars, so you must register the drone. There are some requirements you must meet to register a drone with the FAA;

• You need an email address.
• You need your credit or debit card.
• You must be thirteen years or older to register.
• You have to be a citizen of the United States or a legal permanent resident.
• You also need to present your physical and mailing address.
• You have to know the model and make of your drone.

The total cost of registering your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration is five dollars for every drone. Furthermore, the registration is valid for up to three years. After your registration is complete and approved, you will receive an FAA registration certificate.

Drones can be registered online at the Federal Aviation Administration Drone Zone or by mail. To renew your drone registration, you must use the original email address you used for the first registration.

Federal Aviation Administration Rules For Flying Drones

The Federal Aviation Administration is in charge of the regulation of flight in airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration is very strict with its rules and regulations on drone flying, so you have to be aware of them. There are rules for flying both hobby and commercial drones.

In the following sections, we will look at the FAA rules that govern the flying of hobby drones:

• You must not fly your drone at night without adequate lighting.
• Your drone must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration before you fly it.
• It would help if you never flew a drone under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Ideally, you should fly a drone that weighs less than 250 grams for recreational activities.
• You must always maintain a visual line of sight with your drone when you are flying it.
• Flying your drone over people, moving vehicles, near other aircraft, or emergency response is prohibited.
• The drone should be used for only recreational purposes and never for commercial purposes.

The laws for flying commercial drones are also similar to those for hobby drones; however, a few additional rules regulate commercial flying of drones.

• Flying a drone is only allowed inside Class G airspace.
• Your drone flight speed must not exceed 100 mph.
• You must not fly your drone from a moving vehicle, except in a sparsely populated area.
• You need to have an FAA-issued Remote Pilot Certification before you fly a drone for commercial purposes.

In addition to the rules of the Federal Aviation Administration, it is best to keep in mind that the flying of drones is restricted in National Parks around the country. This rule applies to both recreational and commercial drone flights.

Drones That Need To Be Registered With The Federal Aviation Administration

There are different types and brands of drones available in the market. However, we will look at some of the most popular drones that need to be registered with the FAA.

DJI Phantom 3 Advanced

This drone has a weight of 1280 grams and a maximum speed of 16 m/s. It also has a flight time of twenty-three minutes, a three-axis gimbal, and a 4k UHD video camera. The drone comes with two flight batteries, a charger, and an aluminum case.

3DR Solo quadcopter

The 3DR Solo has two different types; one comes with a gimbal while the other does not. However, both of them need to be registered with the FAA. This drone is the world's smartest drone and one of the easiest drones to fly. It has a follow-me mode and comes with a backpack. It also comes with five spare batteries, a tablet, two sets of propellers, and two replacement motor pods.

Yuneec Typhoon 4K

This drone has a CGO3 gimbal camera that allows you to get a smooth shot of images. It also comes with eight propellers, a battery, and a manual. The flight time of this drone is twenty-five minutes, and it has a maximum speed of 18mph.

Parrot Bebop Drone

This drone is lightweight and has a 14-megapixel camera. The Parrot Bebop is one of the drones that should not be flown at night and should only be sold to a person over the age of 14. This drone is one of the best drones for photography, but it should not be flown in extremely windy conditions.

Hubsan x4 FPV

This drone is a remote-controlled drone with a flight time of seven minutes and a charging time of 45 minutes. The drone comes with four spare propellers, a protection cover, one USB cable, and a user manual. It also has LED lights and a 480P camera.

Aside from the ones listed above, there are other drones that need to be registered with the FAA, such as the DJI Inspire Pro, DJI P2V+, Helimax Voltage 500, Parrot AR. Drone 2.0, Yuneec Typhoon Q500+, and many more.

Drone Laws You Should Not Violate

There are consequences if you violate any drone law. However, there are a few laws with severe consequences if violated. There is a good chance you will go to jail or pay a fine if you are caught breaking any one of these laws.

More like this: How Do Drones Work? What Is The Physics Behind Them?

Do Not Fly An Unregistered Drone

Flying a drone not registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, an expired registration, or if it does not have the registration number pasted on it, can all lead to serious penalties. Besides paying a fine of 27 thousand dollars, you could also get a 3-month prison sentence.

Do Not Fly A Drone Close To Emergency Activities

If you are caught using your drone to interfere with, restrict or distract emergency operations, you are at risk of imprisonment. In some states, emergency workers can destroy a drone that impedes their activities, and they will not be charged for it.

Do Not Fly A Drone In The Controlled Airspace

As a drone pilot, you have the freedom to fly your drone in uncontrolled airspace, the airspace 400 feet above the ground. Anything above that is a criminal offense. Flying a drone in controlled airspace can interfere with the flight of manned aircraft actively operating.

Final Thoughts

As a drone pilot, whether a newbie or a professional, one thing is certain, you are conforming to the rules of the Federal Aviation Administration. Rules are what create order in society. Without rules, there would be chaos and confusion.

Whether you are flying your drone for fun or as a profession, you need to register it with the FAA. Only then will you have the liberty to fly your drone as you like. It is best if you always remember the rules of the FAA when using your drone.