Did You Get A Drone For Christmas? Make Sure You Register It With The FAA
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Drones are expected to be a popular Christmas gift, even among the under 18 set, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. And if you or your child receives one, don’t forget to register it with the FAA before you fly. The rule, which went into effect this week, affects drones sold as toys.
A quick search on Amazon or the Toys R Us website and you’ll find unmanned aircraft or drones for sale. Some aren’t that expensive — like the Millennium Falcon drone, on sale for $90 the day before Christmas Eve. So, what are the penalties for failing to register the toy version of the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs?
“Theoretically, you can face penalties of up to $27,500 for violating the regulations...for not registering an aircraft, because a drone is an aircraft, just like a Boeing 747 or Cessna 182 is an aircraft,” FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said.
The criminal penalties are even stiffer — and could include jail time. However, Gregor said the goal is not to penalize drone operators but to educate pilots to encourage compliance.
There is no age requirement to operate a hobbyist drone.
