Video: FAA Regulates Drones, Users Must Now Register Their Drone

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Drones or an unmanned aircraft are still one of the hottest items.

“The forecast nationwide is up to one million drones being bought and given for Christmas. The price is down, the capability is way up,” said Mike Hainsey, Executive Director of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport.

A recent report from Bard College tells the high risk associated with drones.

The study shows 158 incidents within the last two years where a drone came within 200 feet of a manned aircraft, causing pilots to dodge the drone.

Also, one out of five incidents occurred within a “no-drone zone” of an airport.

The FAA now requires drone owners to register their aircraft in an effort to educate users on drone safety.

“The FAA last week put out a requirement for anyone buying a drone after next Monday, to register it immediately and everyone who already owns one to register it by February,” said Hainsey.

Hainsey says safety is the key concern for the FAA regulations.

“The drones are operating in and around a manned-aircraft and so it’s important its done in a safe manner,” said Hainsey.

The registration system will require your name, address and email. The fee will be $5.

So, if you are one of the thousands who will find a drone under your tree this Christmas, remember these simple rules.

“If it’s done just for fun, you just basically have to keep it below 400 feet, keep it within your sight, don’t operate near an airport without letting the airport know, it’s a five-mile limitation there, and don’t do things that would be unsafe or don’t do things that would violate people’s privacy,” added Hainsey.
The federal law takes effect December 21st.

Owners are subject to civil and criminal penalties if they fail to register.