For our US readers (but coming to the
UK & EU soon).
Take that quadcopter you bought as a gift for little Timmy and/or Tina back to the store as you might have inadvertently broken new FAA regulations by the time the wrapping is torn from the box.
As of the 21st of December 2015, professionals and hobbyists alike are
required to register[1] their toys or kit
[2] with the
Federal Aviation Authority. This includes
drones, quadcopters,
airplane (
aircraft), helicopters or other type or style of unmanned or remote controller aircraft weighing more than
250 grams (
this is 'flight-weight', the weight of the vehicle at take-off) and of a
$100 nominal value - basically anything that can sit in the palm of the average adults hand. Failure to register is subject to civil penalty of up to $27,000, or criminal fines upwards of $250,000.
Q2. Does the FAA have the authority to require registration of UAS used by modelers and hobbyists?
A. Yes. By statute all aircraft are required to register. Congress has defined "aircraft" to include UAS, regardless of whether they are operated by modelers and hobbyists.
[...]
Q7. Who is required to register on the new online UAS registration website?
A. Only individual recreational or hobby users who meet U.S. citizenship requirements are able to register their unmanned aircraft using this new streamlined web-based process. This new, faster and easier system will be available for other UAS owners soon.
[...]
Q37. How do I prove I am registered?
A. A certificate of registration will be available to download and will be sent to your email address at the time of registration. When operating your UAS you must be able to present the certificate in either print or electronic format if asked for proof of registration.
Footnotes
1: registration does not grant the user a 'license', it's simply a declaration (registration) of ownership.
2: UIN's (Unique Identifiable Numbers) will be searchable. Any associated personal information may also be available.
