The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned operators of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drone against potential scams from entities claiming they can help file an application for a registration number.
The FAA issued the warning less than a month after announcing that drones should be registered with the agency.
Last month, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx explained that registering drones “help build a culture of accountability and responsibility” and “help protect public safety in the air and on the ground.”
On the other hand, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said the agency receives reports of potentially unsafe drone operations including incidents at major sporting events and flights near manned aircraft.
These reports signal a troubling trend. Registration will help make sure that operators know the rules and remain accountable to the public for flying their unmanned aircraft responsibly. When they don’t fly safely, they’ll know there will be consequences,” said Mr. Huerta.
Drone operators do not registration firms
According to the FAA, drone operators do not need the help of registration companies in the registration process. They were advised to wait for additional details regarding the drone registration system before paying anyone to help them apply for a registration number.
The agency will announce further information about the registration system later this month. The FAA noted that at least one company is already offering to help people register their drones for a fee.
FAA Task Force to provide guidance on registration process
The Department of Transportation and the FAA created a Task Force to develop recommendations for a registration process for drones. The Task Force is composed of 25 to 30 representatives from the UAS and manned aviation industries, the federal government and other stakeholders.
Mr. Huerta instructed the Task Force to provide guidance for the registration process that would be simple and easy to complete.
The Task Force will also advice the agency on which aircraft should be exempted from registration due to low safety risk including toys and certain other small UAS.
The group is working on the recommended drone registration system that is similar to registering any newly purchased product with its manufacturer as well as a minimum weight for drones that needs to be registered.
