If you are hobbyist who owns a drone and plan to fly it in the State College or Penn State area you should be aware of new registration rules.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced that it will require millions of drone owners in the United States to register their drone with the Federal Government. That registration must occur before the first flight outdoors and applies to all owners not just those using them for commercial purposes.
The new rule applies to all drones weighing between .55 pounds and less than 55 pounds. It includes all onboard equipment such as cameras. The new rule goes into effect December 21st, just in time to catch everyone who gets a drone as a Christmas gift.
Small drones such as the .2 ounce Airhogs Millennium Falcon are not required to apply for registration.
The registration will cost $5 for each operator and the license must be renewed every three years.
The penalty for failing to register your drone can be up to $27,500 and criminal penalties are much higher; they include fines of up to $250,000 and or jail time for up to three years.
