System Designed To Track Down Owners In Cases Of Possible Violation

The FAA would require the registration of all UAVs weighing more than half a pound if it adopts recommendations crafted by the UAV Registration Task Force last week.

But the registration would be free, and could be conducted online, according to a report in the Washington Post.

According to what the paper described as "multiple members of the task force speaking on the condition of anonymity", the registration process would be done through Internet sites or mobile apps, including those of manufacturers. That the sources said, would not burden the retailers with registering a UAV at the point of sale.

So what information would be included in the registration? The owner's name and address, which would allow the FAA to find the owner of a UAV should it become separated from the owner. An email address would be voluntary to allow the FAA to send updates on UAV regulations to operators. The panel considered asking for social security numbers and dates of birth, but decided not to be that intrusive.

Once registered, a UAV would be required to display a registration number that is easily seen by the person operating the aircraft. No size or font for the registration number was specified.

The FAA is not required to adopt the proposed regulations, but it does have a deadline of November 20 imposed by Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in an effort to beat an anticipated holiday rush on the aircraft.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.faa.gov