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Drone Registration

August 2, 2017

Due to a recent change in requirements from the FAA, hobbyists are not required to register their drones.  A useful chart of requirements based on activity can be found here: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/

Although people that fly for fun are not requited to register themselves or the drone with the FAA, activity such as flying a drone for payment, research, or a club event requires the registration of the drone and a pilot in command that has a remote pilot certificate. We have a lot of resources regarding the process and study material for a license at http://uassafety.ucmerced.edu/resources/drone-license and there is a step-by-step guide on how to register a drone on the FAA site https://registermyuas.faa.gov/

Situations where you need a license:

  • Photos for a club or gathering
  • Any form of research
  • Organized drone racing and other drone events
  • Surveying for an organization 
  • Inspections and maintenance of buildings or equipment
  • Any paid arrangement