— Violators Face Civil Penalties Up to $27,500 and Three Years In Jail

Drones get air medical crews’ attention.

Drones are difficult to spot and see when flying.

Drones, at times, scare the crap out of air medical pilots and crews.

Here’s What You Need to Know About the FAA’s New Drone Database

Good News on The Horizon

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) isn’t known for quick and decisive action in regard to public safety.

The agency’s primary concerns are limiting its own liability and protecting it’s own longevity.

The way this translates in the real world is the FAA typically takes no action whatsoever until it’s publicly pressured to do so. Public pressure so great the agency perceives its primary objectives (mentioned above) threatened.

The good news is that’s exactly what happened in regard to drone flying in the United States. Near misses between drones and commercial aircraft happened so often, and in such short spans of time, the public noticed and spoke up.

The even better news is the FAA now considers drones “an important safety concern to commercial aviation.” If you want to learn more about how air medical pilots’ plead for help in regard to drones — read this article.

Drone Deadline Nears

How does the new drone database affect you personally?

Here’s what you need to know:

Starting February 19, 2016, all drones must be registered with their owners’ names and addresses in a national database.

Violators can face civil penalties of up to $27,500 and three years in jail.

“Unmanned aircraft enthusiasts are aviators, and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility,” said Secretary of the Transportation Department Anthony Foxx.

Though people won’t be able to look up users by name, they will be able to identify names and addresses by the drone’s ID.

What About Gift Drones

What about Christmas gift drones? Does the FAA policy apply to small size drones (toys) given as Christmas gifts?

The answer is yes.

Here is the criteria:

According to the FAA, starting February 19, 2016, all drones weighing between 0.55 to 50 pounds must be registered with their owners’ names and addresses in a national database.

No exceptions.

These new regulations are a response to a rash of public incidences with drones, such as crashes at sporting events, or those flying dangerously close to air medical helicopters or commercial airliners.

Previously, it was difficult to identify the operator of a recovered drone when it endangered the public. This new database will make investigations much easier (even those conducted by neighbors).

According to the FAA press release, the registration “does not yet support registration of small UAS [unmanned aircraft systems] used for any purpose other than hobby or recreation—for example, using an unmanned aircraft in connection with a business.” Other exemptions or regulations are in the works. But, for now, if you’re selling, buying, or getting a toy drone for the holidays, be sure to be aware of the new rules.

What do you think? Should the FAA require the public to register the hand-sized 9-ounce Christmas gift drone? Important safety consideration or overkill?

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