FAA launches drone registration website, gives owners February deadline

$5 fee will be waived for those who register by mid-January.

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[citizencoyote]

So much FUD in these comments. The FAA is tasked with regulating US airspace and aircraft. Drones, if the many articles that have appeared on Ars this past year are any indication, are becoming a problem (because of a few idiots, yes, but that still equates to a problem). Drones crashing into stadiums. Drones interfering with firefighting aircraft. Other aircraft narrowly missing drones. Drones causing trespassing issues (some solved with firearms). Drones generally going where they're not supposed to.

What's the FAA supposed to do, shrug and say "Eh, people will figure it out?" They had to start somewhere. Would you rather Congress take up the issue of drone regulation? Be thankful it's an agency that can change its rules at a speed faster than molasses in winter, and adjust them as time goes on. And for all the people whining about the fine, you're missing two words before the dollar amounts: "up to." Last I checked, "up to" means maximum, not minimum.

If you're really unhappy with these new regs, go contact the FAA. Tell them why you're unhappy, and offer alternatives. Ignoring them won't change anything (except potentially make you poorer should your unregistered drone be involved in a major incident).