Registration and Marking Requirement for Small Unmanned Aircraft

In plain language

Before flying any small drone, you must ensure it is registered with the FAA and marked with its registration number. The only exceptions are if you are flying strictly for recreational purposes and the drone weighs 0.55 pounds or less on takeoff, or if the drone belongs to the US Armed Forces.

Requirement as structured

No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft eligible for registration in the United States unless it is registered and marked, or meets specific statutory exceptions.

Original regulatory text

No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft that is eligible for registration under 49 U.S.C. 44101-44103 unless one of the following criteria has been satisfied: (a) The owner has registered and marked the aircraft in accordance with this part; (b) The aircraft is operated exclusively in compliance with 49 U.S.C. 44809 and weighs 0.55 pounds or less on takeoff...; (c) The aircraft is an aircraft of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Applies when

country

United States

operation

Registration and marking of small unmanned aircraft

aircraft type

small_uas

regulatory area

registration

aircraft category

small unmanned aircraft (under 55 lb)

regulatory category

General