FAA registration likely to resume
Congress recently finalized the National Defense Authorization Act that restores the FAA’s registration requirement. This bill reverses an earlier U.S. Court of Appeals decision that struck down the registration requirement when John Taylor challenged the rule. When this new national defense bill is enacted, all hobbyists and members will again be legally required to comply with the FAA registration requirement.
We expect this legislation to go through final passage in the House and Senate, and to the president’s desk, possibly by the time you read this article. AMA members will be required to comply with the registration rule when it is again in effect. We will update you when this happens.
AMA believes that registration makes sense at some level, but has pushed for a more reasonable threshold, arguing that if registration is to be implemented, the criteria, threshold, and implementation should go through rulemaking. We are advocating that members should be able to use their AMA number as an alternative to the registration requirement. While we address these issues, members will be legally required to comply with the FAA registration requirement when this bill is enacted.
We continue to work closely with Congress, the FAA, and other stakeholders to determine the best path forward when registration is reinstituted.
Following are some frequently asked questions. Answers are based on the information available at time of press and are subject to change.
Q: If I already registered, do I have register again?
A: Most likely you will not have to register again because this bill simply reverses the John Taylor case. We will share more as details emerge.
Q: If I requested a refund and asked to be removed from the registration list, do I need to register again?
A: It is likely that you will have to register again. We will learn more after this bill is enacted. You can call (877) 396-4636 to check the status of your registration.
Q: How do I register?
A: You can register at https://registermyuas.faa.gov. If you need assistance, call (877) 396-4636.
Q: Do I have to register every aircraft?
A: You only need to register your name, physical address, and email address once. You will receive a single FAA registration number that is to be placed inside of all of your aircraft along with your AMA number.
Q: Do only drones and multirotor operators need to register?
A: No. Anyone who flies a model that weighs more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and uses a ground-control system with a communications link, such as an RC transmitter, is required to register. If you exclusively fly models weighing less than 0.55 pounds, fly indoors, or fly Control Line (CL) or Free Flight (FF) models, you do not need to register.
Q: Do I need to list both my AMA number and my federal registration number on my aircraft?
A: Yes, you need to list both your AMA number and federal registration number on your aircraft. We are advocating for the FAA to allow AMA members to use their AMA membership numbers. We believe an AMA membership already meets the intent of registration, but at this time, place both numbers on your aircraft.
Q: How does FAA registration affect my membership?
A: AMA club or member benefits are not contingent upon FAA registration. We encourage all members to follow federal regulations, but we are not policing FAA registration.
Q: Should clubs, contest directors, or event leaders require that all pilots be registered with the FAA?
A: No, we are not asking our clubs or contest directors to police FAA registration.
Q: I am an AMA Affiliate Member, I do not live in the US, or I am not a US citizen. How do I register?
A: Everyone, including foreign nationals and tourists, who operate an unmanned aircraft for hobby or recreational purposes outdoors in the US are to use the FAA’s online registration system. These non-US citizens or non-permanent US residents will receive the same registration certificate as US citizens or permanent US residents. However, this certificate will function as a “recognition of ownership” document. This document is required by the Department of Transportation for foreign nationals to operate legally in the US. For assistance, you can call (877) 396-4636 or email faahotline@faa.gov.
Q: I only fly CL, FF, or indoors—do I need to register?
A: No. If you exclusively fly indoors, FF, CL, or fly models weighing less than 0.55 pounds you do not need to register.
Q: What happens if I don’t register?
A: According to the FAA, failure to register an unmanned aircraft might result in regulatory and criminal sanctions.
Q: Can I register by paper?
A: We understand there are AMA members who do not have a computer. The FAA offers a paper application, which currently is only available at local FAA Flight Standards District Offices, but this process can take many months. If a member does not have a computer, we encourage him or her to have a club or family member help with the registration process.
Q: I do not want to give my credit card information over the internet or I don’t have a computer. What should I do?
A: For members who cannot or do not want to submit credit card information online, the FAA has agreed to accept gift credit cards such as Visa or Mastercard. You can purchase these gift cards, which closely resemble a credit card, through many retailers.
