A previous rule requiring drone owners in the U.S to register their name and address with the FAA has been reinstated courtesy of President Trump who signed a recent bill into law.
As part of the policy the previous rule is now back on, and may be a blow to many drone hobbyists especially as the rule was overturned by a judge in the D.C. Circuit back in May 2017 which stated that the FAA rule did not have the legal standing to enforce the mandate on anyone flying for recreational or hobby purposes.
The signing of the 2018 National Defence Authorization Act has given back powers to the FAA to enforce accountability via their drone registration system. The previous rule required drone users to register their personal details and display a drone identification number on their drone before taking flight. The FAA are still to finalize rules surrounding this second time around.
This move has angered thousands of pilots within the drone communities, with many taking to social media to show their frustration.
An FAA spokesperson showed their enthusiasm with this latest move and stated the rule ensures their promotion of safe and responsible drone operations and enforces liability.The FAA have always argued that the rule is consistent with the Act’s statutory directive to improve aviation security
The FAA applauded the return of the rules in a statement to TechCrunch “We welcome the reinstatement of registration rules for all small unmanned aircraft,” “Ownership identification helps promote safe and responsible drone operation and is a key component to full integration.”
According to the text of the bill The registry is to be reinstated when the act is enacted.
Back in May 2017 the FAA made a Statement Regarding US Court of Appeals Decision
We are carefully reviewing the U.S. Court of Appeals decision as it relates to drone registrations. The FAA put registration and operational regulations in place to ensure that drones are operated in a way that is safe and does not pose security and privacy threats. We are in the process of considering our options and response to the decision.
We continue to encourage registration for all drone operators.