You now have to get a license to use consumer-grade drones
Drones — the consumer type often featured at Android Area, not the big spy machines the governments use — have exploded in popularity in recent years, and many people are taking to the skies to fly their own small air vehicles. These drones tend to be safe in responsible hands and haven’t caused many problems yet, but the FAA wants to get a handle on this thing in the early going before air space is dominated by people exercising their right to enjoy their hobby.
It is now required to register for a license to operate any drone that weighs between .55 and 55 pounds, which pretty much covers the entire gamut of technology available. The licenses cost $5 and last for 3 years, and if you register before January 20th you’ll get your money back (but is anyone really fretting over $5?).
Registration requires giving your name, email address and mailing address to the FAA, though those are also small prices to pay to ensure you can continue flying without a problem. It may be annoying, but the government typically doesn’t mess around when it comes to ensuring public safety, and their desire to start regulating drone usage is a natural step as the technology matures and becomes more popular. Registration begins December 21st, and you can do so right here.