The Federal Aviation Administration announced Monday recreational users of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, must register their systems with the federal government. Anyone using a hobby UAS that weighs from 0.55 pounds up to 55 pounds is required to register as a UAS operator. Operators who purchased a UAS before December 21st must register by February 19th. Anyone who purchases a UAS after December 21st must register before they first fly outdoors. Drone registration will cost $5 per operator; however, the registration fee will be waived for the first 30 days. With the potential benefits that drones have for farmers,
National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling urged drone users in agriculture to take advantage of the free registration period. The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International estimates that agriculture will account for as much as 80 percent of all commercial UAS use. Registration will open December 21st at FAA dot gov slash UAS slash registration. (www.faa.gov/uas/registration).