Hobbyist, non-commercial drones no longer have to be registered with the FAA

We don't do much coverage in the way of drones, but this is certainly news worth sharing! The court in Washington, D.C. has pulled the legislation requiring hobbyist drone owners from having to notify the federal government about their purchase and register their quadricopters.

Non-commercial drones are now classified as model aircraft and subjected to the FAA's 2012 Modernization and Reform Act that prevents the government agencies from enforcing new laws to restrict hobbyist flying.

However, said act is set to expire at the end of 2017, which means the Congress could step in to lay out the FAA's authority over non-commercial drones. It certainly has the initiative to make a move, considering total hobbyist aircraft sales (including drones) are set to triple over the next four years.

While rogue flyers are happy with the outcome, not everyone is giddy with excitement over the registration removal. Drone maker DJI's head of policy, Brendan Schulman, argued before Recode that the "FAA's innovative approach to drone registration was very reasonable and registration provides for accountability and education to drone pilots."

ALSO READ

Verizon is testing 4G LTE-connected drones as emergency cell service providers

Luis D. • 9y ago

Google testing solar-powered drones to deliver wireless internet from the sky

Alan Friedman • 10y ago

source: USCoA via Recode

Six-month unlimited plan is now 57% off

$90

$210

$120 off (57%)

Mint Mobile is now allowing you to get whichever plan you like for either three, six, or 12 months for just $15/mo. If you go for the six-month unlimited service, for instance, you'll now have to pay just $90 upfront instead of $210.

Buy at Mint Mobile