WASHINGTON The Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) new web-based registration system for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is now active. Hobbyists and recreational users who fly UAS, which include remote controlled aircraft, may register at www.faa.gov/uas/registration.

Owners must register small UAS weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (approx. 25 kilograms) if they are to be flown outdoors for hobby or recreation. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker announced the rule requiring registration earlier this month.

Aircraft operated by the current owner before Dec. 21, 2015 must be registered no later than Feb. 19, 2016. For all others, registration is required prior to the first outdoor flight. Owners mustprovide their complete name, physical address, mailing address (if different), and a valid email address to register.

Federal law requires a $5 registration fee that will be collected at the time of registration via credit card. To encourage speedy compliance, the FAA is making the process free for the first 30 days. (The registration website will initially charge the owners credit card $5, but a refund credit will appear shortly afterward.)

After completing registration, owners will receive a personal registration number. If a person owns more than one small UAS, each aircraft must be marked with that number. Any method may be used to mark the UAS, as long as the number is legible. Registrants may put the number in the battery compartment if it is easily accessible.

The FAA will immediately email a certificate containing the holders name, registration number, and the dates of issuance and expiration. The operator must keep either a printed or electronic version of this certificate on hand for inspection as proof of registration. Registration must be renewed every three years. If assistance is needed with registration, email UAShelp@faa.gov.

The full rule can be viewed here:http://www.faa.gov/news/updates/media/20151213_IFR.pdf.

A Registration FAQ with answers to most common questions is at: http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/faqs/.

Note to broadcast media: Please download audio and video sound bites from FAA Administrator Michael Huerta:

Audio (10 seconds): The FAA wants everyone who buys a drone this holiday season to know theyre responsible to understand the airspace rules and to fly safely.

Audio (9 seconds): I want people who buy a drone this holiday season to know that you are accountable to the public for flying responsibly.

Audio (14 seconds): If you own a drone, you are an aviator-and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility. Read your pre-flight safety checklist on FAA.gov.

Audio (18 seconds): If you own a drone weighing about 9 ounces but less than 55 lbs. you must register with the FAA by February 19^th. Registration is free through a rebate until January 20^th.. Register online at FAA.gov.

Audio (15 seconds): If you own a drone, register it. Know your pre-flight checklist. And give the gift of safety to your friends and family this holiday season by encouraging them to register their drones at FAA.gov.

Video (37 seconds, broadcast quality): The FAA wants everyone who buys a drone this holiday season to know theyre responsible to understand the airspace rules and to fly safely. If you own a drone weighing about 9 ounces but less than 55 lbs. you must register with the FAA by February 19^th. Registration is free through a rebate until January 20^th.. So register online now at FAA.gov. And give the gift of safety to your friends and family this holiday season by encouraging them to register their drones as well.

The video is also available in HD format.

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