Drones could be used to smuggle banned items into prison, officials said. (Photo : Getty Images)
To track drones that would collide with other aircraft or breach safety rules, even lighter, remote-controlled crafts preferred by hobbyists would be required to register. These new regulations, according to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, cover both commercial drone operators and hobbyists.
USA Today reports there is a rush to implement the new rules, released on Monday, in view of the expected surge in drone sales this coming holiday season especially as the prices become more affordable. The FCC expects more than 1 million drones to be sold over the yearend holiday season, reports Huffington Post.
The price tag of a Quadcopter, which includes high-definition cameras, is just over $40, and it is available online. However, more powerful drones that fly higher and longer could costs thousands of dollars.
Hobbyists, however, are complaining of the strict regulation. Dave Matthewson, executive director of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), warns that the mandatory registration could drive away hobbyists. The group, which has about 180,000 members, believes that placing their details such as membership number, name and address on the drone, is sufficient to trace them in case of a collision.
As of Oct. 15, the Federal Aviation Administration has approved 1,891 special permits for the special use of commercial drones such as aerial photography, pipeline inspections and agricultural monitoring. Foxx says he wants to give enforcement of the registration rules a bigger push with $25,000 fines and possible criminal liability for violators.
The Air Line Pilots Association, made up of 52,000 aviators, favor the creation of a national registry of drones to trace the owner in case of accidents. According to FAA, there are about 100 incidents monthly of drones flying near airports which would mean total incidents for 2015 would be four times the 238 incidents in 2014.
