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FAA Updates Drone Marking Requirements and Airspace Restrictions

Drones will be treated more like airplanes with registration numbers posted on the exterior of each machine. DJI photo
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Effective February 25, the FAA now requires drone operators to prominently display their registration number externally on their machines, eliminating the option for internal placement.
  • This "Interim Final Rule" was issued to address security concerns from law enforcement, allowing for drone identification without the need to handle the device.
  • The FAA is accepting public comments on this registration rule until March 15, 2019, and separately on new proposals for routine drone night flights and flights over people until April 15.
See a mistake? Contact us.

The FAA’s latest Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in yesterday’s Federal Register will soon require drone operators to prominently display their FAA registration number on the outside of their machines, just like those on regular aircraft, only smaller. Owners and operators may no longer place or write registration numbers in an interior compartment. The markings must be in place for any flight after February 25, the effective date of the rule. This interim final rule does not change the original acceptable methods of external marking, nor does it specify a particular external surface on which the registration number must be placed, only that it can be seen upon visual inspection of the aircraft’s exterior.

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

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