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.
FAA Updates Drone Marking Requirements and Airspace Restrictions
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA's new Interim Final Rule mandates that drone registration numbers must be prominently displayed on the exterior of the aircraft, no longer allowed inside compartments, effective February 25.
- This change was implemented due to safety concerns for first responders who previously had to open compartments to view registration numbers, potentially exposing them to concealed devices.
- Public comments on this external marking requirement are being accepted until March 15, 2019.
- Separately, the FAA has proposed new rules to allow routine drone flights at night and over people, with a public comment period for these proposals ending April 15.
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