While the FAA has been lagging in its effort to implement safety rules governing drone operations, the DOT and FAA have now come together to create a registration process for unmanned aircraft systems. U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta announced yesterday that a new task force will develop recommendations for the registration process with a deadline of November 20.
"Registration will help make sure that operators know the rules and remain accountable to the public for flying their unmanned aircraft responsibly," said Huerta. "When they don't fly safely, they'll know there will be consequences."
The task force will consist of 25 to 30 UAS, manned aircraft and government representatives as well as other stakeholders, said a statement from the DOT. Some very light, toy-like UAS are expected to be exempt from the registration requirements due to their low safety risk.
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