FAA: Free UAS Registration Is Almost Over

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reminding operators of recreational unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that time is running out to register their aircraft for free.

Owners who register before midnight EST on Jan. 21 will be reimbursed for the $5 registration fee. The FAA notes that the website will initially charge the owner’s credit card the $5 fee, but a credit will appear in approximately 7-10 business days.

Owners who previously operated a UAS exclusively as a model aircraft prior to Dec. 21, 2015, must register no later than Feb. 19. Owners of any other UAS purchased for use as a model aircraft after Dec. 21, 2015, must register before operating the first flight outdoors.

Scheduled maintenance will take place 10 p.m. to midnight EST on Saturday, Jan. 16, and the system will not be available for use at that time.