Expert Opinions: FAA UAV registration requirement

December 8, 2015 - By GPS World Staff

Q: What do you think of the FAA requirement that all UAV purchasers register their devices?

Lydia Bock
President and CEO
Geodetics Inc.

A: We need a pragmatic and sensible response to the integration of UAVs into the civil airspace, balancing safety of civil aviation and the economic benefits associated with the emerging markets and applications of UAV technologies.

Clearly maintaining flight safety in the national airspace is critical. A balanced approach would include registration of UAVs, education for hobbyists and FAA flight certifications for commercial operations.

New technologies for automated sense-and-avoid should be investigated, and their certification for use should be streamlined.

John Studenny
Director System Engineering
Esterline – CMC Navigation Systems

A: Registration of all radio-controlled (RC) aircraft or UAVs upon purchase may be too broad or harsh, and may conflict with current freedoms already enjoyed by hobbyists.

However, as capabilities (altitude, speed, flight duration, payload capacity) increase beyond what today’s RC aircraft or UAVs can deliver, regulations and registration may be required.

It comes down to UAV capability and how the UAVs are used. That needs to be the focus of any regulation or enforcement.