FAA will require drones to display registration numbers externally

Kdavis2269 · Feb 12, 2019

You have until February 23rd to mark the number on the outside of your drone.

FAA will require drones to display registration numbers externally

BigAl07 · Feb 12, 2019

I fully support this (always have) but I'm shocked it's not made more waves and headlines than this one engadget article. Maybe it's just "flown under the radar" up until now.

It goes into the Federal Registry tomorrow.

dronecyclops · Feb 12, 2019

Just common sense on this one to me plus I have always put registration on outside

Phaedrus · Feb 13, 2019

Mine has always been outside as well. Not sure why some think it's a bug deal. Some of the model airplane guys are not happy. Mostly ones who build precision scale models. But they are working out ways to comply without messing up the look of their masterpieces.

But for commercial MR, no brainer and easy to do. No size or location requirements, so pretty easy.

Fred Garvin · Feb 13, 2019

Mine are marked externally as well.

R Martin · Feb 13, 2019

This is what the regs should have been from the beginning. Good for the FAA

JDSimpson · Feb 13, 2019

It does not say where the registration number has to be placed on the UA but rather that the registration number has to be affixed external on the UA.

§48.205 Display and location of unique identifier.
(a) The unique identifier must be maintained in a condition that is legible.
(b) The unique identifier must be affixed to the small unmanned aircraft by any means necessary to ensure that it will remain affixed for the duration of each operation.
(c) The unique identifier must be readily accessible and visible upon inspection of the small unmanned aircraft. A unique identifier enclosed in a compartment is readily accessible if it can be accessed without the use of any tool.

Kdavis2269 · Feb 13, 2019

JDSimpson said:
It does not say where the registration number has to be placed on the UA but rather that the registration number has to be affixed external on the UA.

§48.205 Display and location of unique identifier.
(a) The unique identifier must be maintained in a condition that is legible.
(b) The unique identifier must be affixed to the small unmanned aircraft by any means necessary to ensure that it will remain affixed for the duration of each operation.
(c) The unique identifier must be readily accessible and visible upon inspection of the small unmanned aircraft. A unique identifier enclosed in a compartment is readily accessible if it can be accessed without the use of any tool.

In § 48.205, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:

(c) The unique identifier must be legibly displayed on an external surface of the small unmanned aircraft.

TreeLineView · Feb 13, 2019

Have visible on all my birds, including large "Reward if Found" and phone number.

JDSimpson · Feb 14, 2019

Kdavis2269 said:
In § 48.205, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:

(c) The unique identifier must be legibly displayed on an external surface of the small unmanned aircraft.

Thanks for correcting paragraph (c).

Phaedrus · Feb 14, 2019

Also keep in mind that there are no requirements for the size or location on your aircraft.

Kdavis2269 · Feb 14, 2019

JDSimpson said:
Thanks for correcting paragraph (c).

I just copied and pasted out of the document so we could see a side by side comparison of the verbiage change. I knew this would be an interesting topic considering the scale model rc pilots appear to be impacted as well. I guess they could always make their registration number look like a stenciled part number to blend it in with the scale look.

I'm sure there will be opinions on what is legible vs easily identifiable. For the 107 pilots it was best practice anyways but I bet the hobbyist and scale modelers will get a bit creative to comply with the revision.

Phaedrus · Feb 14, 2019

I know some RC airplane guys who use a Sharpie to write their number on the back side of a prop!

BigAl07 · Feb 14, 2019

Phaedrus said:
I know some RC airplane guys who use a Sharpie to write their number on the back side of a prop!

I heard some SCALE guys are putting them in the hinge gap of their planks.

Phaedrus · Feb 14, 2019

Yep.Stab bottoms, etc. Anywhere that is not easily seen. Meets the criteria set forth in the law. Also shows the absurdity of requiring this.

R Martin · Feb 15, 2019

BigAl07 said:
I heard some SCALE guys are putting them in the hinge gap of their planks.

People with something to hide will look for ways to get around the regs. Those that don't, won't. You just can't fix stupid.

JDSimpson · Feb 15, 2019

R Martin said:
People with something to hide will look for ways to get around the regs. Those that don't, won't. You just can't fix stupid.

Regs have a purpose Unmanned Aerial; FAA: Registration Marking Must be on Drone's Exterior - Unmanned Aerial

Mike Nevins · Feb 16, 2019

You know I don't really have a problem with the labeling. But one of their (FAA) reasons was because of possible boobie traps with the batteries. I don't think a bad guy is going to lable his aircraft with anything legitimate. The Labeling in of itself will not prevent bad guys doing bad things.

JDSimpson · Feb 17, 2019

Mike Nevins said:
You know I don't really have a problem with the labeling. But one of their (FAA) reasons was because of possible boobie traps with the batteries. I don't think a bad guy is going to lable his aircraft with anything legitimate. The Labeling in of itself will not prevent bad guys doing bad things.

I agree with you. The link above in Unmanned Aerial gives a little insight to the concerns of first responders.