Friend of a Friend Fined $1800 no registration on drone..i have questions

schlepprock · Jan 4, 2017

So when I registered I didn't register my drone..just me. There wasn't an option to register my drone. I paid $36 for 9 years. Do I need to register my drone as well? It's only a hobby, not for commercial use.

Evilmorg · Jan 4, 2017

Yes you are mistaken. Every drone pliot, hobbyist or commercial, is required to obtain an FAA registration number.

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RW-1 · Jan 4, 2017

schlepprock said:
So when I registered I didn't register my drone..just me. There wasn't an option to register my drone. I paid $36 for 9 years. Do I need to register my drone as well? It's only a hobby, not for commercial use.

No, you use your UAS Certificate number which is (your registration number) on your registration certificate on any of your UAS aircraft.

schlepprock · Jan 4, 2017

RW-1 said:
No, you use your UAS Certificate number which is (your registration number) on your registration certificate on any of your UAS aircraft.

Thanks

Rich C. · Jan 4, 2017

Slackware said:
His big mistake was in talking to them, and letting them into his house.
"Come back with a warrant" then get on line and register while they are gone. They never saw the drone flying so can't claim you flew it before it was registered.

but time to look for new neighbors, or buy them out so you don't have them.

They never saw the drone flying... Case closed.

dwallersv · Jan 4, 2017

stubblefield said:
It is my understanding that registration is for commercial flying only. Am I mistaken?

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Yes.

All drone owners must register their aircraft.

Main purpose is so if a crime is committed, authorities can identify the perp.

schlepprock · Jan 4, 2017

So to be clear if you fly a Drone strictly for recreation you only have to register yourself as a pilot, but if you fly a Drone commercially you have to register the drone as well. Correct?

dwallersv · Jan 4, 2017

gixxerbill said:
agreed. actually my friend said they wanted to take him to jail. But he talked them into giving him a fine instead. It could be a couple of newbie cops trying to make a name. not sure. i will post if I find out anything new.

Assuming this is in the US, this is sounding even more suspicious.

LEOs do not have the authority to determine punishment. Their authority is limited to determining if there is probable cause for citation or arrest. Period. That is all they can do -- cite you with a demand you appear in court at a later date to answer for the charges, or arrest you and present you to court to answer the charges.

It is up to a judge whether you do jail time, pay a fine, or both. It is not up to an LEO whether or not you get fined, and how much.

schlepprock · Jan 4, 2017

dwallersv said:
Assuming this is in the US, this is sounding even more suspicious.

LEOs do not have the authority to determine punishment. Their authority is limited to determining of there is probably cause for citation or arrest. Period. That is all they can do -- cite you with a demand you appear in court at a later date to answer for the charges, or arrest you and present you to court to answer the charges.

It is up to a judge whether you do jail time, pay a fine, or both. It is not up to an LEO whether or not you get fined, and how much.

VERY good point!

msinger · Jan 4, 2017

schlepprock said:
So to be clear if you fly a Drone strictly for recreation you only have to register yourself as a pilot, but if you fly a Drone commercially you have to register the drone as well. Correct?

Yes.

Budman · Jan 4, 2017

"gixxer" explains a lot in the motorcycle world

Let's see a pic of this alleged fine

rumrunner · Jan 4, 2017

I'm with RW, there's A LOT of info missing. BTW

My 3 yr old could figure this out. I know it was linked by another member but, it was also linked on the FAA website. /shrug

justman8476 · Jan 4, 2017

Yes hobby users still have to register @stubblefield but I believe it's more expensive to register as commercial flyer

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microraptor · Jan 4, 2017

5 bucks for 3 yrs for commercial.

tobby · Jan 4, 2017

The way I understand it this is for any UAV over .55 pounds. If you fly for money it is a very different and much more complicated (read expensive) proposition. I was looking at registering my P3S the other day and it appeared to me that they wanted $25 for registration. I will recheck that after reading so many posts quoting the rate at $5. Either way I will pay.

Tobby

thedjtec · Jan 4, 2017

Literally, on the print out of your registration it says THREE times in different verbiage that you must affix the registration number to the aircraft. Stupid people bother me so much. You really can't claim ignorance, every drone made in the last year sold in most countries include a pamphlet about registration and markings.

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microraptor · Jan 4, 2017

Are you sure you was on the official www.faa.gov/uas website?

Alstar Aerial · Jan 4, 2017

It is definitely explained on the website. Your registration number must appear on the drone.

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FlyByVideoPros · Jan 4, 2017

Lol.. troller from the FAA ...scare tactic
Saving the world one post at a time!

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thedjtec · Jan 4, 2017

justman8476 said:
Yes hobby users still have to register @stubblefield but I believe it's more expensive to register as commercial flyer

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If you have an existing account and a 107 it's $5 still. When I registered my two commercial drones it gave me one free, not sure if it was a software error - but hey $5 is $5.

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