Drones to add markings
U.S. regulation aims to help in identifying civilian ownership
Responding to concerns from law enforcement and security agencies about the potential for concealed explosives, the U.S. government is ordering all civilian drones to add external markings so the owner can be easily identified.
The regulation, which was posted on a preview website for the Federal Register and takes effect Feb. 23, is part of an effort to bring more oversight to the rapidly growing hobby and commercial drone industry.
With more than 1 million registered drone users and those numbers expanding rapidly, the Federal Aviation Administration is trying to accommodate calls for expanded uses while also preserving safety and security.
On Jan. 14, the Federal Aviation Administration announced a proposed framework for allowing expanded flights over crowds and populated areas.
It’s also working on regulations that would mandate drones broadcast a radio beacon identifying their owners and location, a condition insisted on by security agencies.
The regulation would require drone owners to place their registration number on the outside of their devices.
When the Federal Aviation Administration first required drone owners to register their aircraft in 2015, it said the number could be placed within the battery compartment.