I got my little Sparky just after Christmas and after some research decided to register myself with the FAA as a recreational operator and mark my craft with my registration number. I know there has been a flip flop on whether you have to register or not but I thought for $5 every three years I might as well just register.

  

  

Wanted to ask everyone if you register yourself and mark your craft with your registration number and has anyone ever had a run in where they had to prove they were registered or prove your craft was marked with your registration number?

Interested to hear your stories! Thanks!

  

I have registered my Spark. For five bucks, it was worth it. The more people who follow the rules, the better it is for everyone. I’ve never been asked to prove my registration, but I have a nosy neighbor who wouldn’t surprise me if he checked to see if I registered somehow.

...register or no register not worth it. What am I going to be using my drone for? Taking pics that’s right and when is that license going to be handy? Never

SOUNDWAVE439 Posted at 2018-1-30 05:21
...register or no register not worth it. What am I going to be using my drone for? Taking pics that’s right and when is that license going to be handy? Never

$5 for 3 years not worth it?  Last time I looked the fine for failing to register is up to $27,500, and possible criminal fine could reach $250,000 and up to 3 years prison. $5 bucks for 3 years seems like a great value to me.

Registered but never asked.  Better safe than sorry.  The fines are to hefty.  

Grmachine Posted at 2018-1-30 07:36
$5 for 3 years not worth it?  Last time I looked the fine for failing to register is up to $27,500, and possible criminal fine could reach $250,000 and up to 3 years prison. $5 bucks for 3 years seems like a great value to me.

what exactly are you(pilot) going to do that causes the gov't to make you pay? accidentally crashing it on top of ppl?

SOUNDWAVE439 Posted at 2018-1-31 11:01
what exactly are you(pilot) going to do that causes the gov't to make you pay? accidentally crashing it on top of ppl?

I have no idea, what would cause criminal penalties, but they still have failure to register penalties.

By the way I didn’t mean to hit no on your friend request, my iPad is smaller than my fat fingers.

SOUNDWAVE439 Posted at 2018-1-31 11:01
what exactly are you(pilot) going to do that causes the gov't to make you pay? accidentally crashing it on top of ppl?

I have no idea, what would cause criminal penalties, but they still have failure to register penalties.

By the way I didn’t mean to hit no on your friend request, my iPad is smaller than my fat fingers.

Another post said DJI said that spark would be classed as sub 250 grams. Battery not to count. Any one know if that's true?

Bright Spark Posted at 2018-1-31 11:17
Another post said DJI said that spark would be classed as sub 250 grams. Battery not to count. Any one know if that's true?

I doubt that is true.  Plus DJI has no say in how their drones are classed by the government.  

See: https://www.dji.com/flyingtips/us?from=dji-store

I've found that people adverse to registering their drone are also apt to fly irresponsibly.  

There is a whole other thread on the forum about the weight of the spark. Does the battery count, does it not. I believe the FAA said essential flying equipment so battery would be included but something like propeller guards would not.

Link to the FAA section regarding registration

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/tex ... 4.1.48&rgn=div5

Hope it helps.

I have never been asked for proof, but I carry the card in my wallet.
When one follows the rules, there is no need to look over one's shoulder!

Dear TVON,to set the record straight I am in no way averse to registering my spark .
And no one could be more concerned to fly within the rules which are so stifling here in the uk that hardly any flying is possible.
If a sub 250 gram drone is deemed by the authorities a toy or whatever, I infer
that  no one can object much to its reasonable operation.