The Delaware Department of Transportation and State Insurance Department arre urging caution as an air force of drones is likely to be unleashed during the holidays.
Prices of the aircraft have plunged as the sophistication and capabilities of the aircraft have increased. The federal government estimates that 1 million drones could be sold over the holidays in the U.S. That would translate to a couple of thousand in Delaware alone.
While Delaware currently does not have state laws governing the recreational use of drones, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does have authority over the National Airspace System (NAS). Given the size, number of airports and geography of the state, many areas are within that airspace.
The FAA does not currently require authorization for model aircraft used for recreational purposes, but users must comply with federal law. Commercial use of drones is more tightly regulated, with the regulatory landscape changing rapidly and little or no enforcement at present.
Proposed rules call for licensed pilots and other restrictions for commercial use. That is raising concern that a shifting regulatory environment could lead the U.S. to trail Europe and other areas in commercial use of the technology.
Effective December 21, 2015, recreational users will be required to register their drone with the FAA, which can be done through their website. The FAA is requiring all hobby/model UAVs that weigh between 250 grams (.5) and 55 pounds to be registered.
This requirement is being made so aircraft can be traced when incidents, such as flying in areas with aircraft, are reported.
DelDOT’s Office of Aeronautics asks that owners of unmanned aircraft review the rules.
The office of the Delaware Insurance Commissioner said insurance policies should be checked by drone owners. Insurance is available that is already used by owners of radio-controlled aircraft and helicopters.
A checklist available at www.deldot.gov.
Visit www.faa.gov/uas; or www.knowbeforeyoufly.org for additional information.
