Flagstaff, AZ – Today, Forbes published an article by former NTSB member John Goglia that brings to light some disconcerting information concerning the FAA’s recent registration program for drones and model aircraft:  Your full name and home address provided during the registration process will be publicly available, even if you are a minor.

It’s definitely worth reading the whole article, and not just going off the headline alone.  If you don’t agree with what the FAA is doing here, let your representatives know how you feel.  You are also able to comment on the FAA’s interim rule here.  Please be an adult with your comments.

The Academy of Model Aeronautics released a statement that is encouraging all of it’s members to hold off on registration.  You can read their whole statement here.  According to the FAA’s FAQ, if you purchased your UAS prior to December 21, 2015, you do not have to register until February 19, 2016.

Q34. When must UAS owners who purchased their aircraft before December 21, 2015 register?

A. UAS operated by the current owner prior to December 21, 2015, must be registered no later than February 19, 2016. For all other UAS, registration is required prior to operation.

http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/faqs/

It’s also worth noting that 49 USC Section 44103 gives the FAA power to register aircraft.  There is no statue that gives any agency the power to register people, which is exactly what the FAA’s drone registration system does.  It registers you and gives you a unique number.  You can read the full text of 49 USC 44103 here.