OCPD Reminding Citizens of New Unmanned Aircraft Regulations

OCEAN CITY, MD – (January 4, 2016): Last month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) made it mandatory to register all Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and drones weighing over .55 pounds. UAS purchased on or after December 21, 2015 must be registered with the FAA prior to operation in national air space. UAS that were purchased prior to December 21, 2015 must be registered by February 19, 2016.

The FAA’s current approach is to educate operators who fail to comply with registration requirements. If officers feel as if a UAS is being operated in an unsafe or reckless manner, the Ocean City Police Department will take the appropriate legal action when warranted.

Additional information can be found at the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems website, www.faa.gov/uas, where citizens may also register their Unmanned Aircraft Systems.