Ensuring Compliance: Drone Registration with a Specific Business
In the realm of drone operations, companies can now register their drones under their name, following a process that while similar to individual registration, comes with additional considerations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees this registration process, ensuring accountability and traceability for drone operations, particularly for larger organizations.
## Key Points for Company Drone Registration
1. **Registration Requirements**: Drones weighing over 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must be registered, regardless of whether they are flown for recreational or commercial purposes [1][2]. Companies typically use these drones for commercial operations, such as aerial photography or surveillance [3].
2. **Registration Process for Companies**: While the FAA does not provide a distinct process for company registration compared to individual registration, companies must ensure they comply with all relevant commercial drone regulations. This includes obtaining necessary certifications and licenses, such as the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107 license) for commercial pilots [3].
3. **FAA Registration Platform**: Companies register their drones through the FAA's online portal, FAADroneZone. The cost is $5 per drone, and the registration is valid for three years [1][4].
4. **Commercial Operations**: Companies must also comply with specific rules for commercial drone operations, including obtaining any necessary waivers or approvals for operations like flying at night or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) [3].
5. **Transferring Ownership**: If a drone is transferred to a different company or individual, the new owner must update the registration information with the FAA [2].
## Registration Process Steps
1. **Determine Eligibility**: Ensure the drone weighs over 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and is used for commercial purposes [1]. 2. **Create an Account**: Set up an account on the FAADroneZone portal. 3. **Register the Drone**: Provide the required information, including the drone’s make, model, and serial number, and pay the $5 registration fee. 4. **Mark the Drone**: Affix the registration number to the drone and keep proof of registration available during flights [1][4]. 5. **Comply with Commercial Regulations**: Ensure all pilots hold a Part 107 FAA exam certificate and comply with additional commercial drone rules [3].
For companies, registration can be under the company name instead of the drone pilot or owner. However, the process is more complex and requires additional forms and paperwork, such as providing information about the LLC, the Aircraft Registration Application, a Notarized Affidavit, and various documents related to the drone's ownership and history [5].
The process to register a drone under a company can eliminate the need for re-registration if the remote pilot-in-command changes within the same company [6]. Additionally, registering a drone under a company name allows for continuity if the remote pilot-in-command changes [7].
The FAA's drone registration process aims to ensure accountability and traceability, and registering a drone under a company as an LLC promotes accountability and continuity for the organization [8][9]. It's essential to note that the $5 registration fee for drone registration as an LLC can be waived for organizations or institutions connected to the federal, state, or local government [10].
In conclusion, while the registration process for companies might seem complex, it is necessary to ensure accountability and traceability in drone operations for larger organizations. Companies must adhere to additional commercial regulations and licensing requirements, but the benefits of registration, such as continuity and accountability, make it a worthwhile endeavour.
A company can register its drones, which they typically use for commercial operations like aerial photography or surveillance, through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s online portal, FAADroneZone. Registering a drone under a company name allows for continuity if the remote pilot-in-command changes and eliminates the need for re-registration within the same company.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulatory framework for commercial drone operations requires companies to follow additional considerations over individual registration, as the registration process enforces accountability and traceability for larger organizations.
