The FAA announced this morning implementation of an unmanned aircraft (UAS) registration process that will go into effect December 21, 2015. The rule requires registration of small UAS weighing between 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and 55 pounds (approximately 25 kilograms) including payloads.

This requirement affects all UAS owners age 13 and up, including hobbyists. Owners of small UAS who have operated exclusively as model aircraft can delay their registration until February 19, 2016, but all others must register their aircraft prior to the aircraft's first outdoor flight.

The FAA press release can be found here, and the full 211 page rule can be found at this link.