The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Registration Task Force has completed its second day of work on Wednesday. The discussion focused on developing and recommending a registration process, how to prove the UAS is registered and how to mark a UAS. The discussion about the registration process focused on the type of system that should be built and the type of information that should be collected.
Source: Press Release
The simplest an least expensive solution to what they want to achieve is to require that everyone provide contact information on the vehicle. There will probably be a higher compliance rate using this method over a registry, and it will be a lot less onerous and costly while still achieving the stated goals. The Academy of Model Aeronautics guideline have worked successfully this way for 75 years.
As to registration of model aircraft, the AMA has already done this for as long as I can remember. The AMA guidelines require that members put their AMA number on the exterior of the aircraft, and their name and address on the interior, or where-ever is convenient. In line with, “Don’t fix what isn’t broken.” perhaps the FAA could simply regulate that, compliance with AMA guidelines fulfills the requirement for aircraft registration. That would take care of the model aircraft owned by the 180,000 AMA members. I currently own 16 flyable aircraft, which is probably above average for most AMA members.
However, from a quick non-scientific survey, I would guess that most AMA members have an average of at least five aircraft. Let’s do the math; 180,000 members times 5 equals 162,000,000 aircraft that the FAA wants to hang an “N” number on. Will the FAA’s numbering system accommodate an additional 162 million registrations. Who will accomplish these registrations; where will the manpower come from; and most important who pays?
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.