If You Get a Drone For Christmas, You Better Do This

Drones are all the rage right now. And while I still think there is a creepy side to them, I love the idea of using them for videos. I was at the mall over the weekend, and while I was waiting in line for Santa, I watched people taking some drones for a test fly inside the mall.

There's no question they are a highly popular Christmas gift. So, if you receive one as a present, or you already have one, you better know this:

Any drone more than a half-a-pound in weight must be registered with the FAA. They're not messing around anymore, since people find the need to fly them close to jet airliners and into backyards.

The FAA ruling came down today (Dec 14, 2016)), and the FAA says all drones owned before December 21st, 2015 must be registered by February 16th, 2016, while all drones purchased after December 21st must be registered before their first flight outdoors. Drone pilots who fail to register could face up to $27,500 in civil penalties, with criminal penalties for failure to register including fines of up to $250,000 and/or up to three years of imprisonment.

Merry Drone Christmas everyone!