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Drones are continuing to take off as Christmas gifts.


This holiday season, shoppers will buy nearly 1.6 million drones, up 31 percent from last year, according to the 

But on Christmas morning, remember this warning: If they weigh more than 0.55 pounds, the high-flying gadgets have to be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration.

A registrant must attach a drone ID number, linked to the owner's name and address, and pay a $5 fee.


"Registration gives us the opportunity to educate these new airspace users before they fly so they know the airspace rules and understand they are accountable to the public for flying responsibly," said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta,

 in a 2015 press release announcing the registration plan.


These 2015 regulations were tossed out by a federal judge in September, but a 

 restored them.
The FAA says owners who fail to register 

 will be subject to civil and criminal penalties.
The FAA wants operators to be mindful of where their unmanned aircraft systems are permitted. Since November 2014, the government has received 

Drones are prohibited around airports, major sports stadiums and wildfire fighting operations. Some localities, including Washington, D.C., are "no drone zones," where unmanned aircraft systems are outright prohibited.


"The agency wants to send out a clear message that operating drones around airplanes, helicopters and airports is dangerous and illegal," says the 

 "Unauthorized operators may be subject to stiff fines and criminal charges, including possible jail time."
A slight majority of Americans think that drones shouldn't be allowed to fly near private homes, 

 The FAA doesn't prohibit operators from flying their unmanned aircraft systems over homes — but it does advise owners not to fly over large groups of people.  Copyright 2019 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Science

Drones will be placed under many Christmas trees this year. But before they can be flown above the treetops outside, they must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration for a $5 fee.

The drone under your tree can't fly high until registered with the FAA

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