Drones: know the new rules Published March 21, 2017 By By Lt. Col. James Bishop 439th Airlift Wing WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- Unmanned aircraft systems are aircraft, not toys, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, making operators subject to aviation laws and guidelines. FAA statistics show a surge in “close call with drone” reports by military and civilian pilots: nearly 700 incidents in 2015.Knowing the law and basic safety rules helps you avoid stiff legal and civil penalties.First, register your drone. Federal law requires anyone owning a new UAS weighing between .55 lbs. and 55 lbs. to register before they fly! You can register at http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/. Registration is quick and costs $5.Second, know the rules. The FAA urges individuals flying for recreation to follow safety guidelines, which include:•Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles•Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times•Remain well clear of manned aircraft operations•Don’t fly within five miles of an airport unless you contact the control tower before flying (go to http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/air-space-map/ to find the five-mile limit; Westover’s airport code is KCEF) or get the B4UFLY app for your device•Don’t fly near people or stadiums•Don’t fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 pounds•Don’t be careless or reckless – you could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft.If you fly a UAS within five miles of Westover ARB, you must contact Airfield Operations at (413) 557- 2951 before you fly.Service members, employees and family members need to report UASs observed near military installations to Airfield Operations.UAS’s fall into three categories: Public Operations (Government), Civil Operations (business), and Model Aircraft (recreation). The new rules apply to Model Aircraft, which include drones. The distinction is what the individual is using the aircraft for; not what it looks like. Public and Civil Operations are regulated in a different manner and require special FAA approval.Two people could be flying the same drone in the same location, but if one is flying it for a business then it falls under Civil Operations and different rules apply.For FAQs, see http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/faqs/. And for the FAA link to UAS guidelines, see http://www.faa.gov/uas/.