One of 2015's hottest holiday items is a drone — but gift givers and recipients should know that a drone is more than just a toy.
Safely operating a drone — or unmanned aircraft system, as it's also called — requires skill and knowledge. Issaquah police remind prospective operators — from consumers to businesses — to fly safely and learn the rules for operating a drone.
Starting Dec. 21, 2015, all owners of small drones — weighing between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds — must register the done with the Federal Aviation Administration's Unmanned Aircraft System registry. Register before Jan. 20, 2016, and your $5 registration fee will be refunded.
Federal law requires unmanned aircraft registration, and you could face civil and criminal penalties if you do not register. To learn more about how to safely operate your drone, go to faa.gov/uas.