Appeals Court Strikes Down FAA Drone Registration Rule

A federal appeals court struck down a federal regulation that required drone hobbyists to register their devices with the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA established the rule in 2015, saying it would enforce aviation safety. Drone owners had to register their vehicles at an FAA website and pay a $5 fee.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit voted in favor of a drone hobbyist, who questioned the legality of the registration program. The Associated Press reports the appeals court said federal law doesn't allow the FAA to issue any regulations on "model aircraft."