Growing popularity of unmanned aircraft increases FAA’s regulations Published Dec. 22, 2015 42d Air Base Wing Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- With the holidays around the corner and gifts piling high under the Christmas tree, kids will be eager to go out to play with their new toys come December 25. However, there is one popular gift item that should not be treated as a toy. This year The Consumer Electronic Association believes that 2015 will be a defining year for unmanned aircraft, with sales as high as 700,000. As a result of the growing popularity of unmanned aircraft, the Federal Aviation Administration is educating consumers about the rules and regulations for operating unmanned aircraft. An unmanned aircraft, also known as a drone, is defined as an aircraft without a human pilot on board and may be controlled autonomously by onboard computers or by a remote control. There are general rules regarding operating of unmanned aircraft regulated by The FAA. · Fly below 400 feet · Stay within sight of the unmanned aircraft at all times. · Avoid manned aircraft, especially airports · Don't fly over groups of people, stadiums or sporting events. · Don't fly over emergency response efforts. The U.S has the busiest airspace in the world and the growing use of unmanned aircraft systems has become more challenging for both the FAA and the aviation community. The FAA has begun the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the U.S. airspace. The FAA divides the national airspace into six categories: A, B, C, D, E and G. · Class A is 18,000 feet and above sea level. There must be communication with the FAA to operate in this airspace. · Class B, C and D is the airspace surrounding airports. The must be a two-way communications with the air traffic control tower. Unmanned aircraft should not fly within five nautical miles. · Class G airspace surrounds uncontrolled airports. Unmanned aircraft should not fly within five nautical miles. Residing near a U.S. military installation or other prohibited areas include other regulations as well. Special use airspace, include areas such as the White House, and military operating areas where fast low flying aircraft are present must be avoided. If you own an unmanned aircraft that weighs more than 0.55 pounds, it must be registered with the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft System registry. A federal law effective Dec. 21, 2015, requires unmanned aircraft registration. For more information, visit The Federal Aviation Administration website at http://www.faa.gov.