FAA plan could impose drone registration fees on consumers

ARLINGTON, Va.--The following statement is attributed to Douglas Johnson, vice president, technology policy, Consumer Technology Association (CTA) - formerly the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) - and member of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) UAS Registration Task Force, regarding the FAAs pending drone registration rules:

"The FAAs UAS Registration Task Force - comprised of a wide range of stakeholders and viewpoints - developed a consensus set of recommendations regarding a registration system for consumer, recreational and hobbyist drones, pursuant to a directive from the Department of Transportation (DOT). To be successful, an efficient drone registration system with widespread compliance must be simple, easy and free.

"The FAAs final requirements for drone registration are now under review by the Administration and, apparently, include a mandated consumer fee. We urge that any requirements for consumers to pay fees be dropped. Even a small fee - essentially a drone tax - could undermine the FAAs objective of widespread compliance and Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxxs goal of associating a drone with an owner as often as possible.

"This is a crucial time for public policy concerning drones. For the U.S. to stay competitive and drone-related businesses and startups to thrive, we need regulatory - as well as non-regulatory - solutions that support safety and innovation. We urge the FAA to follow the recommendations of the Task Force regarding registration, maintaining the spirit of collaboration among manufacturers, retailers, the aviation industry and law enforcement officials."

About Consumer Technology Association:
Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM, formerly Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), is the trade association representing the $285 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More than 2,200 companies - 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the worlds best known brands - enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CTA also owns and produces CES - the worlds gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technology. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTAs industry services.