INDIANA — Recent regulations have greatly limited what owners of remote-controlled unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as “drones,” are able to do.

Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration passed new rules pertaining to registration of small, unmanned aircrafts.

Drones must be registered with the FAA. The coming deadline for registration is Feb. 19, 2016, for unmanned, model aircraft purchased and operated before Dec. 21. Unmanned, model aircraft purchased after Dec. 21, must be registered before their first outdoor flight.

Registration can be done on paper or online. These guidelines refer to aircraft weighing 55 pounds or less. Larger, heavier aircraft must register using different guidelines.

Further limitations include the following:

• Unmanned aircraft cannot fly any higher than 400 feet.
• Those piloting unmanned aircraft must keep it in sight at all times.
• Unmanned aircraft may not be flown near manned aircraft or near airports.
• Unmanned aircraft may not be flown over groups of people, stadiums or sporting events.
• Unmanned aircraft may not be flown near emergency response scenes.

“Drones” are often purchased for private use. However, according to Warsaw Airport Manager Nick King, they are also popular among police departments and other emergency responders. Realtors also use them to show certain views of a home or property.

For more information on FAA drone regulations, click here.