Article UPDATED 12/18/15:

Drones, those remote-controlled aircraft hovering across the globe are one of this year’s hottest gifts — with more than 400,000 expected to be sold this holiday season. Now the federal government is deciding whether it needs to know who owns those drones. The Federal Aviation Administration recently released a task force report suggesting the federal agency require registration of drones, including those used by hobbyists, if they weigh anywhere from half a pound to up to 55 pounds.

“The FAA wants you to register your drone. If it weighs more than 0.55 pounds and less than 55 pounds, you’re legally required to tell the country about it.”

All drones weighing more than 250 grams (about the weight of a can of soda) and under 55 pounds would be covered under the registration requirement. Registration isn’t required at point-of-sale but would be mandatory before drone operation.

To register, drone owners would provide their name and address, and would then receive a registration number to mark on each one of their drones. Registration numbers would never expire. Before selling a drone, owners would remove their registration number, and the new owner would attach their number. What about my drone?

Drone Flying Tips

The FAA, concerned about a record number of close encounters between recreational drones and aircraft this year, has also come up with a pre-flight safety checklist for drone pilots. Here’s what you need to know:

• Always fly below 400 feet. Some recreational drones are equipped with geo-fencing technology that automatically prevents them from flying above 400 feet.
• Fly with the drone in your visual line of sight at all times.
• Never fly over groups of people.
• Never fly within a 5-mile radius of an airport without first contacting air traffic control and airport authorities.
• Never fly near emergency response efforts such as fires.
• Never fly near other aircraft.
• Never fly under the influence.
• Never fly in “No Drone Zones” declared by the FAA. The entire city of Washington, D.C. , is one of those zones.

So what to do next? Buy a Drone of course.

The Verge has a great overview and recommendations. – THE BEST DRONE YOU CAN BUY RIGHT NOW

Video Footage from a Drones view:

I’m fascinated by Drone video footage. The slow-motion, fish-eye perspective, and sweeping effects that drone cameras capture is both soothing and mysterious. Combined with some great music, the drone video effect offers a unique perspective on the world that cant be reproduced by other means. So what are the cool imagery effects Drones can offer? Take a look.

Various Cool DRONE Footage

HIGH in DUBAI – Drone Footage

Top Drone Fails

Stunning Drones Shots

Some Good Things Drones Can Actually Do
.. Besides Deliver for Amazon