[SCadaddle]

If the "drone" or technically referred to as a "sUAV" (small unmanned aerial vehicle) as per the FAA weighs more than 8.8 ounces or 250 grams and flown as a model aircraft, the pilot MUST register himself with the FAA before operating it in the NAS (National Airspace) which is defined as from ground level to 400 feet above ground level. The fines for flying unregistered can be stiff, to the tune of $28,500. Those that plan to fly a sUAV for commercial purposes (A Realtor filming a home as part of a sales advertisement for example) must pass an exam to receive licensure as per Part 107 of the FAA regulations. Unless you are a FAA licensed Private Pilot or better rating with a current medical and current check ride. Regardless, operation within a 3 mile radius of anything considered an airport (heliports included) is forbidden without an FAA waiver and some models, specifically the DJI brand, use geofencing technology with the onboard GPS so that if you are within 3 miles of an airport chances are it won't even allow flight.

I've flown fixed wing model aircraft as a hobby for 42 years. This new registration requirement for the hobbyist is absolute bull*****. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.