WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA has launched a web-based aircraft registration process for owners of small unmanned aircraft (UAS) weighing more than 0.55 pounds and less than 55 pounds, including payloads such as on-board cameras.

The new rule incorporates many of the recommendations from the Registration Task Force, according to FAA officials.

“Make no mistake: Unmanned aircraft enthusiast are aviators, and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Registration gives us an opportunity to work with these users to operate their unmanned aircraft safely. I’m excited to welcome these new aviators into the culture of safety and responsibility that defines American innovation.”

Registration is a statutory requirement that applies to all aircraft, officials noted.

Under this rule, any owner of a small UAS who has previously operated an unmanned aircraft exclusively as a model aircraft prior to Dec. 21, 2015, must register no later than Feb. 19, 2016.

Owners of any other UAS purchased for use as a model aircraft after Dec. 21, 2015 must register before the first flight outdoors. Owners may use either the paper-based process or the new web-based system. Owners using the new streamlined web-based system must be at least 13 years old to register.

Registrants will need to provide their name, home address and email address. Upon completion of the registration process, the web application will generate a Certificate of Aircraft Registration/Proof of Ownership that will include a unique identification number for the owner, which must be marked on the aircraft.