Do I Have To Register The Dji Spark

Erickson Coultle · Wednesday 20 April 2022

cundare Offline lvl.ane + Add Friend Person Bulletin United States Offline	1 ^# Here'southward what'southward confusing. The Spark has a 300g "takeoff weight" but without its 95g bombardment, weighs about 205g, well under the 0.55lb/250g minimum requirement for FAA registration. (See, for example, the FAA.gov document "geting_started/model_aircraft/media/UAS_Weights_Registration.pdf"). So it appears that, based on the most authoritative source of information available, you don't need to register a Spark. However, the Web is full of claims that the Spark is subject to registration. I'm guessing that the confusion is because the statute under which the FAA enacted its registrations did not specify whether bombardment weight should exist included. Even so, the FAA document states that the weight it considers does not include "the weight of a photographic camera, sensor, battery or other device that may be added to the aircraft as an pick, thereby increasing the aircraft'due south weight." That seems pretty clear. Anybody have additional insight into this? Favorite 2 Like 2

	2018-one-27 Use props

PS013 Offline PS013 Captain Flying altitude : 3579409 ft + Add Friend Person Message Us Offline	2 ^# I don't think you can telephone call the battery an pick, equally it tin can not takeoff without it ....

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PS013 Offline PS013 Helm Flight distance : 3579409 ft + Add Friend Person Message United states Offline	3 ^# Oh, and if I recollect properly, in that location was a label on the box of my spark stating it demand to be registered ...

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dj_dread Offline dj_dread Captain Flight altitude : 648399 ft + Add Friend Person Message Romania Offline	4 ^# "take off weight" includes the bombardment likewise.

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hallmark007 Online hallmark007 Helm Flight distance : 7270623 ft >>> + Add together Friend Person Message Ireland Offline	5 ^# For the sake of $five I don't see any problem here, think the fact that yous have a registered drone will help you out when flying outside.

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peselito Offline peselito lvl.3 + Add Friend Person Message United States Offline	7 ^# hallmark007 Posted at 2018-i-27 sixteen:02 For the sake of $5 I don't run across any problem hither, think the fact that you have a registered drone volition aid you out when flying exterior. Hey! I was wondering which registration I take to do on the FAA site. Since I am using the drone for hobby and recreational usage but, I was thinking that department 336 (flying under special rule for model aircraft) is the mode to go. Am I correct with that assumption?

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hallmark007 Online hallmark007 Captain Flight distance : 7270623 ft >>> + Add Friend Person Message Ireland Offline	8 ^# peselito Posted at 2018-i-27 16:55 Hey! I was wondering which registration I have to do on the FAA site. Since I am using the drone for hobby and recreational usage just, I was thinking that section 336 (flying under special dominion for model shipping) is the mode to go. Yes that'south all you demand to do.

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A CW Offline A CW Captain Flight distance : 13838848 ft >>> + Add Friend Person Message United Kingdom Offline	9 ^# I've checked their website and information technology doesn't legally stipulate 'payload weight' or 'weight upon take off' - just that the drone needs to be over 250g to register... Common sense dictates that the battery will manifestly need to exist included equally function of the drone in social club to gain elevator into airspace and I would therefore annals the Spark every bit over 250g with the bombardment fitted merely legally that could be debatable as it'southward not stated in the FAA's requirements for registration. An oversight on their part.

	2018-1-28 Utilise props

"Maverick"1776 Offline "Bohemian"1776 Outset Officer Flying altitude : 22123 ft + Add Friend Person Message United States Offline	11 ^# Since Spark weighs .66lbs, and FAA mandates registration of .55lbs or college, I registered mine. It'south only $5 for three years. Better to be safe and in compliance.

	2018-1-28 Use props

Grmachine Offline Grmachine Second Officer + Add Friend Person Bulletin Usa Offline	12 ^# Spark requires registration.

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cundare Offline cundare lvl.ane + Add Friend Person Message Usa Offline	xiii ^# Grmachine Posted at 2018-ane-28 17:36 Spark requires registration. Thanks for all the quick responses, merely delight read my question a little more closely. The FAA certificate I cited gives specific examples of which drones require registration, stating repeatedly that it does non consider battery weight when making these determinations. These slightly ambiguous statements are the only ones I tin find online by the FAA on this issue , but they'e repeated then often in the certificate that the FAA manifestly considers this an important outcome. My question is about reconciling this document with the commonly held online belief that the Spark -- well nether .55lb/250g w/o battery -- falls inside the scope of the regs in question. In other words, this FAA document -- from the most authoritative source -- strongly implies that the Spark may not crave registration. I submitted this question to the FAA itself concluding week, but accept not received a response. I asked the question hither b/c I thought that somebody else in the community might have already made what I'd have expected to be an obvious query. If not, I'll post the FAA'due south response hither, if i arrives.

	2018-one-28 Use props

Southward-e-ven Online S-e-ven Captain Flight altitude : 5835331 ft + Add Friend Person Message Thailand Offline	14 ^# >does not include "the weight of a camera, sensor, battery or other device that may exist added to the aircraft as an pick,< The 'selection' camera would be the not needed Go-Pro on a <250g DIY racequad plus a second battery to proceeds some real air-time. As long you can't fly a quad with a weight nether 250g, there are no options here

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Bright Spark Offline Vivid Spark Starting time Officer Flight distance : 22129 ft + Add Friend Person Bulletin United Kingdom Offline	16 ^# If a manufacturer'south batt of fifty grand were bachelor, then no reg would be required. Yous could still take good pictures with 5 min flying fourth dimension. Plus many hobbyist drones take variable configurations. Although I'chiliad in United kingdom, registration is coming.

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fansde510068 Offline fansde510068 lvl.3 + Add Friend Person Message United States Offline	17 ^# In the United states of america information technology toll $5 every three years. With the flip-flop of having to register hobby quads then not having to and and then having to y'all might as well register it. If y'all are not doing illegal things with your arts and crafts either there is about no reason you will ever have to prove to someone that it is registered. Only reason to exist worried about being able to runway your craft is if its being used for illegal things.

	2018-ane-28 Use props

Bright Spark Offline Bright Spark First Officeholder Flight distance : 22129 ft + Add Friend Person Bulletin Uk Offline	18 ^# I am happy to register mine. Not proverb it ever will, simply if flying a quad less than 250g meant less restriction on when and where it could take place, I would exist very keen. You'd become around 15 per cent longer with the weight loss, and more with the latest batt tech. Mayhap all-time part of ten mins.

	2018-1-29 Utilize props

cundare Offline cundare lvl.1 + Add Friend Person Message U.s.a. Offline	nineteen ^# FWIW, I received an reply today from DJI support stating that FAA registration is not required for the Spark.

	2018-1-30 Use props

sSkyPilot Offline sSkyPilot Beginning Officer Flight distance : 311089 ft + Add Friend Person Message United States Offline	20 ^# Huh... I'd approximate the rule applies to a aircraft with a bombardment in information technology to be used the fly above basis. And regardless, registration online is $five. and takes less than 5 minutes. But read the rules Small Unmanned Shipping during sign-up. Get to it....

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Bright Spark Offline Vivid Spark Offset Officer Flight distance : 22129 ft + Add Friend Person Bulletin United Kingdom Offline	21 ^# Although I'm in Great britain, sounds expert not to register.Whether CAA will follow is open. It'due south immaterial to me in terms of money etc, merely I live in hope that sub 250 gm drones generate a lower profile.

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FatherXmas Offline FatherXmas Captain Flight distance : 4058619 ft >>> + Add Friend Person Bulletin U.s.a. Offline	22 ^# I remember reading somewhere that the weight includes everything required to have off which would include the battery. Since in that location seems to be a lot of conflicting information about the demand to register or non, merely my stance, I recollect I'd go alee and register. For $5, why chance it? From the FAA website: 'You lot will be subject to civil and criminal penalties if you meet the criteria to register an unmanned aircraft and do not register.'

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Aeromirage Offline Aeromirage Captain Flight distance : 1778045 ft >>> + Add Friend Person Message United States Offline	23 ^# This is from DJI.com https://world wide web.dji.com/flyingtips/u.s.a.?from=dji-store zzj.jpg (0 Bytes, Down times: 25)

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Coppertop Offline Coppertop lvl.4 Flight distance : 168658 ft + Add Friend Person Message United States Offline	25 ^# cundare Posted at 2018-1-30 12:59 FWIW, I received an answer today from DJI back up stating that FAA registration is not required for the Spark. With all due respect, DJI is not the FAA. Information technology's just $5, good for 3 years and covers multiple drones. Just register it and fly with one less worry.

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cundare Offline cundare lvl.ane + Add Friend Person Message United States Offline	26 ^# Aeromirage Posted at 2018-1-30 17:36 This is from DJI.com https://www.dji.com/flyingtips/usa?from=dji-store OK, I'm done with this thread. Well-nigh all the responses were simply guesses, and DJI is apparently the most authoritative source available, since the FAA has not responded to my inquiries and has posted only cryptic information. And no, the $5 is NOT the upshot, for chrissakes, just this is something, as the lawyers say, upon which reasonable mindsd may differ. Everyone who can't figure out why the NY Times reports that the overwhelming majority of drone users do not register their units is welcome to become pay the $5 for a device that does not require registration. But thanks for all the responses anyway. Unless I hear differently from someone with unambiguous primary-source informatio, the result is closed: although registration is required for DJI'southward older models, the Spark falls below the FAA'due south weight limit, based on the way that the FAA interprets the statutory requirements.

	2018-1-31 Use props

cundare Offline cundare lvl.one + Add Friend Person Message United States Offline	28 ^# cundare Posted at 2018-ane-31 12:10 OK, I'm done with this thread. Well-nigh all the responses were but guesses, and DJI is apparently the most authoritative source bachelor, since the FAA has not responded to my inquiries and has posted only ambiguous information. And no, the $v is NOT the effect, for chrissakes, but this is something, as the lawyers say, upon which reasonable mindsd may differ. Anybody who tin't figure out why the NY Times reports that the overwhelming majority of drone users exercise non register their units is welcome to go pay the $v for a device that does not require registration. But thanks for all the responses anyway. Unless I hear differently from someone with unambiguous principal-source informatio, the effect is closed: although registration is required for DJI'due south older models, the Spark falls beneath the FAA'south weight limit, based on the way that the FAA interprets the statutory requirements. ...but I will forward Aeromirage's link to my DJI customer-service rep to reconcile the information she personally provided me (about no Spark registration requirement) with the conflicting argument at the lesser of Aeromirage'south DJI link. Peradventure she was incorrect? Maybe the page needs updating? If I become whatever new information, I'll post it here. Thanks, Cap!

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Coppertop Offline Coppertop lvl.4 Flight altitude : 168658 ft + Add together Friend Person Bulletin United States Offline	29 ^# Per the document yous linked in the original post... "The listed weights do not include the weight of a camera, sensor, bombardment or other devices that may be added to the shipping equally an option, thereby increasing the aircraft's weight." Last I noticed the bombardment on the Spark is non an selection. It is a requirement for flight, not an option. Seems pretty straightforward that the Spark meets the threshold weight to crave registration. A photographic camera or sensor becomes optional when the blueprint allows information technology to exist hands removed and not required for flight. If yous want to accept the chance and non register your Spark, that'south a risk you lot take but it could plough out to exist a costly 1.

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Bright Spark Offline Bright Spark Outset Officeholder Flight distance : 22129 ft + Add Friend Person Message United kingdom Offline	31 ^# So if designed with 2 batts,if but one of which would be required for flight, nosotros're there! In that location'southward nothing incorrect with design tailored to the rules. Automobile manufacturers and many others adjust designs to comply. Equally I posted in a parallel thread, my interest, in the U.k., is that legitimate flight is then restricted, that a drone accounted a toy might be a better bet.

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cundare Offline cundare lvl.one + Add together Friend Person Message United States Offline	32 ^# Coppertop Posted at 2018-ane-31 19:56 Per the document you linked in the original post... "The listed weights do not include the weight of a camera, sensor, battery or other devices that may be added to the shipping as an selection, thereby increasing the shipping'due south weight." I just heard back from DJI customer back up today who confirmed that, despite the aforementined DJI link (which apparently only has not been updated to include the Spark), the DJI Spark does not have to be registered with the FAA unless used for commercial purposes. I'grand withal waiting for the FAA to answer to my asking for information. And all sources tell me that hobbyist drone registration is pretty much never enforced, although I would certainly want to be in compliance regardless. At this point, there seems to be picayune chance, based on my due diligence, of a "costly fault."

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Coppertop Offline Coppertop lvl.4 Flight distance : 168658 ft + Add together Friend Person Bulletin U.s. Offline	33 ^# cundare Posted at 2018-2-1 12:48 I just heard dorsum from DJI customer back up today who confirmed that, despite the aforementined DJI link (which plain only has non been updated to include the Spark), the DJI Spark does not have to exist registered with the FAA unless used for commercial purposes. I'm nevertheless waiting for the FAA to reply to my asking for information. And all sources tell me that hobbyist drone registration is pretty much never enforced, although I would certainly desire to be in compliance regardless. At this point, there seems to exist fiddling gamble, based on my due diligence, of a "costly fault." Sorry. The FAA isn't going to requite you a pass because DJI said you didn't have to register the Spark or because your "sources" say that hobby drone registration is pretty much never enforced. Information technology's a $5 expensive that may never come into play but if it does, can relieve you a world of headaches. Glad it's y'all risking things and not me.

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cundare Offline cundare lvl.1 + Add Friend Person Message The states Offline	34 ^# Coppertop Posted at 2018-2-1 fifteen:29 Sorry. The FAA isn't going to give you lot a pass because DJI said you lot didn't have to register the Spark or because your "sources" say that hobby drone registration is pretty much never enforced. Let it go, Coppertop. The issue appears to exist settled. If that doesn't fit your personal calendar, you lot tin either: i) make the effort to discover and present credible rebuttal testify from a primary source (and if you tin add something new and constructive to the conversation, sure, I'd appreciate that) or ii) STFU and move on. Sitting there and just sniping at me because, when I did the work to educate myself most the issue, I came to an unavoidable conclusion that you don't want to be true isn't a grown-up pick. That's my final word on the field of study until / if / when I hear back directly from the FAA. My time's too valuable to wast on trolls.

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Coppertop Offline Coppertop lvl.4 Flying distance : 168658 ft + Add Friend Person Message United states Offline	35 ^# cundare Posted at 2018-2-2 11:48 Permit it go, Coppertop. The issue appears to be settled. If that doesn't fit your personal agenda, y'all can either: i) make the effort to notice and nowadays apparent rebuttal prove from a primary source (and if you lot can add something new and effective to the conversation, certain, I'd capeesh that) or ii) STFU and move on. Sitting there and just sniping at me because, when I did the work to educate myself about the consequence, I came to an unavoidable conclusion that you don't want to be true isn't a grown-upward option. Here'southward hoping it all works out for the best and you lot never face a hefty fine for ignoring the obvious.

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k9education Offline k9education lvl.1 Flight distance : 184 ft + Add Friend Person Bulletin Offline	36 ^# cundare Posted at 2018-ane-31 12:x OK, I'thousand done with this thread. Near all the responses were just guesses, and DJI is plainly the most administrative source available, since the FAA has not responded to my inquiries and has posted just cryptic information. And no, the $five is Not the outcome, for chrissakes, but this is something, every bit the lawyers say, upon which reasonable mindsd may differ. Anybody who tin't figure out why the NY Times reports that the overwhelming bulk of drone users do not annals their units is welcome to go pay the $5 for a device that does non require registration. Simply cheers for all the responses anyhow. Unless I hear differently from someone with unambiguous chief-source informatio, the outcome is airtight: although registration is required for DJI's older models, the Spark falls below the FAA'southward weight limit, based on the way that the FAA interprets the statutory requirements. In that location is no ambiguity in the FAA's guidelines on this matter. None. Information technology states, quite clearly: "Unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds and more than than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) on takeoff, including everything that is on lath or otherwise attached to the shipping and operated outdoors in the national airspace system must annals." The uas_weights_registration.pdf certificate y'all referenced has absolutely no begetting on this topic at all. Information technology is but providing examples of drones which, nether the assumption manufacturer weights are accurate, would not need to exist registered. Information technology even makes a bespeak of specifying that any optional equipment added to the shipping, such as an addition camera or extra capacity bombardment, are not included in these weights and the document clearly implies that the addition of such equipment may button it over the 250g limit. You can do whatever yous'd similar of course, only ignorance of the police force doesn't absolve you lot from culpability. Perhaps you should take that $5 and put information technology towards a reading comprehension course at the local community college.

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k9education Offline k9education lvl.one Flight altitude : 184 ft + Add together Friend Person Bulletin Offline	38 ^# Since you, literally, demand information technology spelled out for you, here you lot go: https://federaldroneregistration ... onestoberegistered/

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stuka75 Offline stuka75 Beginning Officer Flight distance : 85682 ft + Add Friend Person Message Offline	twoscore ^# k9education Posted at 2018-5-xiii xx:37 Since y'all, literally, demand information technology spelled out for you, here you go: https://federaldroneregistration.com/requireddronestoberegistered/ LOL. Good ane. In improver FWIW, the pilot is registered, non the drone for hobby flying. The pilots FAA number needs to be on the drone/shipping.

	2018-5-14 Apply props

Bing Err Offline Bing Err Captain Flight distance : 8899783 ft >>> + Add Friend Person Message The states Offline	41 ^# FatherXmas Posted at 2018-1-thirty 17:24 I recall reading somewhere that the weight includes everything required to take off which would include the battery. Since in that location seems to be a lot of conflicting information about the demand to register or not, only my stance, I recall I'd go ahead and register. For $five, why risk information technology? From the FAA website: 'You lot will be field of study to civil and criminal penalties if you meet the criteria to register an unmanned aircraft and practice non register.' Has anyone every been prosecuted to civil and criminal penalties for not registering their drone?

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Madwand Offline Madwand Second Officer Flight distance : 73018 ft + Add together Friend Person Message Offline	42 ^# "Maverick"1776 Posted at 2018-1-28 17:thirty Since Spark weighs .66lbs, and FAA mandates registration of .55lbs or higher, I registered mine. Information technology's but $5 for iii years. Amend to exist safe and in compliance. Its $25 for three years, not $5.

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FatherXmas Offline FatherXmas Helm Flying altitude : 4058619 ft >>> + Add Friend Person Message Us Offline	44 ^# Madwand Posted at 2018-5-14 21:01 Its $25 for 3 years, not $5. That is not correct, Y'all must be looking at a tertiary political party site, the actual FAA site is $5 for 3 years. https://faadronezone.faa.gov/#/

	2018-5-15 Utilise props

dronego Offline dronego lvl.3 + Add together Friend Person Message Usa Offline	46 ^# Madwand Posted at 2018-5-xiv 21:01 Its $25 for 3 years, not $5. i just called FAA a few min agone. DJI spark needs to exist registered. I simply registered, $v for 3 yrs and got my registration number

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NedUK Offline NedUK lvl.4 Flight altitude : 555262 ft + Add Friend Person Message United Kingdom Offline	47 ^# Do you have a reason why yous don't want to register? You seem to be going well out of your way to say that other people are not reading these post right but the info is right there. I see optional cameras and battery's (some people strap and wire in extra battery's) every bit the option element here.. The fact is your Spark is over the weight with everything it needs to fly.. that'south the weight that is going to hit someone on the head or crash into someone'south property. Pay your $5 and have peace of mind

	2018-5-15 Use props

Madwand Offline Madwand 2d Officer Flying distance : 73018 ft + Add Friend Person Message Offline	48 ^# FatherXmas Posted at 2018-five-15 07:24 That is not correct, You lot must be looking at a third political party site, the actual FAA site is $5 for 3 years. https://faadronezone.faa.gov/#/ I approximate i got suckered...

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bentbrent Offline bentbrent lvl.1 Flight distance : 39314 ft + Add Friend Person Message Us Offline	49 ^# Despite all the claims and counter claims over whether or not you need to register a Spark, bear this in heed: if y'all annals with the FAA for recreation purposes only, you DO Not register the actual drone. You annals yourself. You are issued a number that you put on all your drones. The FAA doesn't go along track of how many, or which drones y'all accept.

	2018-5-28 Use props

Crystalskulls Offline Crystalskulls lvl.ane + Add Friend Person Message Canada Offline	50 ^# Yeah to lighter bombardment!!! If the spark had a lighter battery information technology would fall under the 250 gram weight....now if you lot were flight with that battery is another story.. Be similar having a inside way out.... Yeah at present has capability of a accept off weight of less then 250..with smaller battery... . Answer aye I would buy this item

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