The DC Area Drone User Group (a member organization of the Drone User Group Network) is raising funds to support legal challenges to the FAA’s recently announced drone registration rules, and other policies that are deeply concerning to users and prospective users of small drones.

The Challenge

In December 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration announced a rule that makes it illegal (with severe penalties) to fly a drone for recreational purposes without first registering it with the government. While FAA’s intent with drone registration is to create accountability in the event of a safety incident, this rule has raised a number of legal concerns, particularly:

• FAA’s haste to implement the rule, circumventing requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act.
• FAA’s violation of Section 336 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, which prohibits the FAA from promulgating rules regarding “model aircraft” (drone used for recreational purposes).

In response to the registration rule, John A. Taylor, a drone builder and also fellow member of the DC Area Drone User Group,filed a lawsuit challenging the FAA registry.  See this news story (video) or this more detailed story for more about the legal challenge.

What will the money be used for?

The money will be used to help reimburse John A. Taylor’s out-of-pocket expenses related to his case, and to hire additional legal help from drone legal experts to pursue this case and on an ongoing basis to pursue other pressing legal issues for drone users in the future.

The funds collected will ONLY be used for legal fees and services as described above and for NO other purpose. We will update this page with information regarding any disbursement or transfer of these funds so that you know exactly where your money’s going.

If you would like to make a contribution to support DC Area Drone User Group, please do so separately by visiting our contributions page.

Who is the DC Area Drone User Group?

The DC Area Drone User Group is a community organization of over 2,500 drone enthusiasts, makers, engineers, scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs in the greater Washington DC Area. Our mission is to promote the safe and responsible use of small unmanned systems, and to educate the public about the positive role these devices can serve in our society – from personal enjoyment, to learning robotics, to saving lives in industrial applications. You can learn more about our mission at dcdrone.org. DC DUG is also a member of the Drone User Group Network, an association of community organizations that promote the use of civilian drone technology for the benefit of humanity.

https://www.generosity.com/community-fundraising/drone-user-group-network-legal-fund