The US government plans to require operators of recreational drones to register their devices amid increasing concerns that the small aircraft pose dangers to aviation, dpa reported. The US Transportation Department and the Federal Aviation Administration announced a task force Monday to develop recommendations by November 20 for a registration process for the drones. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said the move would "help protect public safety in the air and on the ground." Pilots of airliners and other planes report up to 100 sightings of drones or near collisions per month, despite rules that prohibit operation near airports, the FAA said. The drones are not allowed to operate above an altitude of 120 metres without special permission and are prohibited within 8 kilometres of airports, but those rules are often broken. Certain small drones, including toys, will likely be exempt from the rules.
