There are more drones than piloted aircraft that could potentially fly in U.S. skies, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said there are more than 325,000 registered drones in the U.S., versus only 320,000 piloted aircraft, according to the Washington Times. The average operator owns 1.5 UAVs.
The drone census was enabled by a new law requiring all existing UAVs weighing over nine ounces to be registered by Feb. 19, while all new aircraft must be registered before their first flight.
“The registration numbers show the surging popularity of remote-controlled aircraft, which are flooding airspace already packed with passenger planes and leading to concerns over midair collisions,” the Washington Times said. “About 7,000 planes fly in U.S. skies [at] any time during the day, according to the FAA, along with an untold number of drones.”
