21st Of December is the date to begin registrations for (small unmanned aircraft between 1 Kg and 25 Kg) in a lot of cases drones for us here in Republic of Ireland.
From what I can see it's reasonable enough. It's a two step process, with an obligation to first register with an asset mapping system first then using the details that you get from that register your craft with the Authority itself.

How does this compare to other countries?


My drone is just over the limit by 28 grams I probably wouldn't need to register if i left the camera off :-)

https://youtu.be/dl8EWucEe4E

For itty bitty craft like my dji phantom3 adv there is no such requirement in Canada as yet (to my knowledge) The big restriction re commercial work forbids usage in any built up area so that leaves out most business opportunities.
Personally I wouldn't mind registration as it would give perceived creds on a business card

Bit annoyed with our Aviation Authority or at least the operators of their system.

I got a few emails inviting me to register on a website for aerial photography as a operator.

I didn't think much of it at the time but to my dismay I find that the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) had inadvertently allowed registered users access to the Asset System database. This data included names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers of everyone in Ireland that registered.

Hopefully they have plugged that particular gap!

Sweeeeeet.... I just acquired a master list of every home in Ireland which are good targets to rob! (is probably what all the Irish criminals are thinking)

yeah I know!!!

what next?

Published 3 days ago ... The Civil Aviation Authority have drawn up some codes for drone operators to follow.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/drone-rules-everything-you-need-to-know-to-fly-domestic-drones-legally-a6994291.html

"Using drones for professional purposes requires permission from the CAA, and a license granted after completing a training programme"