According to 14 CFR Part 48, when must a person register a small UA with the Federal Aviation Administration?
AAll civilian small UAs weighing greater than 0.55 pounds must be registered regardless of intended use.✓
BWhen the small UA is used for any purpose other than as a model aircraft.
COnly when the operator will be paid for commercial services.
Why →Under 14 CFR § 48.15, any small UA weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) and less than 55 lbs must be registered before flying outdoors. This applies regardless of whether the flight is recreational or commercial.
The trap →The commercial vs. recreational distinction is irrelevant to registration. Both require it above 0.55 lbs. The weight trigger (0.55 lbs = 250g) is the determining factor, not the purpose of the flight.
Field note →The DJI Mini 4 Pro weighs 249g, just under the 250g/0.55 lb registration threshold, which is why it's marketed as "registration-free." That marketing applies to recreational flying only: any drone flown under Part 107 must be registered regardless of weight.
SOURCE → 14 CFR § 48.15, FAA UAG Sample Question 35CHECKED JUL 16ACS I.B.K1EASY