According to 14 CFR Part 48, when is registration required for a small UA with the FAA?

Registration of a small unmanned aircraft (UA) with the FAA is required for all civilian small UAs weighing greater than 0.55 pounds. This threshold was established to ensure that all drones capable of flight and posing potential risks to safety and airspace management are accounted for in the system. The requirement is intended to improve accountability among operators and facilitate better oversight and regulation of the growing number of drones in the skies.

While commercial use, controlled airspace, or maximum range may be factors in various contexts for drone operation, they do not dictate the need for registration under 14 CFR Part 48. The weight criterion is a straightforward measure that applies universally to all civilian small UAs, thus simplifying compliance for operators. If the aircraft exceeds this weight, registration is necessary regardless of its intended use or flight parameters.