so i just got my first drone, its a mini 2 SE and my brother in law said i need to register it with the FAA before i even take it out of the box. but i looked it up and im getting mixed info everywhere. like some sites say under 250g doesnt need registration and some say it does. my backyard is pretty big and im not planning on going anywhere near an airport or anything, just want to fly around and maybe get some shots of the property. do i actually need to register or is my brother in law just being paranoid

ok so the mini 2 SE comes in just under 250 grams which puts it in a weird spot. for recreational flying you technically dont need to register under 250g BUT the FAA still wants you to follow community based organization rules and you still have to give way to manned aircraft, keep it in visual line of sight, etc. your backyard is fine as long as youre not in controlled airspace. check the B4UFLY app before you fly just to make sure your area isnt near a class B or C airport. most suburban areas are fine but you never know. your brother in law isnt totally wrong to be cautious but the registration thing specifically doesnt apply to you if youre under 250g flying recreationally.

backyard should be totally fine man. ive been flying mine for like two years and never had any issues. just dont be a jerk about it and fly over your neighbors or whatever and youll be good. the registration stuff matters more if you go to a park or somewhere public i think