ok so i just got my first drone like two weeks ago, its a mini 3 pro and im mostly just planning to fly around my property and maybe some nearby fields. my neighbor told me i have to register it with the FAA no matter what but i looked it up and it seemed like maybe thats only if youre flying in certain places? honestly the FAA website kind of confused me more than it helped. do i actually need to register if im just doing backyard stuff for fun

yeah you do need to register it unfortunately. if the drone weighs over 0.55 lbs (250 grams) you have to register with the FAA, doesnt matter if its your backyard or yellowstone. the mini 3 pro is just over that limit so youre in that category. its only like $5 and takes maybe 10 minutes on the DroneZone website, you just slap the registration number somewhere on the drone and youre good. the recreational rules are a bit more relaxed than part 107 but you still gotta be registered. your neighbor was right on that part at least

also worth knowing that even in your own backyard you still technically have to follow airspace rules. if youre anywhere near an airport or helipad you need authorization through LAANC or the FAA DroneZone before you fly, even on private property. a lot of people dont realize that. the airspace rules dont really care whos land youre standing on. depending on where you live this might not be an issue at all but worth checking on the B4UFLY app before you go up