By Joan Lowy, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration says there are now more registered drone operators in the U.S. than there are registered manned aircraft.

FAA Administrator Michael Huerta told a legal forum on Monday that the agency passed the milestone last week when it topped 325,000 registered drone owners. There are 320,000 registered manned aircraft.

Huerta said the number of small unmanned aircraft is even larger because drone operators often own more than one drone.

FAA officials launched a drone registration program just before Christmas, saying it would help them track down operators who violate regulations and also help to create a culture of accountability.

Huerta said the speed with which registration has taken off is proof that government and industry can work together.

To Learn More:

Huge Increase Seen in Close Encounters between Drones and U.S. Aircraft (by Steve Straehley, AllGov)

Drones are Catching On…with Pranksters and Criminals (by Steve Straehley, AllGov)

North Dakota: The State that Loves Drones (by Steve Straehley, AllGov)

Federal Government Clashes with Commercial Drone Industry (by Matt Bewig, AllGov)