content: To the first question, a pilot can not read the registration number on another aircraft in flight so this is a meaningless point to make.  To the second point, there isn't a huge problem at the moment of people using drones maliciously. There is however a problem with people causing problems due to ignorance or negligence. It is sad that it has come to this and I'm not happy to see mandatory government registration of RC airplanes but requiring registration is a way to make the owner realize that there are rules governing their use and repercussions for failure to operate them safely.  OP also mentioned that there are no new safety/training requirements being implemented, registration is step one, once you know who is operating you can take further action if necessary. The FAA is a very reactionary organization, they do not create additional requirements or bureaucracy unless prompted to do so by an apparent need and it seems stupid to me that someone would argue that this action creates too much additional government bureaucracy because it doesn't go far enough to create additional government bureaucracy. I used to fly RC airplanes and understand the perspective of hobbyists, I'm also a certified pilot and work in the aviation industry, the FAA in reality isn't a terrible organization.