As the drone industry continues to advance, there have been increasing calls for more accountability from drone operators. To address concerns over safety and responsibility, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States has introduced a new initiative known as Remote ID (Remote Identification of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems). This regulation is designed to enhance safety, security and accountability and will help the commercial industry continue to scale. In this blog post, we’ll explain what the new Remote ID requirements mean for you as a pilot.
What is Remote ID?
Remote identification (Remote ID) is a system that enables the identification and tracking of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) while they are in flight. Remote ID acts like a car license plate, broadcasting a serial number or session ID unique to each drone while in flight. The drone operator’s identity is obscured, and only authorized individuals from public safety organizations or the FAA can get the pilot’s information.
Remote ID is one of the essential building blocks for a UAS Traffic Management system (UTM) which would be the main mode for further developing uncrewed air traffic of delivery and transportation vehicles.
Who must comply with Remote ID requirements?
- Any drone commercially operated under Part 107 rules
- Recreational drones that weigh more than 250 grams
- Drones used by public safety, local, state, tribal or municipal governments
Note: Remote ID compliance applies to both home-built and commercially purchased drones.
Compliance deadlines
To effectively navigate the implementation of Remote ID, it's crucial for drone pilots and operators to be aware of the key deadlines set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These deadlines depend on various factors, including the type of drone, its purpose, and when it was manufactured.
For operators of drones that were in use before March 2, 2022 which don't have built-in Remote ID capabilities, the deadline for compliance is March 16, 2023. By this date, these drones must be retrofitted or equipped with Remote ID broadcast modules to comply with the regulations.
Data was compiled from DJI's blog found here.
Compliance for FRIAs (FAA-Recognized Identification Areas)
In certain areas designated as FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs), traditional Remote ID compliance is not mandatory. However, it's essential for pilots to know which areas are designated as FRIAs and understand the specific rules that apply within them.
Ensuring compliance
To ensure that you meet the Remote ID regulations and meet the specified deadlines, drone pilots and operators should take the following steps:
Verify your drone's compliance: Check if your drone is compliant with Remote ID requirements based on its manufacturing date, type and weight. If it doesn't meet the criteria, plan for the necessary modifications or retrofitting.
Stay informed: Regularly visit the FAA's official website and other reliable sources for updates and guidance on Remote ID compliance. The FAA may provide additional information and clarifications as the implementation process continues.
Adhere to local rules: While Remote ID is a federal regulation, some states and municipalities may have additional rules or restrictions. Be sure to research and follow local regulations in addition to federal ones.
Retro-fit kit: Tools such as the DroneTag retrofit kit* created by DroneTag can bring non-compliant drones into compliance.
*If you are interested in purchasing the DroneDeploy Dronetag modules, contact your DroneDeploy rep
Remote ID is a significant step toward safer and more accountable drone operations in the United States. To successfully navigate the deadlines for Remote ID implementation, drone pilots and operators must remain informed about the regulations, assess their drones' compliance and take proactive steps to meet the specified deadlines. By doing so, we can collectively contribute to the responsible and secure integration of drones into the national airspace.
About the Author
Rebecca Lehman
Rebecca finds innovative ways to leverage technology in addressing social and environmental problems. At DroneDeploy she manages both the nonprofit and education programs. She works with nonprofits and social impact organizations to enable the power of mapping and new technology to reach those who need it most. She has a master's degree in Environmental Management from the Yale School of the Environment.
