Helping You Prepare for the FAA UAS Remote ID Rule. Big Changes September 2023.

Last week, we started a series of articles on the new FAA Remote ID Rule. The requirements take effect on September 16, 2023. This rule applies to all drone pilots flying in the U.S. National Airspace. The only exception is for pilots that are not required to register their drones. An example would be a recreational pilot with a drone that weighs .55lbs/250 grams or less.

Last week’s article shared that the Remote ID rule means your drone will have to broadcast specific identification and location. This information can be received by other parties. Much like a digital license plate, remote ID will allow for drone traffic to be monitored and the pilot identified and located. Remote ID helps the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies find the control station (drone pilot) when a drone appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it is not allowed to fly. This is a layer of protection for other aircraft, buildings, and structures. Remote ID also allows greater security for the people on the ground. This rule is a step to allow for more complicated drone missions across the U.S. such as beyond visual line of site and flights over other people. Click to see last week’s article.

In this article, let’s start with giving you an overview of the three options to meet the new FAA Remote ID Rule:

1) Operate a Standard Remote ID Drone that is produced with Remote ID capability in accordance with the rule. This option broadcasts the identity and location of both the drone and the control station. This option is required for more advanced operations involving beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). More info below on each option.

2) Operate a Drone with a Remote ID broadcast module that is added to a drone after manufacturing. This device broadcasts identification and location information of the drone and it’s take-off location. A drone with a Remote ID Broadcast module is limited to operation within visual line of sight.

3) Operate without Remote ID equipment. This option limits where the unmanned aircraft may be flown. A drone without remote ID capability may only be flown in FAA-recognized identification areas (FRIAs). These locations are sponsored by community-based organizations or educational institutions that are approved by the FAA. This option is also limited to visual line of sight flying.

Let me emphasize that the Standard Remote ID broadcasts the details of both the drone and the control station. See the graphic below. If authorities locate a drone that is operating unsafely or where it is not allowed to fly, they can immediately identify the control station and unmanned pilot. Pinpointing the location of the pilot could be very useful for drones that are flying beyond line of site, and the pilot is not in the immediate vicinity for the authorities to locate.

The Remote ID broadcast module does not require broadcasting the control station location, only the take-off location of the drone. See the graphic below. This option only allows for flight within visual line of sight. Knowing the pilot is within visual range of the drone will assist authorities with locating the drone pilot.

If you choose to not use a Standard Remote ID drone or add a Remote ID Broadcast module to your unmanned aircraft, you will only be allowed to fly in FRIAs. See the graphic below. It will be a change for pilots to find out that they cannot fly outside of FRIAs unless they have Standard Remote ID or a Remote ID broadcast module.

Continuing in the next articles, Carolina Drone Academy will share more details about remote ID. If you start planning and preparing now, you’ll be ready for the September deadline. In the coming articles, we will highlight:

• Wondering if your own drone has remote ID capability? We will show you where to go to find the list of the FAA approved drones.

• Where can you fly without Remote ID? Where to find the FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIAs).

• Some options for Remote ID broadcast modules.

• How to update your drone registration with your remote ID details.

• Remote ID and flights over people.

• Any further revisions or developments from the FAA.

• Any best practices we are discovering along the way, and more.

About Carolina Drone Academy

Carolina Drone Academy provides award winning drone pilot training. We teach drone training across many sectors including the US Military, law enforcement, media and advertising companies, colleges, engineering, construction, and other government agencies. We train at your location or ours. Please visit www.CarolinaDroneAcademy.com for the latest course offerings.