The FAA delivered a final rule on the Remote Identification for Unmanned Aircraft on December 28, 2020. But what does that really mean for us? Here is everything you need to know broken down into bite-sized sections.

What is the FAA Remote Identification Rule?

This new regulation fundamentally requires the remote identification of unmanned aircraft operating in the US airspace. Remote identification (RID) refers to the capability of an unmanned aircraft in flight to provide various data such as its location, altitude, time, velocity, and unique identification.

The initiative was established to make way for the further integration of unmanned aircraft – namely drones – into the US airspace by addressing safety and security concerns. Ultimately, this regulation will enable the scaling of commercial drone usage especially for night and over morning operations.

What Does Unmanned Aircraft Include?

According to the FAA, an unmanned aircraft - the device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air - is an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft. So, this includes RC planes, helicopters, and drones.

Are There Any Exemptions?

The Remote ID Rule applies to all unmanned aircraft for any purpose (commercial and recreational) that are over 0.55 lbs, and all unmanned aircraft operated for commercial use regardless of their size.

So, if you have an RC plane, drone, or helicopter that weighs under 0.55 lbs and is purely for recreational use, you are exempted from the Remote ID Rule.

How to be Compliant with the Remote ID Rule?

There are three ways to meet the identification requirements of the new rule:

  1. Standard Remote ID
    RID (remote identification) capability is built into your aircraft by the manufacturer and is compliant with the broadcasting requirements. It will become a norm for manufacturers to include broadcasting equipment into their newer models; so don't worry about that.
  2. Broadcast Modules
    If your aircraft is an older model and doesn’t have built-in RID capabilities, then a separate broadcast module will need to be installed. The FAA anticipates such modules to cost around $20-$50 USD; however, as more options become available in the market, the price will drastically decrease. These modules are only permitted for visual-line-of-sight operations.
  3. FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA)
    The final option allows you to operate your aircraft without any RID capabilities, however, you may only fly them in an FAA Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Most of the current AMA flying sites will become FRIAs and the FAA will maintain a list of FRIAs on their site once applicable. Only visual-line-of-sight operations are permitted at FRIAs.

When Do I Need to be Compliant?

As an operator of unmanned aircraft, you will have 30 months (after the rule's effective date) to comply with the Remote ID requirements which is tentatively September 2023. As a manufacturer, HobbyKing and others will need to be compliant by around September 2022.

What Can I Do Now?

If you haven't already registered your unmanned aircraft system, now would be a good time. To be compliant with option 1 (Standard Remote ID) and option 2 (Broadcast Modules) your aircraft serial number and/or your broadcast module's serial number must be registered under your unique FAA registration number.

To register with the FAA, click here. You will need to renew your registration every 3 years and it will cost you $5 USD.

How to Stay Updated?

If you want to get the latest news and update regarding the FAA Remote ID Rule or any others which may arise, then keep in touch with us by following us on Facebook or subscribing to our emails.

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