When do I have to be Remote ID compliant in the US?#
Find all the situations that require you to use Remote ID here:
Check US regulations
Which drone pilots must comply with Remote ID?#
The FAA's Remote ID requirements apply to all individuals operating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) within the United States, regardless of whether they use the drones for recreational, commercial, public, or government purposes. The rule applies to UAS weighing between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds. Check when the new rule becomes effective.
I am a hobby pilot. Do I need Remote ID for my RC airplane or helicopter?#
Yes. Every flying unmanned aircraft over 0.55 pounds needs Remote ID, built-in or add-on, to comply with the new requirements. Even RC planes and helicopters, unless you fly in FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area).
What is the FAA Part 107?#
Part 107 of the FAA set rules for commercially operated drones (drones flown for profit) in the US region. Sometimes, it is used for certification that drone pilots must acquire to offer professional drone services legally.
What if my drone is below 0.55 pounds, and I do not fly in Part 107? Do I need Remote ID?#
No, you do not have to comply with Remote ID, but remember that even light drones like DJI Mini 3 Pro now have Remote ID inside. Once it is enabled once (for example while doing Part 107 operations), it cannot be turned off again.
What is the FAA drone zone?#
The website FAADroneZone is the official FAA program for managing drone services.
What are FAA-recognized identification areas (FRIAs)?#
A FRIA refers to a defined geographic area where drones can be operated without the need for Remote ID equipment. However, it is crucial that both the drone and the pilot remain within the boundaries of the FRIA during the entire operation. Moreover, the drone pilot must maintain a constant visual of the drone throughout the flight.
Note: If an aircraft is equipped with Standard Remote ID, it may not be disabled or shut off while flying in a FRIA.
Where can I find FRIA locations?#
You can find the locations of approved FRIAs on the FAA’s UAS Data Delivery Service (UDDS) website.
Who can apply for a FRIA?#
FRIA applications are limited to FAA-recognized Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and educational institutions, which include primary and secondary schools, trade schools, colleges, and universities.
What is the difference between Standard Remote ID and broadcast module Remote ID?#
Standard Remote ID applies to drones with built-in Remote ID capabilities. Drones with this type of Remote ID will self-test before taking off to ensure that the Remote ID is active and functioning. If the test fails, the drone will not take off.
Remote ID broadcast module is a Remote ID capability through a device attached to a drone externally and is limited to Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS) operations. This type of Remote ID will self-test before taking off, and the person operating the flight controls of the drone has to make sure that the Remote ID broadcast module is functioning.
What data are transmitted by Broadcast Remote ID?#
The Remote ID broadcast includes the drone’s identifier, location, altitude, flight direction, and speed.
Whether using a Standard Remote ID Drone or a Remote ID Broadcast Module, nearly all message elements are the same and must be broadcast from take-off to shut down.
A Standard Remote ID Drone must broadcast the following:
- Drone ID
- Drone location and altitude
- Drone velocity
- Control station real-time location and elevation
- Time mark
- Emergency status
A drone with a Remote ID Broadcast Module must broadcast:
- Drone ID
- Drone location and altitude
- Drone velocity
- Takeoff location and elevation
- Time mark
What data are not broadcast with Remote ID?#
Remote ID will not transmit personal information like your name, address, or phone number. Only the FAA can connect the drone registration number to the drone owner.
Who can access the Remote ID broadcast?#
Data from Remote ID can be received with a specific device or a mobile app by anyone with the proper equipment. Basically, anyone within the range of the drone Remote ID can access it.
How can people access Remote ID broadcasts?#
A Remote ID receiver or a mobile app using smartphone or tablet hardware is sufficient to access broadcast Remote ID data.
If I upgrade my drone with RID-compliant firmware, can I disable Remote ID? Or do I need to downgrade the firmware to one that does not support Remote ID?#
The FAA rule strictly prohibits anyone from disabling the Remote ID system on drones. It also prohibits downgrading firmware once the drone has been upgraded to a Remote ID compliant version.
I cannot upgrade my drone’s firmware to comply with the Remote ID. What should I do?#
No action is required from you until until March 16, 2024 (The initial date was September 16, 2023, the FAA announced an extension on September 13, 2023). If you use the drone after this date, you need to comply with the rule in one of these two ways:
- Equip your drone with Broadcast Module Remote ID to share the drone's identification, location, and take-off information. Such drones must always be operated within the visual line of sight (VLOS)
- Operate your drone solely at FAA-recognized identification areas (FRIAs) sponsored by community-based organizations or schools. Unmanned aircraft can legally fly without Remote ID only at FRIAs.
I would like to comply with Remote ID regulations and add a module to my drone. What should I know?#
Firstly, check whether the Remote ID module is FAA-approved before purchase. You can find the list of approved modules on the FAA website here. Secondly, install the module on your drone according to the manufacturer’s instructions. And lastly, set the Remote ID information of your aircraft, such as make, model, and serial number, in the FAA drone registry.
Where can I see detailed information about the Remote ID rule?#
Read more about Remote ID at the FAA website.
What’s Session ID?#
Session ID is a unique identifier assigned to each Remote ID broadcast. This identifier allows the FAA and other authorized parties to track the specific UAS during its flight. It helps to ensure that the Remote ID broadcast is coming from the correct UAS and that it is not being spoofed.
Standard Remote ID Drones operators can transmit their aircraft serial number or a Session ID. It's worth noting that some Standard Remote ID Drones may not offer this option. The Session ID will be uniquely identifiable in a way that allows law enforcement and the FAA to connect the data to a specific drone's serial number, but this information will not be made public.
