In early 2021, the FAA finalized and published a new set of rules for drones called Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft (Part 89), also known as Remote ID (or RID). These rules require almost all drones to broadcast information about their identification, location, velocity, and pilot location. Manufacturers are expected to produce standard Remote ID drones by September 16, 2022, and operators have until September 2023 to comply. The FAA recently approved a Means of Compliance (ASTM F3586) and has given manufacturers until December 16, 2022 before enforcement of the requirements.
The FAA provides an overview of the rules on its website: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id/
“Remote identification (commonly known as Remote ID) is the capability of an unmanned aircraft in flight to provide certain identification, location, and performance information that people on the ground and other airspace users can receive. The remote identification of unmanned aircraft is necessary to ensure public safety and the safety and efficiency of the airspace of the United States. Remote identification provides airspace awareness to the FAA, national security agencies, law enforcement entities, and other government officials.”
Federal Aviation Administration
Full text of the final rule:
https://www.faa.gov/news/media/attachments/RemoteID_Final_Rule.pdf
Who Needs to Comply With Remote ID?
In the USA, almost anyone who operates a UAV needs to comply with these FAA rules. There are a few exceptions: the US government, and UAVs under 0.55 lbs are not required to comply.
How Do Commercial Drone Pilots Comply with Remote ID?
There are three ways the FAA will allow drone operators to comply with the new rules:
- Operate a drone with standard Remote ID capabilities so that it broadcasts identification and location information of the drone and control station.
- Operators who own an older drone can purchase a 3rd party RID Broadcast Module (a separate device attached to the drone), which broadcasts identification, location, and take-off information. Please note that drones with Broadcast Modules are not eligible to operate beyond visual line of sight.
- Operate a drone without Remote ID but at specific FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIA).
What Needs to Be Broadcasted?
Drones must broadcast the following items:
- Aircraft serial number
- Timestamped information about the aircraft location, including latitude, longitude, altitude, and velocity
- Broadcast Module: Aircraft take-off location and altitude for broadcast modules
- Standard RID: Ground station latitude, longitude, and altitude
- Emergency status
How Will Drone Flight Operations Be Impacted by Remote ID?
- When available, drone owners must enter their Remote ID Serial Number into their FAADroneZone registration account
- Drone cannot take off unless it is broadcasting the RID message elements
- The Remote ID functionality must be tamper resistant
- If a malfunction or failure of the Remote ID broadcast is detected, it must be reported to the operator
- Prior to takeoff, the pilot must ensure the Remote ID broadcast is functional
- If the aircraft stops broadcasting the message elements, the pilot is to land as soon as practicable
Are Vision Aerial Drones Remote ID Compliant?
Yes. The mark 2.3 versions of the SwitchBlade-Elite and the Vector carry a broadcasting unit that follows the FAA’s Means of Compliance and ASTM F3586–22 standards.
I Have an Older Vision Aerial Drone. How Do I Upgrade It?
If you have a drone previously produced by Vision Aerial, you can schedule an appointment with the Service Department to upgrade it so that it is in compliance with the rules.
To Schedule an Upgrade Contact Us
(406) 333-1795
[email protected]
Additional Resources
Timeline of Events
| September 16, 2023 | Drone operator compliance deadline |
| December 15, 2022 | Manufacturer enforcement deadline (extension) |
| September 16, 2022 | Manufacturer compliance deadline |
| August 11, 2022 | ASTM F3586–22 and Accepted Means of Compliance (MOC) Released to explain how manufacturers can comply. |
| April 21, 2021 | FAA Final Rule on Remote ID Effective Date |
| March 10, 2021 | Final Rule Published in Federal Register |
| January 15, 2021 | Publication of 86 FR 4505 Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft, A Rule by the Transportation Department, and the Federal Aviation Administration |
| December 28, 2020 | Final Rule Posted on FAA.gov |
Useful Links
How to Use Remote ID on a Vision Aerial Drone:
https://visionaerial.com/docs/remote-id-functions/
FAADroneZone:
https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/
FAA RID Getting Started:
FAA RID Executive Summary: https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/uas/getting_started/remote_id/RemoteID_Executive_Summary.pdf?mc_cid=ae64521a51&mc_eid=db1b4b1473
Official Regulation (Part 89) Code of Regulations:
https://www.ecfr.gov/on/2022-08-26/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-89
Means of Compliance:
ASTM F3586–22: https://www.astm.org/f3586-22.html