Hey drone enthusiasts! Big news from the FAA: there’s a new rule in town for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), and it’s all about Remote Identification (Remote ID). Let’s dive into what this means for you and your flying adventures.

The Remote ID rule took affect September 16, 2023. That’s the big day that drone pilots were expected to comply with the Remote ID rule. However, the FAA’s giving a bit of leeway until March 16, 2024, considering some may face challenges like limited availability of broadcast modules or lack of FAA-approved flying areas​​.

Basically, if you need to register your drone, you need to comply. This includes drones flown for fun, business, or public safety.

For recreational flyers, you can register once and apply your registration number to all your drones. But, if you’re a Part 107 pilot, each drone or broadcast module needs its own registration.

Make sure your device is FAA-approved. You’ll need your Remote ID serial number, which you can find on the device or check with the manufacturer. If you’re updating your drone inventory, you’ll need to list each drone’s serial number

For recreational flyers, you’ll need to log into the FAA’s DroneZone, add each Standard Remote ID drone or broadcast module to your inventory, and if applicable, remove the drones that they replace. Part 107 flyers will have a slightly different process​​.

These new Remote ID requirements are a big step in integrating drones safely into our skies. While it might seem like a bit of extra work, it’s all about making sure we can enjoy our drone flying without any hiccups. Happy flying, and stay safe out there!

Before you hit the skies, it’s crucial to ensure your drone is up to par with the FAA’s Remote ID requirements. Wondering how to check? It’s simple! Head over to the FAA’s UAS Declaration of Compliance list at https://uasdoc.faa.gov/listDocs for an official rundown of compliant drones. If you’re a DJI drone user, they’ve got a handy guide at https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400007747&spaceId=34&pbc=mF6h4ZTt to walk you through the compliance details. Make sure your drone is on the list, and you’re all set to fly responsibly and in line with the new regulations.

Remote ID is like a digital license plate for your drone. It allows your drone to send out identification and location info during flight. Why’s this important? It helps with safety and security, making sure drones are flown responsibly and within legal boundaries.

There are three main ways to meet these new requirements:

1. Fly a Standard Remote ID drone that comes with built-in broadcast capabilities.
2. Use a Remote ID broadcast module, which can be attached to your drone to retrofit it with Remote ID capabilities. Remember, if you use this, you need to keep your drone in sight at all times.
3. Fly at FAA-recognized identification areas (FRIAs) where Remote ID isn’t required​.