What is Remote ID?
Remote ID is like the drone’s license plate—an identification marker that allows the FAA, law enforcement, and the public to recognize the aircraft during flight.
Remote ID sends this “license plate” information via radio signals to ground-based receivers.
The key components of Remote ID for drones include broadcast modules on the drone and a means to transmit the information.
The drone’s Remote ID specifically broadcasts essential identification and location information, including the serial number, position, and altitude.
Information Remote ID Transmits
Your sUAS will broadcast the following information through its Remote ID:
- Drone ID: Serial number of aircraft
- Drone Location: Latitude, longitude, altitude
- Drone Velocity Speed
- Control System Information: Latitude, longitude, and altitude of the controller in your hand.
- Emergency Status: Battery Connection, Lost Link Warning indicating rogue drone
- Time Mark: When the signal was sent (sent every second)
Privacy and Remote ID: What’s Shared
Remote ID does not broadcast personal information, only the drone’s serial number and flight.
Remote ID is designed to enhance safety without compromising your privacy.
It does not broadcast personal information, only the drone’s serial number and flight status.
This broadcast excludes unnecessary details about the operator or flight data, focusing instead on identification and safety. This approach ensures authorities can identify and track drones while minimizing the transmission of personal data.
Remote ID Compliance
Drone operators have the following three options to be compliant. Each option offers a different approach to meeting the regulatory requirements, providing flexibility for various types of drone operations.
Many drones now come with built-in Remote ID, making it easier to follow regulations. Manufacturers like DJI regularly include Remote ID features. This is known as standard remote ID.
For older drones and custom-made models lacking this standard Remote ID, an additional module can be installed to send Remote ID information. This is a small device you mount on your aircraft to transmit a signal.
These FAA zones are specifically designated areas where compliance with Remote ID is not required. You may fly freely within these zones.
There are two situations where you are not required to have Remote ID for your drone:
- Aeronautical Research: If you’re flying for aeronautical research purposes, Remote ID isn’t required. This is usually for advanced studies and experiments in aviation.
- Federal Agency Operations: If a federal agency is conducting the flight, they don’t need to follow Remote ID rules.
If your drone mission falls into one of these categories, you’re clear to fly without needing Remote ID.
*Other than that, whether you’re flying under Part 107 as a commercial pilot, or you’re flying your drone recreational, all drones require remote ID. It doesn’t matter how much they weight, they require remote ID.
Weight and Label Remote ID Compliance
Drone operators must adhere to specific weight and labeling requirements based on the nature of their flights.
Recreational drones under 250 grams are exempt from registration and Remote ID.
For Part 107 operations, any drone, regardless of weight but under the 55-pound limit, must be registered and equipped with Remote ID.
Additionally, drones requiring Remote ID must display a label with the unique Remote ID serial number.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Penalties for non-compliance with Remote ID regulations can vary depending on the severity of the violation and the discretion of the enforcing authority. Potential penalties may include:
- Monetary fines imposed by regulatory agencies.
- Legal action, including civil penalties or criminal charges.
- Enforcement actions against the non-compliant drone, such as grounding or confiscation.
- Suspension or revocation of pilot licenses or certifications.
- Injunctions or cease-and-desist orders prohibiting further non-compliant operations.
- Other administrative actions, such as the issuance of warning letters or notices of violation.
Enforcement of Remote ID regulations is carried out by designated authorities, such as law enforcement agencies or aviation regulatory bodies like the FAA.
These authorities have the power to conduct compliance checks and take enforcement actions against non-compliant drone operators.
You really can get in trouble if you don’t follow compliance regulations, so don’t take these rules for granted.
For Part 107 operations, any drone, regardless of weight but under the 55-pound limit, must be registered and equipped with Remote ID.
Additionally, drones requiring Remote ID must display a label with the unique Remote ID serial number.
ADS-B: The Manned Aircraft Remote Broadcast System
The FAA mandates that drone operators under Part 107 understand the use and function of ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) transponders.
Part 107 operators of small unmanned aircraft systems generally do not need to equip their drones with ADS-B transponders, which are typically used in larger manned aircraft.
ADS-B acts as the equivalent of Remote ID for manned aircraft. It is comprised of:
- ADS-B Out, which involves broadcasting out an aircraft’s information
- ADS-B In, which entails receiving incoming information from other nearby aircraft.
