The first few sections were adopted from the FAA website with minimal modifications. The last section reflect the latest updates on the UAS remote identification as presented by the FAA/AUVSI webinar on September 16, 2021. The original proposed rules were published in the Federal Registrer on December 31, 2019. On January 16, 2020, the FAA provided a briefing to the House of Representative and Senate Aviation Subcommittee regarding the Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft Systems notice of proposed rulemaking (84 FR 72438). It is a useful slides overview about the entire matter of UAS identification that is worth watching.
UAS Remote Identification
Drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are fundamentally changing aviation, and the FAA is committed to working to fully integrate drones or UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS). Safety and security are top priorities for the FAA, and Remote Identification (Remote ID) of UAS is crucial to our integration efforts.
What is Remote ID?
Remote ID is the ability of a UAS in flight to provide identification information that can be received by other parties. According to the proposed rules making, there are three ways drone pilots will be able to meet the identification requirements of the remote ID rule, see Figure 6.2:
- By flying a standard remote ID drone (transmit to remote ID USS and broadcast).
- By flying a limited remote ID drone (transmit to remote ID USS) within visual line of sight.
- By flying a drone without remote ID capability within visual line of sight at an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Drones not equipped with remote ID do not need to broadcast or transmit to a remote ID USS when within a FRIA. Only community based safety organizations (CBO's) can apply to establish a FRIA.
Why Do We Need Remote ID?
Remote ID would assist the FAA, law enforcement, and Federal security agencies when a UAS appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where the drone is not allowed to fly.
The development of Remote ID builds on the framework established by the small UAS registration rule and the LAANC capability to lay the foundation of an Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management System (UTM) that is scalable to the national airspace.
Notice of Proposed Rule Making:
The Remote Identification proposed rule provides a framework for remote identification of all UAS operating in the airspace of the United States. The rule would facilitate the collection and storage of certain data such as identity, location, and altitude regarding an unmanned aircraft and its control station.
Once published, the FAA will solicit comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. The FAA posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to https://www.regulations.gov. The docket number is FAA-2019-1100.
Remote ID Cohort:
The goal of the FAA Remote ID Cohort is to develop the technology requirements applicable to FAA qualified remote ID UAS service suppliers.
What's next?
Remote ID is the next step to enable safe, routine drone operations across our nation. This capability will enhance safety and security by allowing the FAA, law enforcement, and Federal security agencies to identify drones flying in their jurisdiction.
What has the FAA done?
In December 2018, the FAA issued a Request for Information (RFI) to establish an industry cohort to explore potential technological solutions for Remote ID.
The UAS Identification and Tracking Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), chartered by the FAA in June 2017, submitted its report and recommendations (PDF) to the agency on technologies available to identify and track drones in flight and other associated issues.
Latest Update on Remote ID
During the Drones safety awareness week, the FAA and AUVSI jointly offered the webinar "National Drone Safety Awareness Week: Remote ID Compliance Strategy" on September 16, 2021. The webinar discussed how the new rules regrading Remote ID will impact the industry and create safer skies for all. The webinar also discussed how industry is reacting to the coming new roles to insure compliance for the short and long-term. You can watch the recording of the session here. You can also review the presentations slides posted on CANVAS.
FAA Policy on Remote ID Enforcement: Drone pilots were originally expected to comply with the September 16, 2023, compliance date for Remote ID. However, the FAA understands that some drone pilots may not be able to comply because of limited availability of broadcast modules and lack of approved FAA-Recognized Identification Areas. In those instances, the FAA will consider all factors in determining whether to take enforcement action through March 16, 2024. To read the full policy in the federal register, click here.