The FAA has announced they will push the Remote ID enforcement date out to 16 March 2024. You can read their official statement (here).
CAP has released an Interim Change Letter (ICL) to CAPR 70-4 which allows us flexibility to come into RID compliance by 16 March 2024, replacing prior language that required us to be in RID compliance by 1 August 2023. See attached ICL below.
Remote Identification, also know as Remote ID, or RID, is a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirement which drone operators and drone manufacturers must follow. Briefly, RID states that drones which require registration under 14 CFR 107 must now be equipped with the means to broadcast identification and position information of the airframe and/or controller. The FAA covers RID in detail on their website.
<aside> 💡 CAP has not been afforded any special relief from the FAA and must comply with this requirement as written.
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<aside> 💡 Drones are exempt from Remote ID requirements if they weigh .55lbs or below and are only being flown under FAA Recreational Rules for Aerospace Education or Cadet Programs.
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The drone itself broadcasts RID information over Wifi/Bluetooth.
Most modern drones now come with this as a standard feature. Some older drone models can receive a firmware upgrade which enables Standard RID.
Image: FAA
A small module placed onto the drone and specifically used for broadcasting RID information.
Useful for any drones that cannot be made compliant through Standard Remote ID. Third parties are still scrambling to bring these modules to market. Dronetag is one of the first and largest module providers as of 2023.
Image: FAA
“A FRIA is a defined geographic area where drones can be flown without Remote ID equipment. Both the drone and the pilot must be located within the FRIA's boundaries throughout the operation.” - FAA
Community Based Organizations (CBOs) like the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) can apply for FRIAs. Check with your local AMA RC Field to see if they’ve secured a FRIA for their location.
Educational institutions can also apply for FRIAs. If you’ve partnered with a school, check with them on their FRIA status.
CAP is not considered a CBO by the FAA. CAP members requiring a FRIA must work through the AMA if they require a FRIA.
Image: FAA