Flying drones is very popular as a hobby and a profession. However, they can also be a safety hazard for those on the ground and other aircraft. To help keep people safe, the FAA is making it so that all drones over 250 grams have to have a way to tell people who they are and where they are. This is called Remote ID.
Remote ID works by having drones broadcast their ID and location information over a radio signal. This information can be picked up by other drones, aircraft, and officials on the ground. If a drone with remote ID is flying in a dangerous way, this information can be used to track it down and allow authorities to take action.
The FAA's Remote ID rule goes into effect in September 2023, but there's a grace period until September 2024 for some aspects. This gives drone manufacturers and pilots time to get in compliance with the new rules.
There are two ways for drones to comply with Remote ID:
• Standard Remote ID: This is the most common way. It requires drones to have a separate Remote ID broadcast module attached to the drone that transmits the drone's ID and location information over a radio frequency.
• Out-of-the-box Remote ID: This is for drones that already have the Remote ID capability built in by the manufacturer and allows them to be identified.
There are a few challenges that drone pilots will face when it comes to Remote ID. One is the cost of the equipment. Remote ID modules can be expensive, especially for smaller drones. Another challenge is the complexity of the rule. It can be hard to understand and comply with all the requirements. Another obstacle is that there are still those who choose to ignore the rules and fly without a 107 certification or drone registration number, what is stopping them from ignoring this regulation too? Even with harsh penalties, people will continue to believe that they won’t get caught and therefore will not comply.
Despite these challenges, Remote ID is an important step in the safe integration of drones into the national airspace system. It will help to reduce the risk of collisions between drones and other aircraft, and it will also help to deter the misuse of drones (like over the Bengals games or at concerts).
Many people have mixed feelings about Remote ID. Some people think it's necessary to improve safety, while others think it's too burdensome and expensive. Drone manufacturers have also expressed concerns about the rule. They argue that the rule will be difficult to implement and that it could stifle innovation in the drone industry.
The FAA is committed to enforcing the Remote ID rule, but they're also working with drone manufacturers and pilots to address the challenges. They're also providing resources to help people understand and comply with the rule.
Remote ID is still a new technology, and there are still some kinks to be worked out. As the technology continues to develop, Remote ID will become more reliable and affordable. This will make it easier for more people to use drones, and it will help to keep everyone safe.
When you are hiring a drone pilot, you can add if they have Remote ID to the list of questions making sure they are the right fit for your project. Other questions include, if they have a 107 certification, have registered their drone with the FAA, and if they are insured.
Happy flying!