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FAA’s Remote ID Rule Takes Effect in September—Is Your Drone Ready?

Businesses, law enforcement agencies, and recreational flyers will all be required to have remote ID capabilities by September 16.

FAA drone remote ID
Starting September 16, all FAA-registered drones must have remote ID capabilities. [Courtesy: JeShoots/Pexels]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA's Remote ID rule takes full effect on September 16, requiring most registered drones to broadcast unique identification and real-time location data.
  • Drones can comply either with built-in Remote ID capabilities (standard) or by using an approved remote ID broadcast module, which limits flights to visual line of sight.
  • Exceptions include recreational drones weighing less than 0.55 pounds and flights conducted within FAA-recognized identification areas (FRIAs).
  • Pilots must register their Remote ID-compliant drones or modules via FAADroneZone, with distinct registration processes for recreational and Part 107 operators.
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The FAA published its final rule on remote identification of drones—a revision to Part 89 in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations—in April 2021. The rule is set to take full effect in just a few months. And if they haven’t already, it’s time for drone pilots to prepare.

The FAA’s remote ID rule mandates that by September 16 all drones registered with the agency must also be capable of publicly broadcasting certain information, such as a unique ID number and real-time location data. That means businesses, law enforcement agencies, and even recreational flyers will have two months to make sure they’re compliant.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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