Are you ready for Remote ID (RID)?

We are less than 1 month away from the date (September 16, 2023) stipulated by the FAA for the entry into force of Remote ID in the United States, RID is a feature that allows a drone in flight to provide identification and location information to other parties. The FAA compares it to a ‘digital license plate’ for a drone.

The goal of RID is to improve overall safety and airspace security, as well as facilitate the integration of drones into the national aviation system.

There are three ways to comply with RID identification requirements.

• Estándar Remote ID These are drones that are produced with the integrated capability of emitting identification information, drone location, and control station according to the requirements of the standard. All models of commercial and industrial drones entering the United States market to date must comply with the RID standard, and some previous models from the most recognized brands such as DJI, Autel, Skydio, Holy Stone, among others, made backward compatibility and were also approved. Check here the list of drones that have an FAA-approved RID standard.

Make sure to verify that the Type is RID and that the Status says Accepted. As we can see in the example image, some drones from models prior to 2022, such as the Mavic Pro Platinum, have not been approved as of the publication date of this article.

On the other hand, if the drone does not appear approved on this list, you can continue flying it by complying with one of the remaining two options.

• Drone with a RID emission module. An emission module is a device that emits identification and location information about the drone and its takeoff location according to the requirements of the standard. The emission module can be added to a drone to equip it with RID capabilities. Pilots operating a drone with an emission module must be able to see their drone at all times during flight. You can use the same link where the drones with RID standard are to consult the modules approved by the FAA. My recommendation, check that it is approved before buying any module or drone.

• Without RID in this last case, the drone can only be operated in identification areas recognized by the FAA sponsored by educational institutions or community-based organizations (CBOs).

These areas, known as FRIAs (FAA-Recognized Identification Areas), are the only places where drones can operate without emitting the elements of the RID message. Consult with local CBOs to identify the FRIAs in your area.

RID is a technological and regulatory innovation that has implications for the future of the drone industry and its applications. Some potential benefits of RID are:

• Increase public confidence and acceptance of drones by providing transparency and accountability.

• Facilitate the development and implementation of advanced drone operations, such as beyond visual line-of-sight flight, cargo or passenger transport, or home deliveries.

• Improve coordination and cooperation among airspace users, authorities, and stakeholders.

• Reduce risks and incidents related to the improper or illegal use of drones.