FlyRoute: July 1, 2023
Did you know that when filming your team’s practices or games, your drone is operating within the FAA National Airspace System (NAS)? This means you are legally responsible for upholding all FAA regulations, whether you were aware of them or not. This September a major rule change is coming that affects ALL commercial and hobby drone operators, whether you are being compensated or not. Read on to find out how to remain compliant and avoid possible fines.
The FAA is addressing the integration of drones into the NAS. The Remote Identification rule, or Remote ID, is the ability of a drone in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties. Basically, Remote ID helps the FAA and law enforcement track drone pilots who are flying in unauthorized areas. All registered drones must comply with Remote ID by September 16th, 2023. This ruling sets the framework for safety and security for all aircraft in the NAS.
Not all drones are compliant with Remote ID. Older drones need to have a device attached to the aircraft or
a software upgrade to become compliant. However, drone manufacturers are now producing aircraft with built-in Remote ID broadcast capabilities. Regardless of which method is used, the following information must be broadcast: the drone’s identity, its location, its altitude, and its control station (the pilot’s location). Here is a list of drones that come Remote ID compliant out of the box. If your drone is not Remote ID compliant, you must install an FAA approved 3rd party module such as DroneTag Beacon or Pierce Aerospace B1 Pro.
As a professional drone service provider, FlyRoute is committed to safety and complying with all FAA rules and regulations. Leading up to the September 16th, 2023 deadline, FlyRoute opted to upgrade its older drones, DJI Mavic 2 Zooms, with newer drones. The DJI Air 2S model maintains a compact design, provides high-quality aerial videos, and most importantly broadcasts all Remote ID requirements.
Overall, compliance with the FAA’s Remote ID rule ensures congested airspace remains safe. The ability of law enforcement to identify an unauthorized drone and the pilot’s location could prevent a costly airport closure or avert a deadly aircraft collision.
About the Author: Michael P. Buchkoski, an FAA rated drone pilot, serves as the Vice President of Operations of FlyRoute, a Denver-based drone service company specializing in aerial videography for athletic events throughout the nation. He is available at mbuchkoski@flyroute.com.
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