The FAA has issued final rules for small unmanned aircraft remote ID and flight over people. Those are important steps in integrating UAS into the National Airspace System. This episode provides summaries of the rules and describes how they are different from the previously proposed rules.
Final Rule on Remote ID of Unmanned Aircraft
There are three options for unmanned aircraft (UA): Standard Remote ID with broadcast directly from the UA, a Remote ID Broadcast Module as a separate broadcast device on the UA, and FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIA) where UAs without Remote ID can fly.
Option 1: Standard Remote ID
- Broadcasts remote ID messages directly from the UA via radio frequency broadcast (likely Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology)
- The broadcast will be compatible with existing personal wireless devices.
- Standard Remote ID message includes:
- UA ID (serial number of UA or session ID);
- Latitude/longitude, altitude, and velocity of UA;
- Latitude/longitude and altitude of the Control Station;
- Emergency status;
- A time mark.
- Remote ID message will be available to most personal wireless devices within range of the broadcast
- However, correlating the serial number or session ID with the registration database will be limited to the FAA and can be made available to authorized law enforcement and national security personnel upon request.
- The range of the remote ID broadcast may vary, as each UA must be designed to maximize the range at which the broadcast can be received.
Option 2: UA w/ Remote ID Broadcast Module
- Broadcast Module may be a separate device that is attached to an unmanned aircraft, or a feature built into the aircraft.
- Enables retrofit for existing UA, and Broadcast Module serial number must be entered into the registration record for the unmanned aircraft.
- Broadcast Module Remote ID message includes:
- Serial number of the module;
- Latitude/longitude, altitude, and velocity of UA;
- Latitude/longitude and altitude of the take-off location, and time mark.
- UA remotely identifying with a Broadcast Module must be operated within visual line of sight at all times.
- Broadcast Module to broadcast via radio frequency (likely Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology).
- Compatibility with personal wireless devices and range of the Remote ID Broadcast Module message similar to Standard Remote ID UA.
Option 3: FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIA)
- Geographic areas recognized by the FAA where unmanned aircraft not equipped with Remote ID are allowed to fly.
- Organizations eligible to apply for the establishment of an FRIA include community-based organizations recognized by the Administrator, primary and secondary educational institutions, trade schools, colleges, and universities.
- Must operate within visual line of sight and only within the boundaries of an FRIA.
- The FAA will begin accepting applications for FRIAs 18 months after the effective date of the rule, and applications may be submitted at any time after that.
- FRIA authorizations will be valid for 48 months, may be renewed, and may be terminated by the FAA for safety or security reasons.
Design and Production Rules for Manufacturers
- Most unmanned aircraft must be produced as Standard Remote ID Unmanned Aircraft and meet the requirements of this rule beginning 18 months after the effective date of the rule.
- Remote ID Broadcast modules must be produced to meet the requirements of the rule before they can be used.
- The final rule establishes minimum performance requirements describing the desired outcomes, goals, and results for remote identification without establishing a specific means or process.
- A person designing or...
