As most of you know, the FAA’s Final Rule for Remote ID of Unmanned Aircraft was released on December 28, 2020, and published on January 15, 2021. In that rule, the FAA outlined three ways that UAS operators can comply with the upcoming Remote ID requirement:
Note: Aircraft that weigh at or under .55 lbs (250 grams) are not required to comply with Remote ID.
Standard Remote ID
1) Identify both the UAS and control station
• Broadcast equipment will be built into UAS at the manufacturers’ level, but likely will not apply to ARFs or kits.
• Requires radio frequency spectrum to broadcast location, altitude, ID, emergency status, etc., for both UAS and control station.
• UAS designed not to take off if not broadcasting a signal.
Broadcast Modules
2) Identify line-of-sight UAS operations
• Module option allows for older (nonstandard) UAS.
• Sends same signal as standard, except no emergency status and no control station information.
• The information broadcast will be UAS take-off location and altitude. Module also needs to signal if not working properly.
• FAA anticipates modules to cost approximately $50 (pre-inflation estimate).
FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIA)
3) Identify Community-Based Organization (CBO) locations with line-of-sight UAS operations
• No standard Remote ID or Broadcast Module required when flying at an FAA-approved FRIA.
• Valid for 48 months and renewal/changeable forever.
• Requires that the site be under the umbrella of a CBO or educational institute.
The FAA Final Rule stated that the FRIA application process and manufacturer requirement to implement standard Remote ID will begin September 16, 2022. However, at the time this article was written, the FAA has yet to publish AC 91-57C, which establishes a process to recognize CBOs.
Because CBO status is a requirement to apply for FRIA status, it is likely that the FAA will miss this September deadline. Please keep in mind that UAS operators have until September 16, 2023, before Remote ID compliance is required, and that date could be extended if the agency fails to meet current and future deadlines.
AMA plans to do as much of the legwork as possible for our clubs during the FRIA application process. Although we don’t fully know what the application process will consist of, AMA is hopeful that we can make all FRIA requests on behalf of our clubs.
When this process begins, we will contact all clubs to verify their flying site operating area and verify all other related information. We appreciate your patience once the process begins and we start applying for FRIA status for our 2,400 club flying sites.
To remain current with the most recent government-related news, regularly visit the AMA Government Affairs blog. If you have any further questions or concerns, contact the Government Affairs department at (765) 287-1256 or amagov@modelaircraft.org.