As most know, compliance with the Remote ID rule will be required beginning in September 2023. In anticipation of the requirement, AMA has begun requesting FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIA) on behalf of our chartered clubs. We ask that those who have submitted their club’s FRIA questionnaire to AMA to please be patient. This process will take many months to complete. After AMA has submitted your club’s questionnaire for FAA review, the applicant will be notified of submission. Please keep in mind that the FAA will not begin processing these applications until summer 2023, so it might be some time before you are notified of your FRIA approval or denial.
For those not flying at a FRIA site, you will need to satisfy the Remote ID requirement by flying an aircraft with built-in Standard Remote ID, or by adding a Broadcast Module to your aircraft. A current list of FAA-compliant aircraft and broadcast modules can be found here. Please keep in mind that the aforementioned list represents the aircraft and broadcast modules that the FAA has approved to have met the remote ID standard so far. Not all the aircraft and broadcast modules on the list are available for sale at this time. AMA will be sure to update our members when more add-on broadcast modules become more widely available.
Lastly, Remote ID is only required for model aircraft that weigh over .55 lbs. (250g) and meet the definition of unmanned aircraft, defined in Public Law 115-254. AMA maintains that Control Line and Free Flight model aircraft do not meet this definition, so these two disciplines are also exempt from the upcoming remote ID requirements.
AMA has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions to assist in complying with the upcoming Remote ID Rule.
If you have any further questions or concerns, contact the Government Affairs department at (765) 287-1256 or amagov@modelaircraft.org.