By Lucas Rodden, Government Affairs Manager | lucasr@modelaircraft.org
THERE ARE TWO primary ways to satisfy the FAA’s Remote ID rule without the need to install a broadcast module for your daily operations. The first is an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA), and the second is generally called a Remote ID Exemption (RIDE).
Although both options allow flights without Remote ID modules, RIDEs are less common and have nuanced differences from FRIAs that can lead to confusion. This comparison outlines the basic distinctions and introduces the icon that is now available on AMA’s website. Clubs do not need to know which fits them best before applying. The same application is used for both, and AMA provides feedback when needed.
It’s important to note that a FRIA at a public location is generally available to everyone; however, FRIAs at private locations require approval from the landowner or managing club to fly there. Additionally, any RIDE only provides Remote ID relief for the club and its guests.
The best practice is to contact the club beforehand to request permission and/or familiarize yourself with any site-specific rules.
To help locate all approved sites, a new RIDE badge has been added to AMA’s Club Finder Tool to join the existing FRIA badge. Look for these logos to quickly identify exempt fields.
The FRIA logo means that the field has been FRIA approved by the FAA and does not require Remote ID.
The RIDE logo means that the FAA has approved an alternate exemption for this field. This field does not require Remote ID, but other conditions could apply. Verify with the club that you are following its requirements on-site.
What Do They Have in Common?
RIAs and RIDEs are both FAA-approved areas, where pilots are exempt from Remote ID requirements. The only thing FRIAs and RIDEs do is remove the requirement for Remote ID. They do not exempt the pilot from following any other FAA regulations, community-based organization safety codes, site rules, or property laws.
When approved, they are both in effect for four years. (RIDEs might expire sooner than four years, depending on the club’s agreement with its landlord or local airport. If they are uncertain, officers can contact FRIA@modelaircraft.org. FRIAs are valid for four years in all scenarios.)
What Makes Them Different?
After approval, FRIAs must be published on the public UAS Data Map. Although filed by AMA with the name and number of an AMA club, a FRIA’s exemption applies to anyone within the designated boundary. FRIAs do not impose operational conditions, such as restricted flight days or Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) requirements.
For these reasons, FRIAs can be challenging to secure in spaces such as public parks or around airport property.
RIDEs, however, are tailored to the specific field in question, typically because that site was previously denied a FRIA. The sites are not listed on the UAS Data Map and they might include operational conditions, such as NOTAMs or other restrictions. Clubs can choose to display their RIDE on the AMA website; otherwise, RIDEs remain private agreements that are not visible to the public.
Additionally, the exemption given by RIDEs only applies to club members and their guests. So, if a RIDE is issued in a public park, the club members and guests can fly without Remote ID, but other park patrons unaffiliated with the club would still need a module.
For these reasons, the FAA might find it easier to create and approve a RIDE for specific areas instead of a FRIA. Because each RIDE differs slightly, officers with questions about compliance should contact the AMA at FRIA@modelaircraft.org for more information.
Why the Difference?
Why do RIDEs exist if we already have FRIAs? FRIAs were designed by Congress and implemented by the FAA to apply to as many general situations as possible. More than 94% of the AMA clubs that have applied have received a FRIA, but the process does not easily accommodate sites with sensitive surroundings or airspace.
Before June 2024, many FRIA applications for these sites were stuck in limbo or repeatedly denied. To ensure exemptions for any club that wanted them, AMA worked with the FAA to expand the RIDE process. This offered a higher approval rate for complex sites, while still providing the same Remote ID relief.
How Much Do I Need to Know?
For officers, it is best to understand the basics of your club’s agreements and to share key information with members as needed—especially in case of an FAA visit. Members of RIDE clubs might also want to notify their officers before inviting new guests; otherwise, most members won’t need the details if they primarily fly at FRIA fields or use a module.
When visiting new areas, just look for the RIDE or FRIA logo to confirm whether a field is exempt, and communicate clearly with the club to learn its local rules.
Final Thoughts
Navigating FAA requirements, FRIAs, and RIDEs can be frustrating; AMA is unceasingly working to advocate for simpler processes, regain more flying freedom, and provide clear guidance to our members. All of this should help you focus on what matters most—flying safely and enjoyably. Look for the new RIDE logo in our Club Finder Tool, and please reach out if you have questions.
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 contact amagov@modelaircraft.org.