FAA Clarifies Remote ID Deadline Extension: “Don’t Wait”

FAA representatives caution against delay on compliance with Remote ID, despite the deadline extension until March 16, 2024.

Drone operators were supposed to ensure that their aircraft were compliant with Remote ID rules by September 16, 2023.  Many operators, however, have been unable to obtain the Remote ID modules required to equip older model aircraft for compliance.  In response, the FAA issued a statement granting six months of relief from the deadline on September 13.

On yesterday’s DRONERESPONDERS FAA Webinar on Remote ID, FAA representatives John Meehan and Mike O’Shea clarified that the announcement of a six month relief period for operators does not mean that pilots should delay on ordering Remote ID broadcast modules or equipping their aircraft.

FAA representative Mike O’Shea said that the purpose of the published extension was to help keep mission-critical drone programs airborne, in light of supply chain issues for Remote ID modules.  “[The FAA] heard the complaints, they realized there was an issue, and they took action,” said O’Shea.  To the DRONERESPONDERS audience, O’Shea said  “The intention is to ensure that you can still fly on behalf of public safety.”

“It’s important that when you’re able to comply, you do comply,” said O’Shea.

FAA’s John Meehan said that the extension is intended to be a six month relief period on enforcement, not on compliance.  The relief is designed to protect those operators making their best effort to work within the law.  He also emphasized that operators must order the equipment they need now, and ensure that they are in compliance as soon as possible.

“Think about your mission sets, think about what you’re going to need,” said Meehan.  “If you are going to need it in March, you need it now.”

There are 3 ways to comply with the rule on Remote ID for drones:

• Fly an aircraft certified as Remote ID compliant;
• Attach a Remote ID module;
• Fly only in a designated flying area (FRIA.)

To see if your aircraft is already compliant with the Remote ID rule, see the FAA list here.    Find more information on Remote ID at the FAA website here.

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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry.  Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

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