Remote Drone Identification

Remote Drone Identification

The FAA’s Proposed Rule on the Remote Identification of Drones

The FAA published a notice of proposed rule making that would require drone manufacturers to make their drones capable of remote identification. The proposal has two categories for remote identification: standard remote identificaiton and limited remote identification.

Standard remote identification requires the drone to broadcast identification and location information directly from the drone while also sending the same information via an internet connect to a service supplier known as a Remote ID USS that would collect and store the identificaiton and location information real-time. The Remote ID USS will be required to retain the information for a minimal of 6 months.

Limited remote identifcation only requires the identification and location information to be sent to the Remote ID USS via an internetion connection. There is no requirement for the broadcasting of the information. According to the FAA, drones with a limited remote identification requirement will be designed to fly no more than 400 feet away from the operator.

The proposed rule states that the broadcasted ID information will be considered public information and it will be possible for any individual to receive the broadcasted remote ID information. Although FAA’s proposed rule only commits to helping law enforcement and Federal security partners obtain the remote ID information in real-time.

What the Drone ID Requirement Should Include:

  • A requirement for ALL drones to broadcast ID information
  • A specific and easily accessible means for the public to obtain the broadcast ID information of drones in their vicinity in real-time (e.g. an app on a smartphone)
  • A requirement that the broadcasted ID information include the capabilities and specifications of the surveillance equipment on the drone

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