Blog
Drone Law Updates September 2023
Remote ID is coming for you!
The big picture is that legal pilots are no longer anonymous.
Reomote ID – What is it?
The FAA has mandated that sUAS – Drones – will need to identify themselves, their pilot, their takeoff location and control station using wifi and bluetooth transmissions. This is optional now, and starting September 16, 2023, it is manditory and has the force of law. Lots of information can be found at the FAA website.
Where you can fly without it?
There are a number of sites in the capital region and around the country that recreational pilots can fly without Remote ID in the Federally Recognized Identification Areas. the easy way to find them is by visiting the FAA’s FRIA map.
Also some categories of lightweight model aircraft used for recreation may not need it. See the link below for more information. However, this is rare and information is still forthcoming on how this will apply.
Who needs it?
The FAA’s legal team has a whole page of information about it linked above, but the simple explanation is that unless you are in one of the FRIA areas above, you probably need to use the Remote ID service. Fortunately, most drones were required to be equipped with them as of last year. Older drones will need a “broadcast module” to fly legally. In the capital region, there are several FRIA areas already, some of which are members of national organizations such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics. (I’m a member)
Why?
There are two big reasons. Drone aircraft are changing how we do business, and how far away we do business. the FAA is in the process of designing “Beyond Visual Line of Sight” rules, meaning that the pilot flying in those conditions won’t have eyes directly on the aircraft. This major change means that operators could be miles away.
The second big reason is more nuanced. Like a Drivers’ license, identifying who is operating a vehicle is important while investigating incidents or understaning situations where something went wrong. Remote ID is here to help with that situation.
Sky Photos and Remote ID
Sky Photos sUAV aircraft are (or will be) remote ID compliant when flown after September 16th. We fly throughout the Capital Region and beyond, and are happy to share the hobby and business ueses of drones with people who stop by.
While we’re flying, we really have to pay attention to the aircraft – that’s part of the the law too! Please wait until the aircraft is on the ground before asking us things!
Hudson, NY, at Dusk.
