UA.I.F.K1: Standard remote identification.

ACS Area I — Regulations Task F: Remote Identification (RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace.) References: 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. part 89; ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-H-8083-25; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-G-8082-22

Key Concepts

Who must comply and when

After September 16, 2023, unmanned aircraft operations in U.S. airspace must comply with the standard Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. rule (§89.110) or an alternative method (§89.115), unless otherwise authorized or as provided in §89.120^[1]. This applies to unmanned aircraft registered or required to be registered under parts 47 or 48, and to foreign civil unmanned aircraft in the United States. It does not apply to part 91 operations transmitting ADS‑BAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-BroadcastCloseAircraft broadcast technology. Part 107 drones generally may not use ADS-B Out unless specifically authorized. Out under §91.225^[1].

For part 107, most small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. that are registered or required to be registered must comply. The serial number of the standard Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. unmanned aircraft, or of the Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. broadcast module (if used), must be listed on the Certificate of Aircraft Registration. A module may be moved between aircraft, but its serial number must be updated on the new aircraft’s registration certificate before operation. Small unmanned aircraft 0.55 pounds or less that are not required to be registered must comply with Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. when operated under any operating part for which registration is required^[2].

Compliance paths: standard RID aircraft vs. broadcast module

Standard Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. unmanned aircraft broadcast these message elements: identity (either the aircraft’s serial number or a session ID); latitude/longitude and geometric altitude of the control station; latitude/longitude and geometric altitude of the aircraft; aircraft velocity; UTC time mark; and emergency status. The control station location must correspond to the person manipulating the flight controls^[4].

Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. broadcast modules (used on aircraft that are not standard RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace.) broadcast: the module serial number (identity); aircraft latitude/longitude and geometric altitude; aircraft velocity; takeoff latitude/longitude and geometric altitude; and a UTC time mark^[3].

Operationally, using a broadcast module imposes specific conditions:

• Equipage and registration linkage: the module must meet §89.320 and be listed on an FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.‑accepted declaration of compliance; the aircraft’s registration certificate must include the module serial number per parts 47/48, or the aircraft serial number must be provided to the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. in a notice of identification under §89.130, prior to operation^[7].
• From takeoff to shutdown, the module must broadcast the §89.315 message elements directly from the aircraft^[7].
• The person manipulating the controls must maintain visual line of sight (VLOSVisual Line of SightCloseThe requirement to see the drone well enough to know its location, attitude, altitude, and direction of flight.) with the unmanned aircraft throughout the operation^[7].

Performance, self‑test, and pilot responsibilities

Both standard RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. aircraft and broadcast modules include performance requirements:

• The time mark must be synchronized with all other message elements^[3][4].
• Prior to takeoff, the equipment must automatically test Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. functionality and notify the person manipulating the controls of the result; modules must also continuously monitor RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. functionality from takeoff to shutdown and notify of any malfunction or failure^[3]. Standard RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. aircraft also include self‑testing and monitoring requirements in §89.310(c)^[4].

As remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation. under part 107, you are the final authority for the safe operation and must ensure the aircraft complies with applicable rules. This includes ensuring the correct serial number appears on the registration certificate when required and that the Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. system passes preflight checks and broadcasts as required during flight^[8][2].

Production and FAA acceptance (exam awareness)

After April 21, 2021, no person may produce Remote IDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. broadcast modules unless they are designed and produced to meet §89.320 via an FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.‑accepted means of compliance, and the producer meets inspection, recurring independent audit, product support/notification (including notifying the public and FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. of any defect within 15 calendar days), and instructions requirements^[5].

Producers of standard RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. aircraft or broadcast modules must submit a declaration of compliance for FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. acceptance, including contact information, make/model, serial number(s) covered, the FCCFederal Communications CommissionCloseThe U.S. agency that regulates radio spectrum and communications equipment. Identifier for 47 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. part 15‑compliant RFRadio FrequencyCloseThe electromagnetic frequency range used for control links, communications, and broadcasts. equipment, the means of compliance, whether the declaration is initial or amended (and why), and statements attesting the design/production meet §89.310 (for standard RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace.) and that required 47 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. part 15 equipment is used and integrated^[6].

A “declaration of compliance” is the record a producer submits to attest that all Subpart F requirements have been met^[1].