UA.I.F.K2: Alternative 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

Overview and applicability

Remote identification (RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace.) is required for most unmanned aircraft operations after September 16, 2023. You may not operate in U.S. airspace unless you use a standard RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. unmanned aircraft or comply with the alternative RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. provisions of § 89.115. RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. applies to persons operating unmanned aircraft that are registered or required to be registered under parts 47 or 48, and to foreign civil unmanned aircraft in the United States. Operations under part 91 transmitting ADS‑BAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-BroadcastCloseAircraft broadcast technology. Part 107 drones generally may not use ADS-B Out unless specifically authorized. Out per § 91.225 are excluded from subpart B applicability. For small unmanned aircraft that weigh 0.55 pounds or less and are not required to be registered under part 48, RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. still applies when operating under any operating part that requires registration. Practically, every Part 107 pilot should plan to meet RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. on every flight unless specifically excepted or authorized. ^[1][2][6]

How to comply via the alternative RID (broadcast module)

If your aircraft is not a standard RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. unmanned aircraft, you can comply by using a remote identification broadcast module under § 89.115(a).

• Equipage and registration linkage. The unmanned aircraft must be equipped with a broadcast module that meets § 89.320, and the module’s serial number must 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 Certificate of Aircraft Registration must include the module’s serial number (per parts 47/48), or you must provide the unmanned aircraft’s serial number 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. ^[3]

• Operating conditions. From takeoff to shutdown, you must ensure the module is broadcasting the required RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. message elements directly from the aircraft. Additionally, when using a broadcast module, the person manipulating the flight controls must be able to see the unmanned aircraft at all times throughout the operation. For Part 107 pilots, that means you cannot rely solely on a visual observer to extend visual line of sight when using a module. ^[3]

• Module performance and preflight checks. The module must be capable of determining the takeoff location and synchronizing the time mark with all other message elements. Critically, before takeoff the module must automatically test RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. functionality and notify the person manipulating the controls of the result; it must also continuously monitor RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. functionality from takeoff to shutdown and notify the pilot of any malfunction or failure. Build these checks into your preflight and abort the launch if the module reports a fault. ^[5]

What must be broadcast (module vs. standard RID)

Know the difference between message elements for a broadcast module versus a standard RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. aircraft—this is frequently tested:

• Broadcast module (alternative RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace.). The broadcast must include: identity (the module’s serial number), the unmanned aircraft’s latitude/longitude, geometric altitude, and velocity; the takeoff location’s latitude/longitude and geometric altitude; and a UTC time mark. For practical purposes, with a module the system broadcasts the aircraft’s current position and the takeoff point—not the live control station location. ^[4]

• Standard RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. unmanned aircraft. A standard RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. aircraft must broadcast identity (either aircraft serial number or a session ID), control station latitude/longitude and geometric altitude, unmanned aircraft position and geometric altitude, velocity, a UTC time mark, and emergency status. Its performance requirements include ensuring the control station location corresponds to the person manipulating the controls and synchronizing the time mark. This contrast helps you identify which fields are present based on compliance path. ^[7]

Registration, movement of modules, and production/DoC essentials

• Registration entries matter. The serial number of a standard RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. aircraft or the broadcast module (if installed) must be listed on the aircraft’s Certificate of Aircraft Registration, and a module moved between Part 107 aircraft requires updating the registration entry to the new aircraft before operation. This administrative step is testable and operationally critical. ^[6]

• Production and compliance documentation. After April 21, 2021, broadcast modules must be designed and produced to § 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. Producers must allow FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. inspections, conduct recurring independent audits, and notify the public and the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. of any defect that causes noncompliance within 15 calendar days of awareness. They must also provide instructions to integrate and operate the module. As a pilot, purchase equipment listed under an FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.‑accepted declaration of compliance. ^[8]

Mastering these distinctions—who must comply, how a module-based operation is conducted, exactly what is broadcast, and the paperwork links—positions you to answer exam items tied to § 89.105, § 89.115, and related RIDRemote IdentificationCloseRemote ID broadcast requirements for most drones operating in U.S. airspace. provisions with confidence. ^[1][3][4]