FAA Extends Drone ID Deadline Six Months

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Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA has extended the enforcement deadline for mandatory drone Remote ID by six months, with the new compliance date set for March 16, 2024.
  • This extension was granted due to supply chain issues that have made it difficult for drone operators to acquire the necessary electronic identification broadcast modules.
  • Operators must equip their drones with Remote ID by the new deadline, either by buying compliant drones or attaching modules, or face potential fines or loss of pilot certificates.
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The FAA has given drone operators an extra six months to install mandatory electronic identification gear on their aircraft. Operators now have until March 16, 2024, to add the tiny modules or buy factory-equipped aircraft so they can broadcast the identification and location data the FAA mandated a couple of years ago. The agency said in a statement that supply chain issues have hampered drone operators’ attempts to comply with the rule. “In making this decision, the FAA recognizes the unanticipated issues that some operators are experiencing finding some remote identification broadcast modules,” the statement said. “Drone pilots can meet this deadline by purchasing a standard Remote ID equipped drone from a manufacturer or purchasing a Remote ID broadcast module which can be affixed to existing drones that do not have Remote ID equipment.” Operators who use drones without the “digital license plate” after March 16 face fines and/or losing their pilot certificates.

Russ Niles

Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.
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