This week the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that drone pilots who are unable to comply with the Remote ID Rule broadcast requirement will have until March 16, 2024, to equip their drone appropriately. If a drone pilot fails to comply with this requirement after this extended deadline, the pilot could be subject to fines or suspension or the revocation of their pilot certificate. The original compliance deadline was set for September 16, 2023.

The FAA’s decision to extend the deadline stems from the unanticipated issues that some drone operators are facing with some types of remote identification broadcast modules. To meet the Remote ID Rule requirements, pilots can purchase a standard Remote ID-equipped drone directly from a manufacturer or purchase the Remote ID module which must be affixed to existing drones that do not have the Remote ID equipment installed upon production. The goal of the Remote ID Rule is to create a digital license plate for drones to assist the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies in monitoring drones for unsafe operation or operation in restricted areas. To view the full regulation, click here.