On December 31, 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a proposed rule that would establish requirements for the remote identification of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) (i.e., drones) operating in the airspace of the United States. The proposed rule would require almost all unmanned aircraft systems operating in U.S. airspace to transmit certain identifying information to other aircraft and to people on the ground. Remote identification is an important building block for a robust air traffic system for UAS. The identity and location information will promote safety by providing increased situational awareness for manned and unmanned aircraft and quick access to crucial data for law enforcement and public safety officials. Remote identification is also essential to enabling complex drone operations, such as operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLS). FAA’s proposed rule envisions that all UAS operating within the airspace of the United States will within three years of the effective date of the rule be compliant with the remote identification requirements, including design, production, registration, and operation.
- Read the proposed rule: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-12-31/pdf/2019-28100.pdf
- Comments on the proposed rule are due to the FAA by March 2, 2020 and may be filed at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/12/31/2019-28100/remote-identification-of-unmanned-aircraft-systems
- Advocacy contact: Bruce Lundegren (202) 205-6144