WASHINGTON December 28, 2020— The U.S.
Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today
announced final rules for Unmanned Aircraft (UA), commonly known as drones. The
new rules will require Remote Identification (Remote ID) of drones and allow
operators of small drones to fly over people and at night under certain
conditions. These rules come at a time when drones represent the
fastest-growing segment in the entire transportation sector – with currently
over 1.7 million drone registrations and 203,000 FAA-certificated remote
pilots.
Remote ID will help mitigate risks associated with expanded
drone operations, such as flights over people and at night, and both rules
support technological and operational innovation and advancements.
“These final rules carefully address safety, security and
privacy concerns while advancing opportunities for innovation and utilization
of drone technology,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.
Remote
ID (PDF) is a major step toward the full integration of drones
into the national airspace system. Remote ID provides identification of drones
in flight as well as the location of their control stations, providing crucial
information to our national security agencies and law enforcement partners, and
other officials charged with ensuring public safety. Airspace awareness reduces
the risk of drone interference with other aircraft and people and property on
the ground.
Equipping drones with Remote ID technology builds on
previous steps taken by the FAA and the drone industry to integrate operations
safely into the national airspace system. Part
107 of the federal aviation regulations currently prohibits covered
drone operations over people and at night unless the operator obtains a waiver
from the FAA. The new FAA regulations jointly provide increased flexibility to
conduct certain small UAS without obtaining waiver.
“The new rules make way for the further integration of
drones into our airspace by addressing safety and security concerns,” said FAA
Administrator Steve Dickson. “They get us closer to the day when we will more
routinely see drone operations such as the delivery of packages.”
The Remote
ID rule (PDF) applies to all operators of drones that require FAA
registration. There are three ways to comply with the operational requirements:
1. Operate a standard Remote ID drone that broadcasts
identification and location information of the drone and control station;
2. Operate a drone with a Remote ID broadcast module (may be
a separate device attached to the drone), which broadcasts identification,
location, and take-off information; or
3. Operate a drone without Remote ID but at specific
FAA-recognized identification areas.
The Operations
Over People and at Night rule (PDF) applies to Part 107
operators. The ability to fly over people and moving vehicles varies depending
on the level of risk a small drone operation presents to people on the ground.
Operations are permitted based on four categories, which can be found in
the executive
summary (PDF) accompanying the rule. Additionally, this rule
allows for operations at night under certain conditions.
The final rule requires that small drone operators have
their remote pilot certificate and identification in their physical possession
when operating, ready to present to authorities if needed. This rule also
expands the class of authorities who may request these forms from a remote pilot.
The final rule replaces the requirement to complete a recurrent test every 24
calendar months with the requirement to complete updated recurrent training
that includes operating at night in identified subject areas.
Both rules will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The Remote ID rule includes two compliance dates. Drone manufacturers will have 18 months to begin producing drones with Remote ID, with operators having an additional year to start using drones with Remote ID.
