Update: Let the FAA Know What You Think About Remote ID
Image Credit: Federal Aviation Administration
Early last year, we reported that the FAA was making major moves towards implementing a remote ID system. Since 2017, the FAA has been trying to figure out how to go about remotely identifying and tracking drones in flight. On December 20th, 2018, the FAA issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a remote ID system, which closed on February 4th, 2019. Then, on December 31st, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for remote identification of UAS.
The FAA’s main reasoning for proposing this system is the potential safety benefits of being able to identify and track the thousands of drones currently in operation. On the FAA’s web page for UAS Remote Identification, they state, “Remote ID would assist the FAA, law enforcement, and Federal security agencies when a UAS appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where the drone is not allowed to fly.”
This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is available for anyone to read in the Federal Register, which can be accessed through their official website. There, on the document’s page, you can read the rule’s purpose and what it would entail.
Image Credit: FederalRegister.gov
On that same page, concerned citizens can also voice their opinions by submitting a formal comment. As of the writing of this article, there are over 10,000 public comments posted. The comment period for this proposed rule ends on March 2, 2020. If you’re having trouble, Regulations.gov also has a document of tips for writing an effective comment.
Some drone pilots are against the idea of remote tracking. For example, a hobbyist started their comment by stating, “Remote ID for hobbyists is a ridiculous and draconian regulatory overreach that will serve no purpose other than essentially ending an enjoyable hobby.”
Another commenter, while not against the system, was concerned about the parameters. Their comment includes a request: “Please add an exception for flying over your own property or legally leased grazing land, including an extra 100ft (whatever) around the perimeter for when checking fence lines. Please omit the horizontal range limit and visual site line requirement when over your own/leased property.”
Image Credit: FederalRegister.gov
Regardless of your position, this rule's potential impact is evident. If you want to let the public and the FAA know how you feel about the proposed remote identification rule, there's still time to submit a formal comment. You can read the rule for yourself here or comment here.
I am a writer and an artist based in Georgia. Specializing in illustration, graphic design, and video art, I love to explore the new ways technology intersects with art. I think drones have done amazing things for photography and video art, making what would previously be costly and difficult more accessible. As a complete novice, it was only recently that I saw what independent artists could do with their drones, and I continue to be impressed by the sights that drones are able to explore and the images they can capture. Instagram: @tyesha.ferron
