FAA representatives caution against delay on compliance with Distant ID, despite the deadline extension until March 16, 2024.
Drone operators were speculated to be sure that their aircraft were compliant with Distant ID rules by September 16, 2023. Many operators, nonetheless, have been unable to acquire the Distant ID modules required to equip older model aircraft for compliance. In response, the FAA issued a press release granting six months of relief from the deadline on September 13.
On yesterday’s DRONERESPONDERS FAA Webinar on Distant ID, FAA representatives John Meehan and Mike O’Shea clarified that the announcement of a six month relief period for operators doesn’t mean that pilots should delay on ordering Distant ID broadcast modules or equipping their aircraft.
FAA representative Mike O’Shea said that the aim of the published extension was to assist keep mission-critical drone programs airborne, in light of supply chain issues for Distant ID modules. “[The FAA] heard the complaints, they realized there was a difficulty, they usually took motion,” said O’Shea. To the DRONERESPONDERS audience, O’Shea said “The intention is to make sure you could still fly on behalf of public safety.”
“It’s essential that while you’re capable of comply, you do comply,” said O’Shea.
FAA’s John Meehan said that the extension is meant to be a six month relief period on enforcement, not on compliance. The relief is designed to guard those operators making their best effort to work throughout the law. He also emphasized that operators must order the equipment they need now, and be sure that they’re in compliance as soon as possible.
“Take into consideration your mission sets, take into consideration what you’re going to wish,” said Meehan. “In the event you are going to wish it in March, you wish it now.”
There are 3 ways to comply with the rule on Distant ID for drones:
- Fly an aircraft certified as Distant ID compliant;
- Attach a Distant ID module;
- Fly only in a delegated flying area (FRIA.)
To see in case your aircraft is already compliant with the Distant ID rule, see the FAA list here. Find more information on Distant ID on the FAA website here.
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