In Las Vegas, FAA's Remote ID Decision: Betting on a Delay

The Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas began with a keynote that addressed key issues in the drone industry, particularly the FAA's plans for drone integration and the impending Remote ID for Drones rule, set to take effect on September 16, 2023. However, many pilots and Drone Service Providers (DSPs) are hearing conflicting reports about enforcement after the deadline.

Lisa Ellman, the moderator of the keynote and Executive Director of the Commercial Drone Alliance, highlighted industry frustration with FAA processes and rulemaking, which have been slow in addressing issues like beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight and type certification.

Ellman outlined several critical steps for the government to take in the coming months, including promoting an FAA Reauthorization Bill, establishing a policy for the U.S. to lead in unmanned technology, and streamlining FAA processes for UAS integration. Despite industry concerns, she expressed optimism about progress happening behind the scenes at the FAA.

David Boulter, the FAA's Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, acknowledged the need for collaboration and faster progress in drone technology integration. He emphasized the importance of adopting risk-based decision-making and prioritized clarifying agency policies, adopting an "all of government" approach, providing timely answers to industry queries, and gathering more data for effective rulemaking.

A significant concern discussed was the Remote ID requirement with a deadline of September 16, 2023. Many commercial operators have faced challenges in obtaining external remote ID modules and firmware updates for their aircraft. Boulter assured operators that relief is forthcoming, even though the specifics are still being worked out. “You’re going to get relief, it’s just a matter of what that relief looks like,” said David. He also assured attendees, that the FAA is aware of the issues and is committed to addressing them to facilitate compliance with the Remote ID rule. “There will be relief, and it will be before the 16th. It’s somewhere in the gauntlet..."

While this statements bolster the idea that a delay on RID is coming, with just four days until the September 16th deadline, both drone pilots and Drone Service Providers (DSPs) are feeling a heightened sense of anticipation and anxiety. The pivotal question on everyone's mind is whether the FAA will be folding or holding.

Sterling M. Roberts

Director of Product

DroneHive, Inc.