Fly ID systems complying with European regulation EN 4709-002(EASA) are available

REMOTE IDENTIFICATION IN EUROPE: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Since January 1, 2024, Remote Identification systems (Remote ID or DRI) have emerged as an essential technological solution for securing low-altitude airspace. Direct integration by drone manufacturers such as DJI or Parrot, or use of remote ID add-on modules by professional drone pilots, has become essential to ensure compliance with European regulations (EN 4709-002) published by the EASA and to be able to carry out flight missions in complete legality. Here’s a complete overview of the Remote Identification subject, to ensure the compliance of your flight missions in Europe. 

What exactly is Remote Identification?

Remote Identification (Remote ID or DRI) is a device (integrated into the drone or added as an add-on module) that allows your drone to transmit essential information about itself and its activities during flight. This system is often compared to a drone number plate.

This information makes it possible to effectively monitor drone activity and ensure airspace safety and regulation by enabling the identification of unauthorised flights in areas regulated by the competent authorities.

Drone flying over a city
A drone flies over Paris, with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

How does Remote Identification work and what data is transmitted?

Direct Remote Identification (also known as Broadcast Remote ID) sends signals that nearby receivers can detect, receive and read. These signals are only accessible to the competent authorities equipped with specific devices.

 

EASA now requires your drone to transmit the following information:

  • Drone operator registration number: this is a unique identifier allocated to the operator of the drone when it is registered with the competent national authority.
  • Drone identification number: this is a unique identifier for the drone itself, generally a serial number complying with the ANSI/CTA-2063-A standard.
  • Geographical position, route and speed of the drone: latitude, longitude, route, ground speed and altitude of the current position of the drone.
  • Geographical position of the pilot: latitude, longitude and altitude of the pilot or, if this data is not available, the take-off point.
  • Time stamp: information on the time at which the data was recorded or broadcast.
  • Drone emergency status: indication of the drone’s emergency status.

     

Finally, remote identification systems make the drone digitally visible to drone tracking applications (OpendroneID or OpenSky) to inform other operators that you are carrying out a mission close to them. However, these applications do not allow access to the private information of professional drone pilots.

Focus on the European EASA regulations (EN 4709-002)

All drones operating in the specific category and all drones with class markings (C1/C2/C3/C4/C5/C6) operating in the open category must now be equipped with direct remote identification (DRI or Remote ID).

For professional drone pilots in Europe, it is necessary to complete a registration process not with EASA but with their national aviation authority (DGAC in France, for example). The registration process is detailed in the article below.

Several specific cases where remote identification is not required have been detailed by the EASA:

 

  • If your drone weighs less than 250 grams and does not have a camera or sensor capable of capturing personal data, or if it is considered to be a “toy”.
  • Class 0 drones: these are drones whose take-off weight is less than 250 grams, including payload.

  • C3 captive drones: these drones must meet specific criteria, including an attachment length of less than 50 metres.

  • C4 drones without automatic control modes: these drones must not have any automatic control modes other than flight stabilisation. This exception is intended for model aircraft enthusiasts.

Table showing the use of a Remote ID system with a city in the background.

“In Europe, flying a drone without a remote identification system can lead to various legal and administrative consequences, depending on the legislation in force in the specific country where you operate. Here are some potential risks:

Administrative fines and penalties / Drone confiscation / Civil liability in case of accident / Criminal penalties in certain serious cases / Subsequent flight bans…

Before flying your drone, make sure you’re familiar with EASA regulations to avoid any infringements and their potential consequences.”

Table showing Remote ID technologies with a city in the background.
How to ensure compliance with Remote Identification regulations?

Professional drone pilots operating in the European Union must, as of January 1, 2024, comply with the following measures to ensure that they comply with EASA regulations on remote identification:

 

1. Remote pilot registration:

The first step is to register with the national aviation authority (DGAC in France, for example). To do this, you need to provide your contact details. You will receive a unique operator identifier for all your flight missions.

2. Marking the drone:

Once you have registered with your authority, you will need to clearly affix your operator ID to your drone.

3. Remote identification technology:

You need to ensure that your drone is equipped with the necessary remote identification technology. You have several options:

You have a drone with a built-in remote identification function; (you’ll find a list at the end of the article) Or If your drone is not equipped with a remote identification function, but a firmware update is available which will enable you to access this function. Or You install a remote identification add-on module on your drone if it is not equipped with integrated functions.

4. Registering your operator number:

You need to enter your operator registration number (ORN) in the EASA remote identification system.

Which drones have a Remote Identification function?

As explained earlier in this article, some DJI drones are already natively equipped with this remote identification function (not exhaustive):

 DJI Enterprise :

  • DJI M30 / M30T Dock
  • DJI M30 / M30T
  • DJI M350
  • DJI M3 E/T/M

DJI :

  • DJI Mini 4 Pro (With C1 certification) 
  • DJI Air 3
  • DJI Mavic 3 Pro / Cine
  • DJI Mavic 3 Classic
  • DJI Mavic 3 / Cine
Screenshot of DJI application with RID indication
Table showing Remote ID technologies with a city in the background.

WHICH DRONES DON’T HAVE A REMOTE IDENTIFICATION FUNCTION ?

Some DJI drones are not natively equipped with this remote identification function, and therefore require the installation of a remote identification add-on module. Here is a list (not exhaustive):

 DJI Enterprise :

  • DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise
  • DJI Mavic 2 Dual
  • DJI Mavic 2 Advance
  • DJI Matrice 200
  • DJI Matrice 600

DJI :

  • DJI Mavic Air
  • DJI Mavic Air 2
  • DJI Mavic Pro
  • DJI Mavic Pro Platinum
  • DJI Inspire 1
  • DJI Inspire 2
  • DJI Phantom 1
  • DJI Phantom 2
  • DJI Phantom 3
  • DJI Phantom 4
FLY WITH DUAL REMOTE IDENTIFICATION (FR/EU) : UPDATE YOUR FLY ID (DRI)

Since 1 January 2024, Direct Remote Identification systems (Remote ID or DRI) have been mandatory in Europe, ensuring compliance with European regulations (EN 4709-002) published by the EASA. However, France also has specific regulations that are unique to that country. In fact, since 2019 the DGAC, the French aviation authority, has required all professional telepilots with a drone weighing more than 800 grams, to be equipped with a Remote Electronic Signal system (FR), which is slightly different from the European Direct Remote Identification system (EU).

To make sure you’re still flying legally, Dronavia is offering European telepilots flying in France the chance to upgrade their Fly ID system to both Remote Electronic Signal (FR) and Direct Remote Identification (EU).

Screenshot of DJI application with RID indication
FLY ID

Fly ID is a new range of Direct Remote Identification (DRI) devices compatible with all drones. Be visible, be safe by opting for the easiest way to comply with the latest EASA regulations.

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