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. 

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.

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 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