Remote ID, the FAA-mandated flight identification requirement, is something we at Applied Aeronautics have spent a lot of time planning on deploying. With any new hardware, an expected set of challenges are always present. But, when regulation becomes part of the process, ensuring that the necessary functionality is correct and that it is following the rules and regulations needs additional attention and care.
Starting December 16th, 2022 all aircraft sold to US customers will be required to have an onboard Remote ID module, as mandated by the FAA. While this doesn’t affect non-US aircraft, this isn’t as easy as a simple standalone unit to add in. The module needs to be tightly integrated from a software and hardware perspective to ensure that several necessary tamper-resistant safeguards are in place and following AC89-2, ASTM F3586-22, and F3411-22A.
As an aircraft manufacturer, we are required to meet these requirements, and as such, compliant aircraft must be unable to operate without the module.
We will continue to test this over the next couple of months to ensure that before the FAA deadline, all new aircraft have the onboard modules, and the aircraft, not just the onboard modules, are compliant.