Complete List: DJI Drones with Remote ID Capability

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been working to regulate and integrate drones into the national airspace system. As part of this effort, the FAA has introduced the Remote Identification (Remote ID) rule for drones, which will be mandatory starting September 16, 2023. Here is the list of DJI drones that currently have Remote ID capability.

The Remote ID regulation is designed to enhance safety, security, and accountability for drone operators and other airspace users, paving the way for expanded drone applications and the eventual integration of drones into everyday life.

READ: FPV COALITION ADVOCATING FOR RECREATIONAL DRONE MAX WEIGHT INCREASE FROM 250G TO 1KG

Remote ID, often compared to a “digital license plate” for drones, enables a drone in flight to transmit identification and location information to others. Remote ID will be required to be active on your drone as of September 16, 2023.

Drones can either have built-in Remote ID capabilities or be fitted with an external device to comply. DJI has introduced firmware updates for most of its latest drones to ensure compliance. However, older models may necessitate a separate add-on module to broadcast Remote ID information. Drone users have until September 16, 2023, to decide whether to upgrade their aircraft or purchase an add-on Remote ID device.

The FAA’s rule applies to all drone operators, with exemptions for drones weighing less than 250g and flown solely for recreational purposes, and drones flown at FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs), which are traditional model airplane fields where hobbyists have gathered and flown safely for years.

READ: 2023 IS THE YEAR OF REMOTE ID – YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

To comply with the Remote ID rule, drone manufacturers like DJI have introduced firmware updates for most of their latest drones. Older models may require a separate add-on module to broadcast Remote ID information.

DJI Drones with Remote ID Capability

As of now, the FAA has approved 18 DJI drones with Remote ID capability. These are:

• DJI Mavic Pro Platinum
• DJI Air 2S
• DJI Mini 3
• DJI Mini 3 Pro
• DJI Avata
• DJI Mavic 3
• DJI Mavic 3 Cine
• DJI Mavic 3 Classic
• DJI Mavic 3 Pro
• DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine
• DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise
• DJI Mavic 3 Thermal
• DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral
• DJI Matrice 30
• DJI Matrice 30 Thermal
• DJI M300 RTK
• DJI Agras T40
• DJI Agras T30

Concerns about Remote ID for drones

While DJI implements the Remote ID capability in its drone through firmware updates. Things are not so easy for RC airplane pilots and FPV drone enthusiasts. These folks have raised several concerns regarding the FAA’s Remote ID rule for drones:

• Privacy: Some pilots worry that the transmission of their location data could lead to privacy breaches or unwanted attention from the public. The Remote ID system requires pilots to share their location in real-time, potentially making them vulnerable to privacy invasions.
• Operational Restrictions: The rule could limit the flight capabilities of RC airplanes and FPV Drones, particularly if pilots are unable to find a suitable FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) nearby. Flying outside of FRIAs would require compliance with the Remote ID rule, which could be burdensome for some hobbyists.
• Cost: The additional expense of upgrading existing drones or purchasing Remote ID-compatible aircraft may be prohibitive for some hobbyists. This could lead to reduced participation in RC and FPV flying, negatively impacting the community and associated industries.
• Technological Limitations: For older RC airplanes and FPV drones, it may be challenging to retrofit them with the necessary Remote ID technology. This could force some pilots to abandon their beloved aircraft or invest in new, compliant models.
• Exclusion of Recreational Pilots: Some pilots feel that the FAA’s Remote ID rule unfairly targets recreational users, who generally pose less of a risk compared to commercial operations. This perceived imbalance has fueled discontent among the hobbyist community.

Let us know what you think about Remote ID for DJI drones, RC airplane, and FPV drones. We are curious to hear you r thoughts.