Got this in an email this afternoon:

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts...ns/2b338e3

These are the official FAA documents:-

• Remote ID Final Rule: https://www.faa.gov/news/media/attachmen...l_Rule.pdf
  
• Executive Summary: https://www.faa.gov/news/media/attachmen...ummary.pdf
  

A simplified summary of the final ruling can be found on the DroneDJ website at the link below...

https://dronedj.com/2020/12/28/faa-relea...for-drones

Most of the people flying DJI, with the exception for FPV community and a few more, seem to speed read the rules and accept it as excellent in the US.

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-fly-your-d...1766635303

Sean talks through the points in the final ruling in the video below.

In a nutshell I think what we all feared has come true and this ruling is now likely going to kill (legal) FPV for 250g+ quads. There are 2.5 years left to make the most of what freedom is left before this all becomes mandatory.

One more

I'm at work and will watch the videos when I get home because I'm still confused on some of this, so I apologize in advance if what I'm about to say sounds stupid.

If someone is going to fly in a non-FAA approved place (which just by watching YouTube is like, 90% of FPV pilots), why would they choose to incriminate themselves by adding an ID tag to their drone? How will this be enforced?

I guess that you can be fined if you choose not to broadcast your info.

(28-Dec-2020, 11:29 PM)Maiden Flight Wrote: I guess that you can be fined if you choose not to broadcast your info.

Right and I assume that, but less chance of getting fined for not broadcasting at all than broadcasting from a non-approved spot, no? How would they know who hasn't complied unless catching them with a transmitter in their hands?

I'm just envisioning a lot of guerilla FPV rip and dips, I guess...which isn't too far removed from what many do now.

I think they are relying on the Karens snitching on you or a passing law enforcement officer discovering no information being broadcast by your drone. The Remote ID info will be publicly accessible for anyone to pick up and receive (probably on a smartphone), so if your drone isn't found to be broadcasting any information you will be in breach of the regulations and fined accordingly if caught.

Also no flying bandos because flying inside a building will disrupt the GPS information used by the Remote ID module.

This will ultimately just drive the hobby underground unless people are prepared to move to flying sub 250g quads which will be exempt from Remote ID, for now, unless things change.

(28-Dec-2020, 10:55 PM)SnowLeopardFPV Wrote: In a nutshell I think what we all feared has come true and this ruling is now likely going to kill (legal) FPV for 250g+ quads. There are 2.5 years left to make the most of what freedom is left before this all becomes mandatory.

Is there actually an exemption for quads < 250g in the new rules?  I thought the FAA had eliminated that distinction.

(28-Dec-2020, 11:47 PM)SJChannel Wrote: Is there actually an exemption for quads < 250g in the new rules?  I thought the FAA had eliminated that distinction.

Yes, as long as you're not flying it under a Part 107 license. See page 1 of the Executive Summary (HERE)...

FAA Wrote:Under the final rule, all UA required to register must remotely identify, and operators have three options (described below) to satisfy this requirement. For UA weighing 0.55 lbs or less, remote identification is only required if the UA is operated under rules that require registration, such as part 107.

(28-Dec-2020, 11:51 PM)SnowLeopardFPV Wrote: Yes, as long as you're not flying it under a Part 107 license. See page 1 of the Executive Summary (HERE)...

Thanks.  I guess it could be worse, then.  Still pretty bad.

It starts with the > 250g and soon gets to the < 250g. FPV is getting even more underground from what already was.

I've always liked XJet, and his video was really good. I still see this being a bear to enforce. I don't think it will kill FPV but I have my sub 250s and a free'r ("free air"? Never heard that term before) or two to fly at just in case.

Also, I was making the RV analogy in my head JUST before he came out and said it.

1) Keep the weight under 250 grams.
2) ONLY fly recreational.
3) Stay away from people as much as possible.
4) Fly as stealthy as you can.
5) Fly it like you stole it.