Memorandum

The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also referred to as drones, is growing as tools for research, teaching, photography, videography, and operational efficiencies. NC State colleges, departments, units, and verified external partners may conduct drone operations in compliance with university regulations; these regulations establish a framework to identify, manage, and mitigate risk when using drones in the furtherance of NC State’s institutional goals and objectives and to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations.

Beginning September 16, 2023, all drone pilots who must register their drone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are required to comply with the FAA’s Remote Identification (ID) Rule. This rule states that if a drone requires FAA registration, it must be equipped with a Remote ID to operate. A Remote ID can be described as a digital license plate for drones. The FAA believes the use of Remote ID is necessary to address aviation safety and security issues and is the next step toward the integration of drones in the National Airspace System. 

Drone users can comply with the Remote ID requirements via several available means.  One way is with a built-in Remote ID broadcast capability, which has typically been included in aircraft manufactured since the fall of 2022. Users may be able to update their drone firmware or if not, they can update older models by purchasing a Remote ID broadcast module and attaching it to the drone. If users do not have a drone that has built-in Remote ID broadcast capability or cannot outfit the drone with a broadcast module, the drone can only be flown in an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) without a Remote ID.

NC State has recently been approved to host a FRIA  at its Lake Wheeler Facility and will accommodate drones without Remote ID broadcast capabilities. The FRIA is intended for drone use related to university educational and research operations only.  Users desiring to utilize the FRIA to fly their drone must still comply with REG 10.10.09, including the notification and approval requirements.  

Should you have any questions regarding drone operations and compliance expectations, please view the Drones at NC State website.