FAA Remote Identification (RID)
Intro
Freefly Systems developed an FAA compliant Remote ID solution for Alta X.
For existing Alta X operators, Remote ID field upgradeable kits are for sale in the Freefly Systems Store.
Alta X - DIU Blue packages will not include our Remote ID solution per our DIU ATO.
New Alta X shipping after February 2024 will come with Remote ID pre-installed (with the exception of the Alta X - DIU Blue package).
Freefly Part Offerings for Remote ID
The following options will be available in the Freefly Systems Store prior to the updated deadline of March 16, 2024.
Alta X - Remote ID Upgrade Kit (910-00790 and 910-00797)
Broadcast
This is for anyone who has an Alta X variant that wasn't manufactured with standard Remote ID built in. (Most units that were shipped before February 2024). Upgrade can be done by the pilots:
Buy and install the new IO board
Update Alta X PX4 firmware to latest
Alta X (950-00150) variants shipping after February 2024
Standard
New Alta X (950-00150) shipping after February 2024 will come with Remote ID pre-installed (with the exception of the Alta X - DIU Blue package).
Upgrade Instructions
Any Alta X variant that wasn't manufactured with the Standard Remote ID built in (most units that were shipped before February 2024) can be upgraded to be Broadcast Remote ID compliant. Upgrade can be done by the pilots in the field.
1. Buy and install the new IO board
The new IO Panel comes with an integrated Remote ID broadcast module and it simply replaces the existing one that is installed on the Alta X.
Purchase Remote ID Upgrade Kit (Alta X) (910-00790 or 910-00797) from the Freefly store.
Follow these instructions to mount and connect the new IO Panel.
2. Update Alta X PX4 firmware to v1.4 or above
Download firmware from https://freeflysystems.com/support/alta-x-support
After updating the Alta X's firmware to v1.4.0+, non-Pilot Pro users will notice an "Unknown 1:655360" flight mode in Alta QGC preventing them from arming. This is a bug that can be worked around by swapping off of whatever fight mode you are on and swapping back. We are working to have a more permanent fix for this issue released as quickly as possible.
3. Register
Find the Aircraft's FAA Remote ID Serial Number. You can simply tap the Remote ID icon on your Pilot Pro QGC, or you use an app like Drone Scanner to find your drone. Serial number will formatted as the following:
Standard: 1817 9 2 ________
Broadcast: 1817 9 3 ________
Log in or Create an account at FAA DroneZone
Select the 'Drone Owners and Pilots Dashboard'
Select 'Manage Device Inventory' then 'Add Device' or 'Edit Device'
You do not need to enable WiFi on the Alta X for the RID module to broadcast. If you cannot find your Remote ID Serial Number please contact support for assistance.
FAQ
Is Freefly Alta X compliant?
Yes. We are currently building and shipping systems that were in the manufacturing process prior to Sept 16, 2023 that are not obligated to have the Remote ID capabilities at this time. See plan below for details on how to upgrade.
What is a “Broadcast module” (versus “Standard”)?
A broadcast module is a device that broadcasts identification and location information about the drone and its take-off location in accordance with the Remote ID rule's requirements. The broadcast module can be added to a drone to retrofit it with Remote ID capabilities. Pilots operating a drone with a Remote ID broadcast module must be able to see their drone at all times during flight.
In comparison, a "Standard" compliance means the ground control station with accurate real time positional data is required to operate the drone.
"Standard" allows BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line Of Sight) operations. "Broadcast" doesn't.
Freefly Alta X can be upgraded by the operators to become “Broadcast” RID compliant. However Alta X can only become “Standard” if manufactured or upgraded at Freefly facilities.
950-00150 Alta X part numbers are Standard Remote ID
What about Blue drones?
Blue: The Remote ID transmission requirements present conflicts with DIU Blue's Authority to Operate security requirements. Consequently, the Alta X DIU Blue Package does not currently come with Remote ID enabled.
NDAA Compliance: All Alta X DIU Blue Package drones are compliant with NDAA requirements, which do not impose the same security constraints as DIU Blue's Authority to Operate. To align with these standards, all Alta X DIU Blue Package drones will be equipped with Remote ID hardware in the future, though it will be defaulted to OFF. This ensures readiness for potential future activations while adhering to current security guidelines.
Can I use Futaba?
Existing Futaba variants can purchase the upgrade kit and be Broadcast compliant.
There will be "Standard" versions available to buy without Pilot Pro in the future. However you will be responsible to provide your own Remote ID compliant GCS with your Futaba or other RC controller to be able to operate. If GCS doesn’t send position info, you will not be able to arm.
We will build and stock 950-00151 versions of Alta X for customers outside of the US that are not required to have Standard Remote ID to arm.
If you have strict requirements to have both the Futaba and Standard RID on your Alta X, please reach out to support@freeflysystems.com to discuss options. We can offer shipping standard RID licensed aircraft with Futaba, however you will be responsible to provide your own Remote ID compatible GCS to be able to operate. This GCS, most likely through the use of FRX Pro, needs to send its standard remote ID packets that include its real time position data to Alta X. If GCS doesn’t send position info, you aircraft won't be allowed to arm (Designed per FAA requirements).
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