Direct Remote Identification (DRI) in 2024: Compulsory

From January 1, 2024, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operating in the specific category must be equipped with a Direct Remote Identification (DRI) system. This requirement applies to operations under the operational authorisation regime and the declaration regime, encompassing national standard scenarios (for example STS-ES-01 and STS-ES-02) as well as European ones (STS-01 and STS-02).

Aircraft with class markings C5 and C6, as required in European standard scenarios, are already equipped with the necessary system.

The “DRI” must:

• • Enable loading of the UAS operator’s registration number

• • Periodically transmit, at minimum:
    
    
    • • i) UAS operator’s registration number and verification code provided by the Member State during the registration process,

    
    
    

    • • ii) unique UA serial number

    
    
    

    • • iii) timestamp, UA’s geographical position, and its altitude above the surface or take-off point,

    
    
    

    • • iv) trajectory measured clockwise from true north and UA’s ground speed,

    
    
    

    • • v) geographical position of the remote pilot,
        
        
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      • vi) an indication of the UAS’s emergency situation

     

• Reduce the ability to manipulate the direct remote identification system’s operation.

Several companies have introduced modules offering a Direct Remote Identification system, granting the “EU Declaration of Conformity.” Information on these modules is available on a list published on the EASA website. It’s important to note that EASA doesn’t verify compliance with these components; the responsibility for the declaration of conformity lies with the manufacturer.