Question about RID requirements

Getting Started Topics Drone Regulations
1

Hey everyone. I recently got a DJI Mini 4K and decided to add some strobes to help my older eyes keep it in sight. Unfortunately, that pushed the weight over 250g.

So I added a RID module (Ruko R111), registered it with the FAA, and did all the labeling. Now I can add the strobes, which is great!

But here’s my question: If I want to fly without the strobes someday, can I take the RID off too and fly without it? I’d be under 250g again, but since the drone is now registered, does that change anything?

I’ve been searching online but can’t find a clear answer. Does anyone know?

2

You can take the lights off, but you’ll need to keep the RID module on to stay compliant.

3

Corbin said:
You can take the lights off, but you’ll need to keep the RID module on to stay compliant.

Thanks! That’s what I figured. Where did you learn that? I’d love to read up on it. Thanks in advance.

4

@Blayne
I work with UAS rules and regulations professionally. You can check out the eCFR website—it covers all the parts of 107 and other rules. Once your drone is registered, you have to follow the Remote ID rules to fly it. If you’re flying within line of sight (LOS), the attached RID module is fine. Just know that for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, attached modules aren’t allowed.

5

@Corbin
Got it, thank you so much! I’m actually flying under the recreational exception, not under 107, and I’ve read that you can use one RID module for multiple drones. So I guess the rule is that once a drone flies with RID, it has to keep flying with RID even if it’s under 250g. I’ll do some more reading, but thanks again!

6

@Blayne
Yep, you’re correct. Once it’s registered and has an RID, you’ll need to keep flying with it, even if the drone is under 250g.

7

@Blayne
You might be able to swap the RID module between drones, but you’ll probably need to update the registration info, like the RID serial number. It’s worth checking out because for non-107 flights, they may let you swap as long as the RID is linked to you.

8

@Corbin
And isn’t everyone technically flying under 107, even if they’re not certified?

9

Chen said:
@Corbin
And isn’t everyone technically flying under 107, even if they’re not certified?

Technically, yes. Recreational flying is an exception under Part 107. By the way, using strobes to help with VLOS (visual line of sight) doesn’t count—you’re supposed to maintain VLOS without using any extra aids like lights or binoculars. Corrective glasses are fine, though.

10

@Bailey
Actually, no. Section 44809 is an exemption from Part 107, not part of it. Subpart A of Part 107 even says it doesn’t apply to recreational flyers under 44809.

11

@Bailey
What bugs me is that if I want to fly my 249g drone at night, I need to add anti-collision lights, which pushes it over 250g. Then I need RID. I wish there was an exception for lights that put you over the weight limit.

12

@Chen
Yeah, I feel you. The Mini drones are so close to 250g that adding anything, like prop guards or even a bigger battery, can push them over the limit.

13

Bailey said:
@Chen
Yeah, I feel you. The Mini drones are so close to 250g that adding anything, like prop guards or even a bigger battery, can push them over the limit.

Right?! I feel like if you’re adding safety features like lights, prop guards, or even a parachute, those shouldn’t count toward the weight limit for RID. Just my two cents.

14

@Bailey
Good point! I actually knew that, but I got so focused on the strobes that I forgot. Well, I’m registered now, so I guess I’ll just keep the strobes on anyway.