Starting March 16, 2024, drones flying in FAA airspace will be required to be Remote ID (RID) compliant if over 250 g. Those flying drones under 250 g for commercial purposes must also be RID-compliant.
To those new to RID, remote ID units transmit drone information (including location) to other aircraft in nearby airspace or handheld ground receivers.
Regardless if you are a fan of RID or not, it is indeed happening.
With this compliance date to the new mandate rapidly approaching, recent changes by DJI to how remote ID works with the Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro have been causing a lot of confusion and much concern.
We’ll be looking at these changes, what they mean for Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro owners, as well as how to be remote ID compliant if you own these drones.
The Confusion
Up until recently, the DJI Mini 3, Mini 3 Pro, and Mini 4 Pro were all RID compliant.
DJI has since disabled remote ID on the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro when using the Standard battery. This would be the smaller-capacity battery that says 249 g on the outside.
This change does not affect the DJI Mini 3 Pro.
When flying with the larger-capacity battery (Plus battery), the Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro will then broadcast Remote ID.
This change was implemented by DJI to try and satisfy those who are flying their sub-250 g Mini recreationally. If flying strictly for recreational purposes, within the confines of the 250 g weight limit, these pilots do not have to register their drones, nor be RID compliant.
If flying outside of 250 g, with a heavier battery, pilots are no longer exempt from registration, and the Mini must be registered and broadcasting RID.
At face value, it appears to be a move in the right direction for recreational flyers. But DJI cannot please everyone. For those recreational pilots flying with both sized batteries, commercial pilots who use only Standard batteries, or commercial pilots using Standard and Plus batteries, this will cause a headache.
We’ll look at 3 scenarios for Recreation Pilots and Commercial (Part 107) Pilots.
» MORE: Drone Part 107 Vs Recreational Rules: Here’s What You Need To Know
Small (Standard) Battery Only
Recreational
If you are a recreational flyer using the Standard battery, you will not have to register your Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro, nor be Remote ID compliant. You are free to fly.
However, you cannot attach any accessories to the Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro if you plan on not registering it. These accessories include:
- propeller guards
- strobe lights – required for nighttime flying
- airdrop/payload release delivery system
These and other accessories will bring the weight of the Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro over 250 g. If you do attach accessories, you will need to register your Mini and follow the steps below.
» MORE: DJI Mini 3 / Mini 3 Pro: How to Register (Video)
Recreational Registered
If you registered the Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro for any reason, although not required to do so, you will now have to follow the new steps that Part 107/Commercial Pilots are required to follow, below.
Part 107/Commercial
As a Part 107 pilot, you are required to do the following for RID compliance with either the Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro:
- Register the Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro
- Attach and use an aftermarket RID module
- Use the aftermarket RID module serial number for the RID serial number in the FAA Dronezone
» MORE: Best Part 107 Online Test Prep Courses (With Best Pass Rate)
Larger-Capacity (Plus) Battery Only
The following section is for those who only own the Plus Battery, not the Plus and Standard battery options.
Recreational & Part 107/Commercial
You will need to register your Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro. However, the good news is that the RID will broadcast, because of the Plus battery option.
When registering the drone, you will use the Mini’s DJI RID serial number in the FAA Dronezone’s RID serial number field.
Again, whether recreational or Part 107, this applies.
» MORE: How to Get Remote ID for Drones
Both Standard & Plus Battery Ownership
Up to this point, the procedures needed for RID have been relatively cut and dry. Frustratingly, if you own and fly with both the Standard and Plus version Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro batteries, there is some confusion, but we’ll lay out the steps here.
Recreational
If you own both batteries, you will have to register your Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro with the FAA, because you have the Plus battery.
Since the drone needs to be registered with the FAA because of the Plus battery, when you fly with the Standard battery (which is now on the registered Mini), an aftermarket RID module is required to be attached to the drone.
When flying with the Plus battery, the FAA registration needs to be affixed to the Mini 3 or 4 Pro. However, an RID module does not need to be attached, because the internal RID will broadcast.
» MORE: What Is the TRUST Test? (Everything You Need to Know)
Part 107/Commercial
If recreational usage was not confusing enough, we now have the Part 107 mixed battery user.
Because both batteries are being used, two registrations will need to be completed in the FAA Dronezone.
For registration Number 1:
- Complete the registration for the Standard battery & RID Module, using the aftermarket RID module serial number in the FAA Dronezone’s RID serial number field
It’s suggested to affix the registration to the back of the Standard batteries owned and not the Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro airframe. This registration number will only be applicable for the Mini flying with the combination of the Standard battery and aftermarket RID module.
For registration Number 2:
- Complete the registration for just the DJI Remote ID (Plus battery) using that serial number in the FAA Dronezone’s RID serial number field
Affix the second FAA registration number to any and all Plus batteries owned. This will take away the FAA registration number confusion associated with flying different-capacity batteries.
» MORE: How to Register Your Drone: Step-by-Step Guide (with Screenshots)
Are There Any Solutions?
We agree that this is quite confusing for many, especially since it is so new. Various things can be done to make life easier concerning Remote ID.
Here are just a few suggestions and not necessarily recommendations:
If planning on just flying recreationally:
Simply purchase all Standard batteries. The Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro with just the Standard battery and no accessories attached will not need to be registered or broadcast RID.
If you currently have a few Plus-sized batteries, sell those to purchase more Standard batteries.
Just remember with this setup, you will not be able to fly at night, as attaching a strobe will put the weight over 250 g, thus requiring registration and Remote ID.
» MORE: Can I Fly My Drone At Night?
If flying as a Part 107 Commercial Pilot:
Because Plus-sized batteries will broadcast RID, you might consider selling your standard-sized batteries and using the proceeds from their sale to purchase all new Plus-sized batteries.
In this way, you’ll avoid having to purchase an aftermarket RID module and completing two separate FAA registrations, all while adding 40% more flight time to the Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro.
