Since commenting on an earlier draft of this Remote ID discussion paper, AAUS has invested significant time and effort on activities to build a more considered position.  Activities have included a membership survey, discussion amongst AAUS membership advisory groups and other industry stakeholders.

Generally, support and feedback on the potential use of Remote ID was mixed and AAUS believes that this stems from an absence of a clear vision on what outcome we are trying to achieve with this technology and how it fits into the broader UTM and technology architecture. 

AAUS conclusions are:

• AAUS believes that in consultation with the broad aviation industry, the Australian Government and agencies needs to develop clear vision around a future airspace framework, airspace integration for drones (including the use of UTM) and drone use accountability to determine the most appropriate technical solutions to implement.

• This is a discussion that goes beyond the drone community and goes to the strategic direction of airspace and airspace traffic management for all airspace users. It is AAUS’ understanding that the Australian Future Airspace Framework is tasked to develop the strategic vision and roadmap for the Australian Airspace System – inclusive of considerations as it relates to drones, AAM, and alongside the needs of the existing aviation sectors, airports, and the ANSP.

• Before that stage, we recommend no action with respect to a Remote ID mandate.

• Remote ID may have a place in a future UTM ecosystem. 

• We do not believe that there is sufficient evidence to justify implementation of a Remote ID mandate in Australia based on accountability or security concerns.

• There are potential unintended consequences of a broad Remote ID mandate.

Read full AAUS Submission