You do not need a Remote ID unit on your plane to fly at the Club Field as it has FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area) status now but you do need to follow other FAA rules. You need to have registered with the FAA and obtained a registration number which goes on all of your planes. You also have to have taken the recreational UAV safety test and have a copy of your completion certificate with you when you fly. Because of the proximity to the Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) you need to have LAANC clearance each time you fly at the club or MRC fields.

Additionally at the MRC field you will need to have a Remote ID unit after March 16, 2024 or as soon as they are available. One source is Horizon Hobby.

More details of these requirements are below and at this FAA website. The FAA calls our models “drones.”

Club Field

The Royal City RC Club field has received approval as a FRIA meaning Remote ID is not required to fly at the club field. But because of the proximity to the Santa Fe Airport, LAANC clearance is still required at the club field and can be easily obtained. You do not call the Santa Fe Airport tower anymore. You do need to stay below 400 ft AGL or the ceiling assigned by the LAANC system, whichever is lower.

MRC (soccer) Field

Starting March 16, 2024 you will have to have your UAV (RC airplane) equipped with a Remote ID module in addition to the LAANC clearance at the MRC (soccer fields). UAVs under 250 grams do not need to be Remote ID compliant but they still need LAANC clearance to fly close to airports or in controlled airspace.

Recreational UAS Safety Test

The FAA requires that all recreational flyers pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test and provide proof of passage if asked by law enforcement or FAA personnel. The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) was developed to meet this requirement. TRUST provides education and testing on important safety and regulatory information. If you fly your drone recreationally under the Exception for Recreational Flyers, you must pass the test before you fly.

You can take the test and print a certificate of completion at the Academy of Model Aeronautics website.

LAANC

The FAA has implemented a cell phone based system called the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability or LAANC for getting authorizations to fly model aircraft near airports.

Please click here for information on how to use the LAANC system. You need to obtain an FAA registration number for your models.

Registration Number

Effective December 21, 2015 FAA rules required that all UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) weighing more than 250 grams (about a half pound) up to 55 pounds must bear a registration number issued by the FAA if they are flown outdoors. This applies to models, drones, helicopters, gliders, etc.. The number must be “legible on close inspection” on the outside of the aircraft (no longer is it permissible to place the number inside the UAS (such as in a battery compartment).

If you move you’ll have to notify the FAA within 14 days of your new address.

Registration is via an web-based system. The cost is $5 and you will have to renew the registration every three years. You will only need to furnish your name, physical address and an email address.  The FAA says registration will allow identification of UAS, create more accountability and will facilitate getting safety information to UAS operators.

The same number can be used on all your UAS without limit on the number of UAS for non-commercial ie hobby use, aircraft used for commercial purposes must have a separate number for each aircraft.

Click here for FAA Rules for recreational flyers

Failure to register an aircraft may result in regulatory and criminal sanctions. The FAA may assess civil penalties up to $27,500. Criminal penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years.

You must be 13 years of age or older before you are permitted to register an unmanned aircraft. If the owner is less than 13 years of age, then a person who is at least 13 years of age must register the UAS. It appears that non-US citizens should register, however their registration certificate will serve as an “ownership certificate” as non-citizens can’t register an aircraft by law.  Federal law allows an individual citizen of another country who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States under the regulations of the Department of Homeland Security to register an aircraft, including a UAS, with the FAA.