SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drone-rid-aeronautical-research-authorization

When may the FAA allow aeronautical research without Remote ID?

The FAA may authorize it when the operation is solely for aeronautical research or regulatory compliance.

Start playing free

  1. When the FAA authorizes the research operation ✔
  2. Whenever a university owns the drone
  3. Whenever the flight stays below 100 feet

Why: Research does not create an automatic Remote ID exception. The FAA may authorize a flight without Remote ID only when its sole purpose is aeronautical research or showing regulatory compliance.

Huh, didn't know that: Part 89 says the FAA "may authorize" these flights, so each one is a case-by-case FAA decision.

The dad joke
Why did the drone visit the laboratory? It wanted to test its flight theory.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: When the FAA authorizes the research operation. Research does not create an automatic Remote ID exception. The FAA may authorize a flight without Remote ID only when its sole purpose is aeronautical research or showing regulatory compliance.

  1. 14 CFR 89.120, current through October 7, 2026 www.ecfr.gov/api/versioner/v1/full/2026-10-07/title-14.xml?part=89&section=89.120
    The Administrator may authorize operations without remote identification where the operation is solely for the purpose of aeronautical research
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesWhere may a registered drone without Remote ID equipment legally fly?Flying & DronesBesides the drone's position, what location does a Standard Remote ID drone broadcast?Flying & DronesA Remote ID broadcast module sends the drone's location plus which other location?

That's stuff everyone should know.