Registered my Mini 3 This Evening

[DubbleURX]

I registered my Mini 3 today on Dronezone today. I'm newish to flying - I received the drone last Christmas. I've been flying a bit since then, though.

I want to start flying at night and know that a strobe (rated for 3 mile visibility) is required. As the Mini 3 is 248g, I tried to find the lightest strobes available. The lightest I could find was 6g. The only way to fly this drone at night is to either illegally do it or to register the drone.

Initially I didn't want to register it, but I hate reading posts in subreddits where folks are blatantly ignoring regulations - it's folks like those that make it worse for the rest of us. Things like flying over fog to get a shot (nevermind that you've no VLOS) or flying 300m high, or stupid things like that. So, I thought, what's the worst that could happen if I register? It's not like an unregistered drone isn't traceable, but I'm also not doing anything wrong when I fly. I'm TRUSTed, I keep my drone within VLOS, and don't fly over folks or spy or do any of the stupid things I see people posting. I'm always trying to stay out of trouble - I don't want any fines or anything like that...wife would kill me and things like that can adversely affect my employment.

I'm also one of those guys that hates over-regulation (of everything), but I know that flying is a privilege, not a right. I figured it wouldn't hurt to register the drone (and if I change my mind, I could just get another drone and fly it unregistered).

So, I decided to register the drone, just so I could legally accomodate a strobe light.

The process wasn't difficult but was difficult. I tried to research the process before initiating the process and that was a mistake. Most websites and YT videos are outdated. I had to use the DJI support docs on Remote ID to get an understanding of what I needed to do.

One thing that complicated the process was that the Mini 3 doesn't enable Remote ID unless you're using the Plus battery and I don't have that battery yet (it arrives tomorrow). DJI's documentation stated to use the UAS serial number, but there were YT videos saying to not use the drone's SN. I followed DJI's instructions.

Another thing: since I'm now registered, I need to always ensure I'm using the Plus battery, otherwise the Remote ID won't beacon. I guess I need to sell my 2 non-Plus batteries. I'd thought about buying a RID module but they are not cheap. At this point, I'm cleared to be over 249g, so I may as well invest in more Plus batteries - will do this soon.

I'll be flying after dark tomorrow night! I can't wait.

 

[mavic3usa]

When your drone broadcast remote ID such as when the plus battery is inserted, it is called standard RID.

When you attach a strobe and you register the drone, you need to broadcast RID. If you don't have a plus battery, you must attach a broadcast module, they cost around $30. Why? Not only because your drone is over 250g but also because your drone is registered.

 

[DubbleURX]

I'm already aware. I've a Plus battery on the way, which will enable the broadcasting of RID for this particular drone. IMO, it's easier to just get the Plus battery and rely on native broadcasting of RID.

 

[AeroJ]

Personally I would be unconcerned by a few tiny strobes taking the weight over 250g, and would attach them with velcro so they could be easily (and inadvertently I'm sure!) 'knocked off' while we are handing the drone to the police for any subsequent weighing tests !

And I wouldn't be that fussed about lack of RID either ! If they don't know where you are that's a good thing as far as I can see, and (arguably) essential for your own personal safety and security !

Ignorance is no defence of the law, but if your craft can broadcast RID, then perhaps try a bit harder to believe it does so regardless of battery type !

Never forget that these rules are unwanted, unfair, over-reaching and unnecessary for safe flying. I'm afraid it falls to the sensible remainers to advocate for safety-based flying over rules-based flying, and you could even consider it remiss to NOT be flying to those safety-based standards, which will always remain eminently defensible, should the need arise..

 

[Cafguy]

for any subsequent weighing tests !

Even if that were possible, your local police dept. CANNOT enforce FAA regulations. That would violate 18 U.S. Code § 912. and the officers could be jailed. police can check you for a trust card or provide assistance in temporary TFR events only.
to detain a Drone pilot for a perceived violation of a federal law is not within the local police jurisdiction.
if your Drones weight is over 250 Grams get a module! -- You do not want to pay a $28,000 Dollar fine. If you have an incident without RID that amount goes up to $75,000!

 

[DubbleURX]

Personally I would be unconcerned by a few tiny strobes taking the weight over 250g, and would attach them with velcro so they could be easily (and inadvertently I'm sure!) 'knocked off' while we are handing the drone to the police for any subsequent weighing tests !

And I wouldn't be that fussed about lack of RID either ! If they don't know where you are that's a good thing as far as I can see, and (arguably) essential for your own personal safety and security !

Ignorance is no defence of the law, but if your craft can broadcast RID, then perhaps try a bit harder to believe it does so regardless of battery type !

Never forget that these rules are unwanted, unfair, over-reaching and unnecessary for safe flying. I'm afraid it falls to the sensible remainers to advocate for safety-based flying over rules-based flying, and you could even consider it remiss to NOT be flying to those safety-based standards, which will always remain eminently defensible, should the need arise..

The current regulations may be unwarranted and unfair but here we are.

Fight it if you want, but I’ll be complying. At this point, I’m just trying to not be fined or fscked with.