Does DJI Avata Have a Remote ID? (Explained for Beginners)

We all remember the Malaysia Airlines MH370/MAS370 incident. This horrible event and others helped the authorities understand the need for aircraft to constantly broadcast their position, direction, and speed while in flight.

Drones like the DJI Avata are also aircraft occupying airspace. So an equivalent regulation will affect them.

The DJI Avata complies with the 14 CFR Part 89 in response to this civil aviation authority need. This means Avata has a Remote ID FAA regulation. You’ll have to pay a small fee every three years for this.

Does Avata need to comply with the same strict regulations as commercial aircraft? Can I fly my Avata with the Remote ID disabled?

Ahead, we’ll answer those questions and explain the step-by-step process to successfully register your Avata.

What is Remote ID? #

Remote Identification is a regulation that FAA requires some drones to comply with.

This regulation is like a car license plate with broadcasting attributes. It lets the authorities know who the pilot is, the position of the drone, and which control tower is controlling its flight.

The authority will see a point in their computerized maps with your Avata Remote ID and the information above.

Is Remote ID a requirement for DJI Avata? #

Not all drones need to comply with Remote ID.

Remote ID applies when a drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds or 250 grams. The Avata is way heavier than that, weighing 1.08 pounds or 410 grams without any accessories.

How does DJI Avata comply with Remote ID? #

Flying Avata after a firmware update requires the Remote ID to work properly.

To fully comply with the upcoming regulations for 2023, Avata pilots must follow these steps.

Firmware update #

DJI has done its homework by ensuring we update the firmware that habilitates the Remote ID.

You’ll encounter a Goggles view prompt that says Remote ID error that disallows you to take off. Once you check the Goggles status option, you will see the prompt in detail, as in the image below.

After this firmware update, you won’t be able to take off unless you follow the steps below:

1. Power on the Avata, goggles, remote controller, and mobile device.
2. Pair the Avata with the goggles and remote controller.
3. Your mobile device must have Wi-Fi to receive the map information.
4. Open the DJI Fly app on your mobile device.
5. Connect the mobile device with your Goggles via the USB-C or OTG cable.
6. Now, the Remote ID error prompt in red disappears. That means the Remote ID is working properly.
7. Your Avata now can take off and fly safely.

FAA Remote ID registration #

To fly your DJI Avata, you must now connect the Goggles to the mobile device Fly app, and you will be able to fly your drone.

From September 2023 onward, the FAA requires all Avata pilots to register their drones on the FAADroneZone.

We advise registering your drone no later than July or August 2023 to beat the rush.

Here are the steps to follow to register your drone on FAADroneZone:

1. Go to the FAADroneZone website by clicking this link.
2. Scroll down until you see the Create Account button and click it.
3. Accept the terms and fill in the information. We recommend you use the same email you have on your DJI account.
4. You’ll receive an email to verify the account. Please verify it, or the website won’t allow you to log in.
5. After successfully verifying your account, click the Go Back to the login option and log in.

Note: You must be 13 years or older to register your drone.

6. After logging in, you’ll see a dotted rectangle with an Add a Service button in the middle. Click it.
7. Click the Select Drone Owners and Pilot Services button. You can locate it in the middle.
8. Scroll down and click the Add Service button you find on the right.
9. Now click the Launch Drone Owners and Pilots Dashboard.
10. Here, you can select from the Set Up Part 107 Account or the Set Up Recreational Flyer Account button.

If you intend to offer your services flying DJI Avata, making money or not, you must register under Part 107.

For example, if your friend wants you to film her for her business, you must have the Part 107 registry even though you are doing a favor.

Select the Recreational Flyer account if you intend to use the Avata only as a toy or hobby. If you only want to make flips or film your family at the BBQ, this account is for you.

If you still doubt which account to choose, you can ask the FAA. The contact option is on the right-top corner of the FAADroneZone website.

When applying for a Recreational Flyer account, follow steps 11 to 23. For Part 107, follow steps 15 to 23.

11. Select the Set Up Recreational Flyer Account button.
12. You will get to a form page. Fill in the required info and click the Proceed to Dashboard button.
13. Now, you are on the Acknowledgment of Safety Guidance page. Please read the information carefully, and check that you have read and understand the safety guidance box.
14. Click the Next button.
15. Click the Add Device button on the screen’s right side.
16. Fill in the information like you see in the image below.

17. The Remote ID serial number is the same aircraft serial number. You will find it on the Avata box and below the QR code on the Avata battery compartment. It’s also locatable within your DJI account as a 20-digit code.
18. After completing all the information, click the Add Device and Done buttons.
19. Click the Checkout button to pay the $5 fee.
20. Once you pay, you will see the congratulations page. Click on the Done button.
21. Now you see your Avata information in a table. Find the FAA Number. Click it.
22. You will see your Avata registry in a PDF format. Print it, and have it in your Avata case. Also, have it on your phone, as any FAA inspector can request it after September 2023.