External audit of DroneBeacon RemoteID add-ons, why it matters

Our DroneBeacon direct/broadcast RemoteID add-on products (db120, db121, db121pcb and db122fpv) have been successfully externally audited by Cox Data Labs for the standard F3586-22 (accepted as means of compliance to the US regulation) and for the EU regulation on direct Remote ID by the German NavCert GmbH (EU notified body).

Why is an external audit important?

1) This is required by drone regulations. For instance, the USA has a section on external audits:

    “A person responsible for the production of remote identification broadcast hardware (add-ons/drones) must execute independent audits on a recurring basis, and additionally whenever the FAA provides notice of non-compliance or potential non-compliance.”

For the EU, it is slightly different, but a company responsible for production or importing drones are obliged to certify those products by an official notified body in the EU.

2) A manufacturer of RemoteID hardware can claim that it is compliant (self-declaration), but without a third party audit, there is limited assurance that this is indeed the case. This results in risks to operators (end-users) if the products they purchase are later found to be non-compliant.  It could result in rescinding of an accepted compliant product (drone or RemoteID add-on). This can especially result in high risks for professional users that have a large drone fleet.

3) Pilots that operate drones with non-compliant RemoteID hardware, will be out of compliance with the drone regulation and could face the associated penalties.

At BlueMark, we think compliance is paramount important. RemoteID is not just another gadget for your drone. Therefore, we have our products audited both for the EU and the USA regulation on RemoteID, so you can be assured that our DroneBeacon products are compliant!