A remote pilot operates an older drone that does not support Standard Remote ID broadcast and cannot accept a Remote ID broadcast module. Under 14 CFR Part 89, where may this aircraft legally operate?

Why →Part 89 provides three Remote ID compliance paths: a drone with Standard Remote ID built in, a drone with a Remote ID broadcast module attached, or operation within an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). FRIAs are typically community-based organization flying sites that are pre-approved for non-equipped operations. Aircraft that cannot support broadcast must operate only within a FRIA's published boundaries.

The trap →The "anywhere under 0.55 pounds" option confuses the Part 107 sub-250-gram recreational carve-out with Part 89 Remote ID requirements. The weight exemption applies to FAA registration, not Remote ID. The "nowhere" option forgets the FRIA path entirely.

Field note →The FAA maintains a public list of FRIAs. If you still fly an older drone for hobby or commercial use, finding your nearest FRIA is the way to keep it legal.