> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.flitegrid.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.flitegrid.io/resources/faq.md). # FAQ ## General **What is FliteGrid?** FliteGrid is a community-hosted drone tracking network. SkySafe provides compact sensors that deployers host at their homes and properties. The sensors collect Remote ID data from passing drones, that data feeds SkySafe's airspace intelligence platform for government and enterprise customers, and deployers are paid $50 per month for hosting in eligible hexes. **Who is behind FliteGrid?** FliteGrid is built by [SkySafe](/introduction/skysafe.md), an airspace intelligence company founded in 2015. SkySafe has raised nearly $50M from investors including Andreessen Horowitz and has spent a decade building drone detection and tracking technology for military, government, and enterprise customers. **What is Remote ID?** Remote ID is a federal regulation requiring all drones in the US to broadcast identifying information during flight, including the drone's identity, location, speed, and pilot location. Think of it as a license plate for the sky. The rule went into effect in March 2024. [Learn more →](/the-network/remote-id.md) **Who are FliteGrid's customers?** SkySafe's existing customer base includes military, border security, law enforcement, airports, critical infrastructure operators, stadiums, universities, and other organizations that need drone airspace awareness. FliteGrid data feeds directly into the platform these customers already pay for. **How much does it cost to participate?** A $100 deposit per hex, fully refunded when you return the sensor, plus shipping (billed when your sensor ships, and return shipping at your expense if you end participation). You never buy hardware. SkySafe owns, provides, and maintains the sensors. ## Claiming & Deposits **How do I claim a hex?** Browse the coverage map at [flitegrid.io](https://flitegrid.io), pick an open eligible hex where you can deploy, and claim it with a $100 deposit. Claims are first come, first served. [Learn more →](/host-a-sensor/claim-your-hex.md) **Can someone else claim my hex?** Not while your claim is active. Each hex belongs to exactly one deployer. **Can I claim more than one hex?** Yes, if you have deployment locations in multiple eligible hexes. Each hex gets its own sensor, its own deposit, and earns its own $50 per month. **When do I get my deposit back?** When you end your participation and return the sensor at your shipping expense. The deposit is refunded in full after the hardware is received. **What if I claim a hex but don't deploy?** Your claim holds the hex for 30 days after your sensor ships. If the sensor isn't deployed and activated in that window, the hex unlocks for others. Contact to return the hardware and get your deposit back. **Can I participate outside the US?** Not yet. Sensors can only be deployed within the United States for now. International expansion, starting with Japan and the EU, will follow. ## Deployment **What do I need to host a sensor?** Power and a mounting spot with a clear view of the sky inside your claimed hex, plus the authority to install there (your own roof or the property owner's permission). Connectivity is built in over LTE, so no home internet is needed. [Learn more →](/host-a-sensor/deploy-your-sensor.md) **Where should I put the sensor?** As high and unobstructed as you can. Rooftops are ideal; balconies and elevated exterior mounts also work. [Learn more →](/host-a-sensor/deploy-your-sensor.md) **Can I move my sensor after deploying it?** Sensor location is verified through proof-of-location GPS, and your sensor only earns for the hex it was claimed in. If you need to relocate, contact first. **What if my sensor breaks?** Contact . SkySafe owns and maintains the hardware, so failed units are repaired or replaced at no cost to you, and hardware-failure downtime doesn't count against your uptime. **Can I see the drone data my sensor collects?** No. FliteGrid data feeds SkySafe's platform for its government and enterprise customers. Your dashboard shows your sensor's status and uptime, which is what your payment depends on. ## Payments **How much do I earn?** $50 per month per sensor in an eligible hex. Flat rate, paid at the end of each month, starting with your first full calendar month of operation. [Learn more →](/host-a-sensor/getting-paid.md) **What's the uptime requirement?** 95% of the calendar month. Meet it and the month pays in full; miss it and it doesn't pay. Downtime caused by SkySafe (platform outages, firmware updates, hardware failures, LTE network issues) doesn't count against you. **How do I receive USDC?** You'll add a wallet address that can receive USDC to your FliteGrid account. Double-check it: transfers to the address you provide are final. **Do I owe taxes on FliteGrid income?** Yes. Payments to deployers are taxable income. You'll complete a W-9 in your account before your first payout, and you're responsible for your own taxes. **What happens if my hex stops being eligible?** Eligibility follows customer demand, so it can change, though changes affecting active deployers come with advance notice. If your hex loses eligibility, you can return the sensor for your full deposit. See the [Terms and Conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions.md). **What are reward points?** Active sensors also accrue points tracked on the backend. Points have no cash value and no promised future use; they preserve optionality for programs the network may introduce later. The $50 per month is the deal. Points are upside if they ever become something more. ## Referral Program **How does the referral program work?** Email for a referral code. When someone signs up with your code, you're paid $50 USDC for every hex they claim, each paid out after that hex's sensor completes its first full paid month. Refer a deployer with ten rooftops and you earn $500. ## Additional Questions Subscribe to the email newsletter or contact us at .