For over a decade, you couldn't easily fly a DJI drone in restricted areas in the United States. DJI's software will automatically prevent you from flying over runways, power plants, public emergencies like wildfires, and over the White House.
But confusingly, among America's greatest Spread of distrust on drones over the years, and an incident DJI drone operator is hindering efforts to fight LA wildfiresDJI is getting rid of its strong geofence. DJI will no longer enforce “no-fly zones”, instead offering only a dismissible warning – meaning that only common sense, empathy and the fear of being caught by authorities will keep people from flying over places where They should not go.
In a blog post, DJI characterizes it “Putting control back into the hands of drone operators.” DJI suggests technologies like remote idAdam Welsh, DJI's global policy lead, explains that the company, which publicly broadcasts the location of drones and their operator while in flight, is “providing authorities with the tools they need to enforce existing regulations.” The Verge.
But it turned out to be a DJI drone damaged a super scupper airplane fighting the los angeles wildfire was a sub-250-gram model It may not require remote ID to operate, and the FBI expects it will have to “work backwards through the investigation” to find out who flew it there.
DJI voluntarily created its own geofencing feature, so it makes some sense that the company would get rid of it now that the US government no longer appreciates its help. Blocking some of its drone importscalls dji A “Chinese military company,” And the countdown has begun a de facto import ban,
FAA spokesman Ian Gregor confirmed, “The FAA does not require geofencing from drone manufacturers.” The Verge.
But Brandon Shulman, DJI's former global policy chief, doesn't think it's a move for the better. Here are some selected phrases He is posted on,
This is a notable change in drone safety strategy with potentially huge implications, especially among drone pilots who are less aware of airspace restrictions and high-risk areas.
Over the past few years there has been substantial evidence that automated drone geofencing implemented using a risk-based approach has made a significant contribution to aviation safety.
Interesting timing: Nearly ten years after a DJI drone crashed into the White House lawn, DJI has removed the built-in geofencing feature that would automatically prevent such an incident, replacing it with warnings that users can choose to ignore. Is. ,
Here are the questions we sent to DJI, and the company's answers:
1) Can you confirm that DJI no longer blocks its drones from taking off/flying anywhere in the United States, including military installations, public emergency areas like wildfires, and important government buildings like the White House Are, but are not limited to?
Yes, this GEO update applies to all US locations and aligns with the FAA's Remote ID objectives. With this update, the former DJI geofencing dataset has been changed to display official FAA data. Areas previously defined as restricted areas (also known as no-fly zones) will be displayed as Enhanced Warning Areas, aligning with the FAA's designated areas.
2) If it still prevents the drone from taking off/flying in certain locations, what are those locations?
3) Did DJI make this decision in consultation with or at the direction of the U.S. Government or any specific government bodies, agencies, or representatives? If yes, which one? If not, then why not?
This GEO update is consistent with the principle advanced by aviation regulators around the world, including the FAA, that the operator is responsible for compliance with regulations.
4) Did DJI conduct any prior risk analysis studies and if so, did it look at the potential for abuse? What did it look like? If not, then why not?
The geofencing system that existed before was a voluntary security measure introduced by DJI 10 years ago, when mass-produced small drones were new entrants to airspace, and regulators needed time to establish rules for their safe use. was needed.
Since then, the FAA has introduced Remote ID requirements, meaning drones flown in the US must transmit the equivalent of a “license plate” for the drone. This requirement comes into effect as early as 2024, providing authorities with the tools they need to enforce existing rules.
“This update has been in development for some time,” Welsh says, adding that similar changes were successfully implemented in the EU last year, with no evidence of increased risk. However, last year's changes Mandatory no-fly zones reportedly placed around UK airports,
Here in the United States, Welsh suggests his apps won't go that far. “To be clear: DJI Flight apps will continue to voluntarily generate warnings if pilots attempt to fly in restricted airspace designated by the FAA, provided that pilots keep their Flight apps updated,” he explains. The Verge,