In keeping with a submit put out by DJI over the weekend, a brand new draft rule from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) referred to as FAA Half 108 might probably have a reasonably devastating influence on the operability of DJI drones in the USA.The Half 108 guidelines should do with UAS BVOLOS (past visible line of sight) flights, that are fairly widespread in most drones used for a lot of sorts of aerial images and cinematography. DJI is arguing that these new guidelines overstep their intentions, although, and will successfully floor just about the corporate’s whole fleet of drones within the US. Right here’s what we all know thus far.
DJI’s Newest Authorized Challenges
In an announcement placed on DJI’s web site, the corporate feedback that whereas it “commends the FAA’s efforts to determine a framework for scalable UAS BVLOS operations, incorporating risk-based necessities and recognising completely different use circumstances,” this present draft of the rule has a few elementary issues, which the corporate is placing out information to deal with.The 2 points, as DJI places it, are as follows: First, it could not permit the huge bulk of drones in present use to be utilized underneath the rule (together with DJI drones), as any non-U.S.-manufactured drones can be excluded.Second, the rule wouldn’t permit most present BVLOS operations to be undertaken, as the present rule is tailor-made to extremely automated operations the place there isn’t any pilot in direct management of the drone. In impact, if these guidelines come to cross, it feels like DJI is fearful that it could should floor the vast majority of its drones within the US, together with ones which can be used for aerial cinematography and videography.
What Occurs Subsequent?
For now, although, DJI is placing the phrase out because the draft Half 108 guidelines (Docket FAA-2025-1908) are open for public remark till October 6, 2025.This is a crucial alternative for trade and operators (like DJI drone house owners and operators) to share their views, experiences, and concepts to assist guarantee the ultimate rule is protected, accessible, sensible, and reflective of real-world operational wants. DJI is encouraging its drone house owners, operators, and aerial photograph and video professionals to assist rectify this case by making their voices heard, which they will do by submitting their feedback right here.We’ll hold you up to date on this newest risk to DJI’s skill to function within the US and allow you to know if and when something official comes down.
