Key Takeaways
- Recreational drone pilots in the U.S. can now receive rapid authorization to fly in controlled airspace.
- The FAA’s LAANC system streamlines the process, promoting safe drone usage near airports.
- DJI endorses Kittyhawk’s LAANC service, enabling free access to share airspace responsibly.
- Industry leaders emphasize the importance of nurturing future drone innovators and safety-conscious pilots.
DJI’s Exciting News for Recreational Drone Pilots
July 23, 2019 – DJI, a global leader in drone manufacturing and aerial imaging, has announced a significant advancement for recreational drone enthusiasts in the United States. As of now, these pilots can acquire swift authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate their drones in controlled airspace near roughly 600 airports, unlocking an estimated 2,000 square miles for safe and responsible flying.
With this fresh development, non-commercial drone users can enjoy the same privileges that have been extended to professional pilots since last year. This progressive move is expected to enhance the recreational drone experience, allowing hobbyists to explore, photograph, and film in previously restricted areas while adhering to safety regulations.
The New Authorization Process Explained
Under recent legislative changes, recreational drone pilots are now required to seek specific authorization to operate in controlled airspace, replacing the prior mandate of merely notifying nearby airports. Through the FAA’s Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system, drone operators can identify areas where their activities are considered safe, effectively allowing for immediate approvals below designated altitudes. The platform not only assists pilots in planning their flights and submitting requests, but it also communicates their flight data to the FAA’s Air Traffic Control, thereby boosting overall aviation safety.
DJI’s Advocacy for Safety and Innovation
“Drones have established an impressive safety record globally, and the FAA has acknowledged their potential for safe operation in certain proximities to airports by both recreational and professional users,” stated Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President of Policy & Legal Affairs. He emphasized the significance of opening the LAANC system to hobbyists as a crucial move in the FAA’s pursuit of safely integrating unmanned aerial vehicles into American skies while offering an innovative regulatory solution.
DJI is urging recreational pilots to utilize the free LAANC services provided by Kittyhawk, a platform committed to drone operational safety. Kittyhawk’s offerings will encourage hobbyists to engage further with drone technology, potentially leading to professional opportunities within the burgeoning drone industry.
The Future of the Drone Industry
As Josh Ziering, founder of Kittyhawk, expressed, “The American drone industry is reliant on a strong influx of innovators, entrepreneurs, and skilled pilots to sustain its rapid development. Drones are revolutionizing how businesses, nonprofits, and researchers operate, and providing recreational pilots with free access to controlled airspace is essential for realizing the full potential of drone technology.”
Schulman further noted that Kittyhawk is a top provider of flight planning and drone fleet management software, highlighting its value for users looking to comply with the updated regulations. He added that the app’s effectiveness makes it an ideal resource for DJI’s recreational drone community to navigate new airspace requirements seamlessly.
Easy Access for Recreational Pilots
The Kittyhawk app can be downloaded for both iOS and Android platforms, accessible via this link. Upon launch, users are prompted to indicate whether they seek professional or recreational LAANC authorization, ensuring their requests are processed efficiently.
Additionally, the FAA had previously designated DJI as a LAANC UAS Service Supplier, paving the way for both professional and recreational customers to utilize DJI’s solutions for seamless LAANC application submissions in their flight planning processes. More information regarding upcoming LAANC features being developed by DJI will be shared in due time.
