Key Takeaways from the DJI Statement on Drone Safety
- DJI welcomes the FAA-commissioned ASSURE report, revealing small drones are significantly safer to operate around people than previously believed.
- The study indicates that the unique design properties of drones reduce the risk of injury in collisions.
- A DJI Phantom 3 drone has a mere 0.03% chance of causing head injuries in the event of a fall, vastly lower than conventional materials like wood or steel.
- The findings challenge previous assumptions about safety standards and open the door for potential updates to drone regulations.
DJI Embraces New Research on Drone Safety
DJI Responds Positively to FAA-Backed Drone Safety Study
Innovative Research Suggests Lower Risk Levels for Drone Operations Near Individuals
April 28, 2017 – DJI, a recognized leader in the drone and aerial imagery industry, is enthusiastic about a newly released report from the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE). As the FAA’s designated Center of Excellence, ASSURE’s findings suggest that modern small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are significantly safer when flying in proximity to individuals than earlier models would imply.
Groundbreaking Findings on Safety Risks
The ASSURE report, aimed at helping the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration refine criteria for safe drone operations over populated areas, illustrates that contemporary drones possess unique aerodynamic and structural characteristics that substantially lessen the impact force in the event of a collision.
In a compelling comparison, the report reveals that a DJI Phantom 3 drone, if it were to fall and strike an individual, has only a 0.03% chance of causing a head injury. In stark contrast, objects made of traditional materials, such as steel or wood that weigh similarly, present a staggering 99% risk of head injury. This differentiation arises because conventional materials tend to transfer their force directly upon impact, while the design of the DJI Phantom 3 enables it to absorb much of that energy, yielding a significantly reduced risk of injury.
DJI’s Reaction to ASSURE’s Insightful Research
“The ASSURE report represents the first comprehensive scientific assessment of the hazards posed by drones to people on the ground,” stated Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President of Policy and Legal Affairs. “We find it reassuring that these findings echo our own assessments, highlighting that prior safety measurements may have overstated the risks associated with drone-related injuries. By providing a more nuanced scientific understanding of the kinetic and aerodynamic properties that enhance drone safety, ASSURE lays the groundwork for future drone regulations based on factual data rather than fear or misconceptions.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Walter Stockwell, DJI’s Director of Technical Standards, emphasized that this groundbreaking research equips the industry with critical insights regarding how drone impacts would manifest in real-world scenarios. Such findings will be crucial as the sector progresses towards establishing standards for drone operations near individuals.
Previous Findings and Research Efforts
Earlier investigations conducted by DJI revealed that drones weighing up to 2.2 kilograms could be flown safely at minimal risk to individuals. This conclusion starkly contrasts the FAA’s existing registration threshold of 250 grams, which DJI argues is built upon flawed data and outdated assumptions. The previous report highlighted the inadequacy of the 250-gram standard, which was influenced by nearly 50-year-old casualty data from nuclear warfare debris, further calling for the need to re-evaluate regulatory frameworks based on substantial evidence. That report is available for download here: DJI Report on Weight Thresholds.
Since 2016, DJI has collaborated with ASSURE, contributing testing materials and technical expertise to support high-quality independent research that aims to fortify safety standards within the UAS industry. DJI clarifies that it did not play an active role in the report’s development or its conclusions, underscoring its commitment to the integrity of the research process.
