DJI Welcomes New FAA Regulations Boosting Drone Usage Across America
Key Takeaways
- New FAA regulation eases restrictions on commercial drone use.
- DJI anticipates enhanced applications for drones in various sectors including agriculture, filmmaking, and emergency services.
- Operators will have to meet safety requirements to ensure operational safety.
On June 21, 2016, DJI, a prominent player in the unmanned aerial vehicle sector, expressed enthusiasm regarding a new regulation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This progressive rule aims to simplify how U.S. businesses, farmers, nonprofits, and government agencies can incorporate drones into their operations, heralding a new era of aerial innovation.
The Small UAS Rule Explained
DJI foresees the “Small UAS Rule” as a significant development for the drone industry, potentially unlocking a myriad of applications ranging from agricultural surveys and mapping to commercial film production and rescue missions. Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President of Policy and Legal Affairs, noted that this moment could redefine how cutting-edge technology can enhance various sectors while minimizing costs and risks. After years of advocacy, DJI, along with other stakeholders, is pleased that the FAA has established a foundational regulatory framework for the incorporation of commercial drone activities into the national airspace.
Streamlined Operations for Drone Users
The Small UAS Rule will take effect in 60 days, replacing a previously cumbersome regulatory environment that required drone operators to wait for lengthy exemptions and necessitated that they employed pilots with manned aircraft licenses. This shift is anticipated to alleviate the obstacles many companies faced in exploring the advantages of drone technology.
Jon Resnick, DJI Policy Lead, emphasized that the new regulations represent a sensible approach, making it easier for diverse users—from farmers flying drones over their fields to contractors checking properties without ladders—to capitalize on aerial technology. “The FAA recognized the necessity for system change and collaborated closely with industry partners to develop a better regulatory framework,” he remarked.
Ensuring Safety in Drone Operations
While the Small UAS Rule opens doors for commercial drone usage, it also incorporates essential safety measures designed to prevent any interference with manned aircraft and protect individuals on the ground. Non-recreational drone operators will be required to demonstrate their aeronautical knowledge through an FAA test, undergo security vetting by the Transportation Security Administration, and conduct pre-flight inspections of their drones. Additionally, operators must steer clear of regulated areas and busy airspaces while avoiding flying directly over uninvolved individuals unless they are part of the drone operation.
Importantly, the safety guidelines pertaining to recreational drone use remain unchanged. Hobbyists continue to follow the existing FAA guidance as outlined in the “Know Before You Fly” initiative, which is supported by many industry leaders, including DJI. The company’s software is equipped with features that help users operate safely and avoid entering sensitive airspace inadvertently. DJI has been active in working with the FAA, having participated in the UAS Registration Task Force and more recently, the Micro UAS Aviation Rulemaking Committee, both aimed at advancing civilian drone regulation.
Media Availability
For those interested in further information or wishing to schedule interviews with DJI’s experts in New York or Washington, D.C., please reach out to:
Adam Lisberg, DJI Corporate Communications Director, North America –
adam.lisberg@dji.com
Watch DJI Drones in Action
To see DJI drones in various applications, visit the company’s YouTube channel:
- Search and rescue in Maine: View Video
- Firefighting efforts in Connecticut: View Video
- Mapping earthquake damage in Nepal: View Video
- Studying whales in Mexico: View Video
- Thermal camera imaging: View Video
