DJI Welcomes Groundbreaking Drone Safety Recommendations

Key Takeaways

• DJI supports new recommendations for safe drone operation over people.
• Collaboration among 27 industry leaders led to a balanced approach to innovation and safety.
• Risk-based data will guide safety standards, allowing for rapid certification of drone technologies.
• DJI advocates for legislative action to create a dedicated “micro UAS” safety category.
• The committee advises against stringent licensing for lightweight commercial drone pilots, promoting easier operation.

In an exciting development for drone technology, DJI, a global leader in the industry, has expressed its support for a significant new report from a federal rulemaking committee. This group has proposed practical measures to ensure that drones utilized for commercial and organizational applications can safely operate over populated areas.

Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President of Policy and Legal Affairs, highlighted the importance of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chartering the committee to promote the profound advantages of drone technology while simultaneously safeguarding airspace and public safety. “We are pleased that the committee recommends a progressive approach that successfully balances these interests,” Schulman stated.

Collaboration for Innovation

DJI was one of 27 companies and organizations participating in the “Micro” UAS Aviation Rulemaking Committee assembled by the FAA. The discussions led to a consensus on how to encourage drone innovation without compromising safety.

“We were pleased to engage in weeks of respectful dialogue, genuine compromise, and a balancing of interests among the participants,” Schulman emphasized. “Collaborative efforts by both new industry players and traditional stakeholders can achieve more in a timely manner, ensuring that regulations keep pace with rapidly advancing technology that is transforming aviation.” DJI hopes to have further opportunities to collaborate with the FAA and other regulatory bodies in the near future.

Safety Through Innovation

The committee’s recommendations focus on assessing the potential risks associated with various unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operating under different conditions. Utilizing risk-based data, the committee aims to develop standards that protect the public while promoting rapid innovation in various sectors, including imaging, surveying, mapping, and public safety.

Although the committee was tasked with establishing operational standards that exceed what will be allowed under future FAA rules for small UAS, it is noteworthy that its members were not assigned to create a more simplified weight-based regulatory framework for lightweight “micro” drones, as suggested or implemented in other jurisdictions.

Pushing for Legislative Change

DJI continues to advocate for Congressional action to establish a new category termed “micro UAS,” focusing on safety while fostering open innovation. The company posits that such a classification should be formalized through legislation rather than regulations, which could inhibit progress during lengthy regulatory processes.

Streamlining Pilot Requirements

Moreover, DJI concurs with the committee’s recommendation to avoid imposing strict licensing requirements for pilots operating lightweight commercial drones. The committee argues that such requirements could actually hinder safety rather than enhance it.

As the drone industry continues to evolve, the hope articulated by DJI and the committee reflects a shared ambition for a balanced regulatory landscape that acknowledges both the capabilities of drone technology and the essential need for public safety.