DJI Takes a Stand Against Misleading Drone Collision Video
Key Takeaways:
- DJI demands the retraction of a video and blog post by the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) which they claim misrepresents drone safety.
- The controversial video depicts an unrealistic collision scenario between a DJI Phantom 2 drone and a Mooney M20 aircraft.
- DJI highlights that the testing methodology used by UDRI contradicts established aviation standards, potentially jeopardizing the reputation of drone technology.
October 19, 2018 – October saw a significant turn in discussions surrounding drone safety when DJI, a global leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, voiced concerns over a video produced by the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI). The video claims to represent a collision between a DJI Phantom 2 drone and a small airplane but prompted DJI to label it as misleading and reckless.
In a structured response, DJI issued a demand for UDRI to withdraw the video, asserting that it staged an implausible scenario. The video purportedly features a Mooney M20 light aircraft flying at maximum speed, colliding with a drone traveling faster than its operational limits. DJI criticized UDRI for failing to disclose its testing methodology or underlying data, suggesting the video’s promotion of fear was unjustified.
According to DJI, the collision depicted not only exceeds the maximum possible speed of both aircraft but also contravenes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) testing protocols. UDRI’s presentation risks misinforming the public about potential dangers posed by drones and trivializes the comprehensive safety measures that companies like DJI implement in their technology. These safeguards include altitude restrictions, geofencing features, and advanced anti-collision systems.
DJI’s Vice President of Policy & Legal Affairs, Brendan M. Schulman, articulated the company’s discontent in a letter addressed to UDRI’s lead researcher. In the correspondence, he stated, “Your public comments deliberately present an entirely improbable, if not impossible, event as a commonplace risk routinely faced by airplane pilots.” Schulman emphasized that responsible testing should reflect actual flight scenarios, rather than create sensationalized, fear-inducing content.
The discrepancy between the speeds in the video and actual flight conditions served as a critical focal point in DJI’s argument. UDRI’s assertion that the aircraft could cruise at such speeds in the altitudes where drones operate raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of their findings. Additionally, DJI pointed out that reputable organizations like the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE) adhere to rigorous testing standards to provide credible insights into risk mitigation, establishing a stark contrast with UDRI’s approach.
As conversations about drone safety continue to evolve, the impact of UDRI’s claims reverberates through media channels worldwide. DJI remains steadfast in calling for a reevaluation of how drone interactions with traditional aircraft are portrayed. They argue that sensationalized narratives contribute to public misperceptions and may lead to unwarranted regulatory scrutiny that hampers the technology’s potential for positive applications such as infrastructure inspections and search and rescue operations.
In light of these concerns, DJI insists on a retraction of the controversial video and requests a corrective public statement from UDRI, acknowledging the video’s invalid testing parameters. As industry leaders strive to foster a safe and secure environment in which drones can operate alongside traditional aircraft, the dialogue surrounding responsible data presentation and the public’s perception of aerial technology remains vital.
DJI’s call for accuracy in research and its broader implications for the drone industry underscores the need for careful consideration of safety narratives in the evolving landscape of aviation technology.
