Key Takeaways
- In January 2023, the FAA granted the first Section 333 exemption for the DJI Phantom, paving the way for commercial drone usage in the U.S.
- As of mid-2023, over 700 Section 333 exemptions have been issued to commercial operators, predominantly to those using DJI quadcopters.
- Current regulations require a Section 333 exemption alongside a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) for commercial drone operations until new UAV laws are established.
- DJI holds a significant share of the commercial drone market, accounting for 71% of exemptions issued as of July 2023, according to The Verge.
- The FAA is exploring expanded commercial drone applications, including those outside the operator’s visual line of sight, and is testing urban drone usage in collaboration with CNN.
The Rise of Commercial Drone Usage: A Look at DJI’s Dominance
In January of this year, a significant milestone was achieved in the world of commercial drones when the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted its inaugural Section 333 exemption for the DJI Phantom. This exemption officially opened the door for the UAV to be utilized for commercial purposes across the United States. Fast forward just six months, and the landscape of commercial drone operations has been transformed, with the FAA issuing a remarkable 700+ Section 333 exemptions during that time. Notably, a substantial majority of these exemptions have been assigned to companies employing DJI quadcopters, a testament to the brand’s dominant position in the market.
Current Regulations for Commercial Drones
As it stands, commercial drone operators in the U.S. must have both a Section 333 exemption and a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) to legally fly their drones for business purposes. This regulation remains in effect until a comprehensive set of rules outlining UAV operations is officially established. The diversity of companies utilizing drones for commercial ventures is impressive, spanning various industries from construction and security to the realm of professional filmmaking.
DJI’s Market Influence
The popularity of DJI products among commercial operators is clearly illustrated by the data gathered by notable tech publication The Verge. As of early July 2023, an overwhelming 71% of the total 742 Section 333 exemptions issued were for companies deploying DJI products. This significant market share highlights DJI’s early and ongoing influence in the realm of drone technology.
Daniel Gettinger, co-director of the Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College, remarked on DJI’s remarkable lead in the commercial drone sector. Due to its widespread adoption among recreational users and a solid foothold within the commercial drone community, DJI has successfully outpaced its competitors in the industry.
Expanding Possibilities in Drone Applications
In an exciting development, the FAA is advancing its work with two U.S. companies to harness commercial drone technology for flights beyond the operator’s visual line of sight. This initiative is anticipated to unlock new possibilities across multiple industries for aerial technologies, particularly in fields such as precision agriculture and innovative drone-based package delivery services.
Furthermore, the FAA has partnered with CNN to explore the feasibility of using drones for news gathering in urban environments—areas currently restricted to UAV operations. This collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach to integrating drone technology within the fast-paced world of journalism, further broadening the horizon for commercial drone applications.
As the commercial drone landscape continues to evolve, the influence of manufacturers like DJI remains a focal point of interest for both industry professionals and technology enthusiasts alike. The future holds promising potential, as more companies begin to explore the myriad ways that drones can enhance business operations and enhance various industries.
