DJI Cheers New Drone Regulations in the UK
Updated Policies Improve Safety Around Airports
Key Takeaways:
- DJI supports the latest UK drone regulations announced by the Department for Transport.
- The new regulations establish precautionary zones around airports, easing restrictions for drone use.
- DJI emphasizes the importance of community input in shaping responsible drone legislation.
- The company is committed to enhancing pilot training and collaboration with law enforcement.
DJI, a leading name in civilian drone technology and aerial imaging, has expressed its approval regarding recent regulatory changes in the UK, unveiled by the Department for Transport on January 7th. These modifications to the Air Navigation Order aim to find a balanced approach that safeguards critical infrastructure, particularly airports, while enabling businesses and individuals to harness the potential of drone technology.
The revised regulations take into account feedback from a range of stakeholders, including DJI, highlighting the significance of community perspectives in the law-making process. According to the company, the majority of drone pilots operate in a safe and responsible manner. It is crucial that isolated incidents, such as the well-publicized one at Gatwick, do not justify blanket restrictions on legitimate drone usage.
Innovative Safety Measures
In congratulating the new measures, Christian Struwe, DJI’s Head of Policy for EMEA, remarked, “We are delighted to see that the rectangular restriction zones around airport approach paths will address safety concerns in a manner akin to our latest geofencing technology. This approach enables smarter protections for aircraft during critical phases of flight like takeoff and landing, aligning well with established aviation protocols.”
Empowering Law Enforcement and Encouraging Participation
Recognizing the importance of informed oversight, DJI advocates for increased training for law enforcement officers in the use and enforcement of drone technology. The company has pledged to continue providing technical support and responding to requests from police and aviation authorities.
Moreover, as a staunch advocate for education in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields, DJI welcomes the absence of age restrictions for unmanned aircraft pilots. This decision fosters early engagement with technology among youth, equipping them with essential skills for future endeavors.
Commitment to Safe Drone Operations
DJI has been proactive in leading the industry by developing safety technologies to ensure safe drone operation. Some of the notable initiatives include:
- In 2017, DJI introduced a mandatory knowledge quiz for local drone pilots to promote awareness around drone safety prior to flying.
- The inclusion of automatic altitude limitations in DJI’s flight control apps helps pilots maintain safe flying heights. Additionally, recent drone models feature sense-and-avoid systems to detect obstacles and either halt or navigate around them.
- Return-to-home systems have been created that automatically guide drones back to their launch point in instances of low battery or lost connection.
As discussions on the regulatory landscape evolve, DJI remains committed to providing its technical expertise and any required assistance to ensure that drone technology is safely integrated into the UK’s airspace.
For further inquiries, please contact: Barbara Stelzner, Corporate Communication Director, barbara.stelzner@dji.com
