DJI Supports New UK Drone Registration Initiative
Aiming for a Harmonious Integration of Drones into UK Airspace
**Key Takeaways:**
- DJI welcomes the UK’s plan for drone registration, promoting safety and innovation.
- The initiative is seen as a balance between public safety and the benefits of drone technology.
- DJI emphasizes the importance of education for drone pilots to maintain safety standards.
- The company leads the industry in developing safety technologies for drones.
On July 22, 2017, DJI, a frontrunner in civilian drones and aerial imaging, expressed its support for the new drone registration plans unveiled by the UK Department for Transport. These plans aim to enhance the safety and responsible use of drones within British airspace while maximizing the potential benefits of drone technology.
Balancing Safety and Innovation
Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President of Policy and Legal Affairs, praised the initiative, stating, “Drone technology offers enormous benefits to the UK, and the Department for Transport’s proposal appears to strike a sensible balance between protecting public safety and bringing those benefits to the UK’s businesses and the public at large.” He highlighted DJI’s significant investment in safety features and expressed hope that the government would continue to collaborate with industry leaders to promote technological advancement. “The key will be maintaining this balance in the next round of deliberation,” Schulman added.
Importance of Education and Safe Practices
DJI advocates for straightforward registration processes for drone pilots and comprehensive educational initiatives to enhance understanding of safe flying practices. The company firmly denounces unsafe and illegal operations, believing that the best path to safety lies in thorough education for drone operators. Schulman emphasized that drones have proven to make perilous jobs safer and have even contributed to saving at least 59 lives worldwide. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all stakeholders can benefit from these safety advantages.
Leading Safety Innovations
As a pioneer in drone technology, DJI has integrated numerous safety measures in its products, such as mandatory altitude limits, automatic return-to-home features that activate when drones lose contact with their controllers, and a geofencing system that employs GPS to keep drones away from sensitive locations like airports and power plants. DJI believes that any plans for no-fly zones should be proportionate to the associated risks, avoiding unnecessary restrictions. “The best answer to collision hazards is to take steps to avoid the collision in the first place,” noted Schulman, reflecting DJI’s commitment to developing technologies aimed at enhancing safety.
Innovating for Safety Worldwide
Globally, DJI and other entities within the drone industry are actively innovating to address safety and security challenges. Recently, DJI has proposed an electronic identification framework for small drones and announced that its new M200 line of professional drones will feature ADS-B receivers. This technology will alert drone pilots to the presence of nearby traditional aircraft, thereby enhancing safety in the skies.
Research and Evidence-Based Regulation
DJI has been instrumental in supporting academic research regarding the safety risks associated with drones. One of its studies was commissioned by the FAA and aims to provide a basis for informed regulation that aligns with safety objectives. In light of the UK’s ongoing risk assessments concerning drones, DJI stands ready to supply necessary materials, technical expertise, or any additional assistance required.
For further details, please reach out to:
Adam Lisberg, DJI Corporate Communication Director – adam.lisberg@dji.com
