About the DJI ban… thoughts?

Seeking Advice
1

So here’s the thing, folks. I see everyone getting anxious about the impact of the DJI ban on hobbyist drones.

First off, the law isn’t going to stop you from owning a DJI drone for regular use. The bill in question, called the Countering CCP Drones Act, adds DJI to the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, meaning DJI’s devices won’t get FCC certification for use with federal networks. This doesn’t mean personal use will be banned. Just like Huawei phones still work on WiFi, so will your drones, but they might face limitations with things like Remote ID.

For DJI camera drones, this mainly affects Remote ID, a federal regulation. And if you’re using DJI’s FPV system, keep in mind it only has FCC clearance for certain channels and modes, so to go beyond that, you’ll need a ham radio license.

Edit: Just to clarify, I was talking from the perspective of a hobbyist. If you’re a licensed DJI operator, this might affect you more.

3

Politicians making these decisions don’t have a clue, smh.

4

Harper said:
Politicians making these decisions don’t have a clue, smh.

Makes no sense to me either. They’re just out of touch.

5

A ban wouldn’t stop me from flying if I had a DJI drone.

6

Hollis said:
A ban wouldn’t stop me from flying if I had a DJI drone.

It’s different for businesses, though. No one wants to risk fines or lose insurance by using something that’s technically illegal.

7

@Nico
Ah, I see. I was mainly thinking about folks who fly just for fun.

8

@Nico
It’s definitely a tough call for people in the industry.

9

Hollis said:
A ban wouldn’t stop me from flying if I had a DJI drone.

A software update might change that.

10

Jesse said:

Hollis said:
A ban wouldn’t stop me from flying if I had a DJI drone.

A software update might change that.

Just don’t update the software.

11

Storm said:

Jesse said:
Hollis said:
A ban wouldn’t stop me from flying if I had a DJI drone.

A software update might change that.

Just don’t update the software.

Eventually, though, the features might stop working if you don’t update.

12

@Jesse
I haven’t updated my drone in ages, and everything still works. If I don’t connect it to the internet, they can’t disable anything.

13

Storm said:
@Jesse
I haven’t updated my drone in ages, and everything still works. If I don’t connect it to the internet, they can’t disable anything.

Interesting point. Might be worth trying that approach.

14

Not a lawyer, but a licensed radio operator here.

If the FCC revokes authorizations, it could become illegal to operate because DJI drones use radio frequencies that require proper licensing. Sure, it might be hard to enforce, but it could still be illegal.

15

@Phoenix
Honestly, every time I fly, I’m probably breaking some rule. If this ban goes through, it’s just one more thing to ignore.

Most of us in the community already have experience skirting rules here and there.

16

@Remi
Yep, it’s a pretty common thing for hobbyists.

17

@Phoenix
Actually, there are two different bans… one affecting government agencies and contractors and this potential wider ban on general use.

The government’s reasoning? They’re worried about data going back to China, essentially turning users into unknowing informants.

18

@Shai
No way. US companies will charge too much for similar drones, and the average consumer won’t buy them.

19

Steve said:
@Shai
No way. US companies will charge too much for similar drones, and the average consumer won’t buy them.

Exactly, the market’s not consumer-friendly anymore. Most airspace will be regulated for commercial use only.

20

@Miltan
It’s actually harder to fly a drone than a small plane these days.

21

Kimberly said:
@Miltan
It’s actually harder to fly a drone than a small plane these days.

As someone licensed for both, I totally agree with that.