DJI just removed geofencing… how are you checking airspace now?

DJI just got rid of geofencing on all drones, which means no more unlock requests. But it also means no more built-in restrictions—it’s completely up to pilots now to stay legal and safe.

How are you making sure you’re not accidentally flying into restricted airspace? What apps do you use to check airspace, weather, and temporary flight restrictions before taking off?

It was always your responsibility to fly legally and safely. DJI’s FlySafe database wasn’t even 100% accurate with FAA restricted zones.

Jody said:
It was always your responsibility to fly legally and safely. DJI’s FlySafe database wasn’t even 100% accurate with FAA restricted zones.

Yeah, it was a mess. I live near an airport but still in a legal 400’ zone, and my Mavic 4 Pro wouldn’t let me go past 200’.

@Tatum
Does this mean the altitude limit is also gone? I fly a lot in the mountains.

Hayden said:
@Tatum
Does this mean the altitude limit is also gone? I fly a lot in the mountains.

Nope, altitude limits are still in place, which is frustrating. If DJI just made it work based on actual ground level (AGL), it wouldn’t be an issue.

@Mia
Only way to do that properly is with a radar altimeter. You ready to install one on your drone?

@Tatum
You think that’s bad? My limit was 150’ :man_facepalming:. At least I like my house!

Vic said:
@Tatum
You think that’s bad? My limit was 150’ :man_facepalming:. At least I like my house!

I’m stuck in a 100’ limit, and if I cross the street, it drops to 50’.

Nevin said:

Vic said:
@Tatum
You think that’s bad? My limit was 150’ :man_facepalming:. At least I like my house!

I’m stuck in a 100’ limit, and if I cross the street, it drops to 50’.

Bet you think twice before getting balloons! :joy:

Nevin said:

Vic said:
@Tatum
You think that’s bad? My limit was 150’ :man_facepalming:. At least I like my house!

I’m stuck in a 100’ limit, and if I cross the street, it drops to 50’.

Wait, you guys get to fly at home?

@Tatum
I’m in a 200’ zone but still had to unlock my M4P just to fly in my own backyard.

Thayer said:
@Tatum
I’m in a 200’ zone but still had to unlock my M4P just to fly in my own backyard.

You know you still need LAANC authorization up to 200’, right?

Hale said:

Thayer said:
@Tatum
I’m in a 200’ zone but still had to unlock my M4P just to fly in my own backyard.

You know you still need LAANC authorization up to 200’, right?

No one needs LAANC to fly in their own house.

@Tatum
Same here, I live near a hospital’s helipad, but in two years, I’ve seen a helicopter maybe once at 3 AM.

Hopefully, nothing changes in how people check airspace. DJI’s geofencing was wrong half the time anyway. Now it lines up with FAA databases and will still warn you if you enter restricted airspace.

But people need to actually check real-time sources for TFRs. A lot of pilots don’t keep their controllers connected to the internet, so their maps aren’t always up to date.

@Ash
Would be nice if the RC2 had an LTE modem, but since I can just use my phone’s hotspot, I have no excuse. :sweat_smile:

I always power up my RC2 and drone before leaving home to check for updates. Last time I flew, there were a bunch of updates I wouldn’t have noticed if I was already out in the field.

And yeah, don’t get me started on why a radio-controlled drone even needs an internet login to fly.

DJI’s geofencing was never that accurate. In the US, the FAA has approved apps for checking airspace and getting LAANC waivers.

Honestly, I’m glad DJI dropped geofencing. Airspace regulation should be handled by official aviation authorities, not a private company.

@BILL
As if most drone users are actually gonna check airspace rules. This forum is making a lot of assumptions. People here know the rules, but the average drone buyer just unboxes it and flies it.

This is going to lead to a LOT of people flying where they shouldn’t. Watch and see.

@Darby
So drones are just like e-bikes? People buy them, ride them however they want, and ignore all the laws? Sounds about right.

People break the rules, then act shocked when new laws and restrictions get slapped on.

@Day
It’s not that they’re being reckless on purpose. Most people don’t even know these laws exist. Let’s be real—no one reads instructions, and drone companies don’t exactly push the legal stuff because it would hurt sales.

Geofencing was annoying for experienced pilots, but for the average person, it at least kept them from flying in places they shouldn’t. Now that it’s gone, expect more violations and stricter laws in the future.