Skydio CEO says trouble ahead for businesses relying on DJI drones… is he right?

This discussion’s heating up, what’s everyone’s take?

Bray brought up how some folks online are concerned about Skydio’s lobbying. He pointed out that DJI spends even more on lobbying but insisted Skydio’s efforts are mostly about getting customers. He didn’t flat-out deny they’re pushing against DJI though… makes you think.

@Cai
This feels like trying to win by banning the competition… not a good look.

Merlin said:
@Cai
This feels like trying to win by banning the competition… not a good look.

As long as money talks in politics, this kind of stuff won’t stop. We need term limits, bans on stock ownership for family members of politicians, and tougher checks on their finances. Our system’s messed up, and until it changes, expect more of the same.

@Vance
I read that Congress only does what the public wants about 35% of the time. The rest is just lobbyists pulling the strings.

Merlin said:
@Cai
This feels like trying to win by banning the competition… not a good look.

Boeing’s been doing this for years to Airbus… no surprise here.

Haru said:

Merlin said:
@Cai
This feels like trying to win by banning the competition… not a good look.

Boeing’s been doing this for years to Airbus… no surprise here.

Actually, many US airlines use Airbus: American, Delta, JetBlue… the list goes on. It’s not just Boeing.

@Lexi
Allegiant was all Airbus till they got the 737 Max, which they bought at a discount.

Pippin said:
@Lexi
Allegiant was all Airbus till they got the 737 Max, which they bought at a discount.

They used to have Boeing 757s and MD80s too.

@Lexi
Thanks, didn’t know that. Seems like Europe mostly uses Boeing for long-distance flights, maybe Airbus for shorter routes?

Whisper said:
My Mavic Pro’s illegal now, thanks to this nonsense.

Just add a remote ID module.

Merlin said:
@Cai
This feels like trying to win by banning the competition… not a good look.

This is just how things work here, sadly.

Merlin said:
@Cai
This feels like trying to win by banning the competition… not a good look.

Yup, same old American business strategy… push out competition any way possible.

Merlin said:
@Cai
This feels like trying to win by banning the competition… not a good look.

One of the people who first proposed this ban has ties to Skydio. No surprise.

Merlin said:
@Cai
This feels like trying to win by banning the competition… not a good look.

Competing with China is tough. They have the power to dominate strategic industries with government support. The free market alone can’t match that, and tariffs or bans might be the only way to keep up.

Merlin said:
@Cai
This feels like trying to win by banning the competition… not a good look.

Good thing I build my own drones. I’d never rely on a company like DJI.

@Cai
Sure, DJI spends on lobbying, but what are they lobbying for? Skydio seems to imply all lobbying is bad, but that’s not always true. If they’re really just lobbying for sensible regulations, that’s not the same as what Skydio’s doing.

@Riley
Nah, DJI’s lobby is just a crowded mess. Skydio’s? All sleek, empty, and full of open sky.

@Riley
DJI doesn’t need to lobby against competitors—they get massive support from the Chinese government. This feels similar to what they tried with electric cars in Europe before getting hit with tariffs.

@Reagan
Got any solid sources on those subsidies for DJI?