It seems like there’s been some strange timing with their posts lately. Anyone else noticing this?
From what I read, the flights over the wildfires didn’t have anything to do with geofencing. One article said it wasn’t a restricted area until after the arrests.
Skyler said:
From what I read, the flights over the wildfires didn’t have anything to do with geofencing. One article said it wasn’t a restricted area until after the arrests.
Makes sense. Isn’t it usually against the rules to fly over emergencies, even if it’s not geofenced?
@Nuri
Yeah, it’s a rule for both hobbyists and certified operators. It’s covered in both the TRUST and Part 107 tests. People need to stop blaming the drones and take responsibility. If you’re flying, you should know the rules.
@Skyler
Exactly! There are so many free apps to show where you can and can’t fly. No excuses for this kind of thing.
@Skyler
In Canada, it’s also covered under UAV rules. Flying over disaster sites without permission is a no-go. I get the idea of geofencing, but maybe those key locations should implement their own tech for enforcement.
@Nuri
Geofencing isn’t legally required. DJI does it voluntarily to protect their interests.
Koa said:
@Nuri
Geofencing isn’t legally required. DJI does it voluntarily to protect their interests.
That’s a double-edged sword. It might confuse lawmakers or give them bad ideas for bans. There needs to be better communication about this, especially since DJI leads the market.
@Wynter
Exactly! DJI isn’t responsible for policing everyone. They already go above and beyond with their geofencing system.
Ash said:
@Wynter
Exactly! DJI isn’t responsible for policing everyone. They already go above and beyond with their geofencing system.
Glad I’m not the only one thinking that!
@Nuri
I know it’s prohibited to fly over emergency operations, but not sure about fires specifically.
Scout said:
@Nuri
I know it’s prohibited to fly over emergency operations, but not sure about fires specifically.
It is against the rules. Flying over areas with emergency crews is never allowed.
@Stevie
But what if there’s no aircraft in the area at the time?
Vesper said:
@Stevie
But what if there’s no aircraft in the area at the time?
Still not allowed. You have no way of knowing if you’re interfering with operations.
Vesper said:
@Stevie
But what if there’s no aircraft in the area at the time?
Helicopters can arrive quickly and fly low. A drone could easily cause a crash. It’s just not worth the risk.
Vesper said:
@Stevie
But what if there’s no aircraft in the area at the time?
If your first thought when you see a fire is to grab your drone for cool footage, maybe rethink your priorities.
Vesper said:
@Stevie
But what if there’s no aircraft in the area at the time?
Emergency teams have their own drones. If you’re far away and not interfering, maybe it’s fine, but it’s risky.
@Nuri
There’s a lot you shouldn’t do with drones that geofencing doesn’t stop, like flying over busy highways.
Skyler said:
From what I read, the flights over the wildfires didn’t have anything to do with geofencing. One article said it wasn’t a restricted area until after the arrests.
DJI’s FlySafe never included temporary flight restrictions. It only confused casual users into thinking they were flying legally.
Skyler said:
From what I read, the flights over the wildfires didn’t have anything to do with geofencing. One article said it wasn’t a restricted area until after the arrests.
The timing for this change seems terrible. What were they thinking?