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DJI Lifts Drone Restrictions: Geofencing Replaced with Warnings, Sparking Safety Debates

DJI Lifts Drone Restrictions: Geofencing Replaced with Warnings, Sparking Safety Debates

DJI Removes Geofencing Restrictions on Drones, Raising Safety Concerns

In a significant shift in drone policy, DJI, the world’s leading drone manufacturer, has announced the removal of its automatic geofencing restrictions on its drones. This change marks a departure from the company’s long-standing practice of preventing flights over sensitive areas such as airports, power plants, and government buildings.

The Chinese drone giant will now replace its “No-Fly Zones” with dismissible warnings, positioning the move as an effort to return control to drone operators. DJI emphasizes that Remote ID technology will serve as a tool for authorities to enforce airspace rules.

This policy change comes in the wake of a recent incident in Los Angeles, where a DJI drone interfered with firefighting efforts during a wildfire. The drone involved was reportedly a sub-250-gram model, potentially exempt from Remote ID requirements.

DJI’s decision to remove geofencing, which was a voluntary measure not mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), appears to be influenced by strained relations with the U.S. government. The company has faced import restrictions and has been labeled a “Chinese Military Company” by U.S. authorities.

Industry experts and former DJI executives have expressed concerns about the timing and potential risks associated with this change. Brendan Schulman, former DJI policy head, criticized the decision, highlighting the historical effectiveness of geofencing in promoting aviation safety.

In response to inquiries, DJI confirmed that geofencing restrictions have been replaced with FAA data warnings. The company emphasized that operators are responsible for rule compliance and stated that no U.S. government bodies were consulted in making this decision. DJI also referenced successful similar changes implemented in the European Union.

As the drone industry adapts to these changes, questions arise about the role of Remote ID in enforcing regulations and the potential risks and benefits of removing geofencing. DJI has committed to ongoing updates of its flight apps to provide warnings based on FAA designations.

This development marks a significant shift in drone operation policies, with implications for airspace safety and regulatory compliance in the rapidly evolving unmanned aerial vehicle sector.