DJI will no longer block US users from flying drones in restricted areas

DJI ends geofencing for US drones, shifting responsibility to operators.

: DJI has stopped geofencing drones in the US, reclassifying restricted zones like airports and nuclear sites as 'enhanced warning zones'. This update places drone operation responsibility on users, aligning with FAA guidelines. The change raises safety concerns, especially for less-experienced pilots, as drones under 250 grams won't have automatic restrictions. Criticism arises amid potential US sales bans and past incidents involving unregulated drone flights.

DJI has decided to remove its geofencing restrictions in the United States, marking a significant change in drone operation protocols. As of January 13th, areas previously classified as 'restricted zones' by DJI, such as airports and nuclear power plants, are now 'enhanced warning zones', with warnings displayed in the DJI Fly app, but no longer preventing flights.

Operators now bear full responsibility for compliance, as DJI aligns its policy with FAA regulations, relying on Remote ID technology for enforcement by authorities. However, this shift has sparked controversy, with former DJI official Brendon Schulman highlighting past evidence of geofencing contributing to aviation safety and expressing concern over the potential impact on inexperienced drone users.

The situation is exacerbated by the update's impact on drones weighing under 250 grams, which will no longer be geofenced, increasing the risk of uncontrolled flights as seen in a recent incident involving a drone and a firefighting aircraft. DJI's move comes amid speculation of potential sanctions against the company in the US, raising questions about future compliance with aviation safety standards.