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DJI drone ban set to go in to effect on December 23

Dan Robinson

Dan Robinson

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Joined
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The National Defense Authorization Act that was passed last year mandates that aircraft from Chinese drone manufacturers undergo a security audit by a US government agency by December 23. If this audit is not completed by that date, the sale and operation of all new DJI drones (and those made by other Chinese manufacturers) purchased after that date will by law be prohibited by the FCC from using US radio frequencies (effectively a blanket ban on all new models). Drone models approved before that date are exempt from the ban.

So far, no government agency has stepped up to perform the audit, which means that the ban is expected to happen as scheduled.
 
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Such a crock of crap.

The US Govt refuses to do to the review knowing they will be banned by default.


www.cnet.com

What a Ban Would Actually Mean for DJI Drone Owners and Holiday Shoppers

It's going to be a very unmerry holiday shopping season if you get a brand-new drone that's unusable.
www.cnet.com www.cnet.com

uavcoach.com

The Complete DJI Ban Guide [Updated for 2025]

Is DJI banned in the U.S.? No, but it will be if DJI isn't formally audited by the end of 2025—here's what you need to know.
uavcoach.com uavcoach.com

Newer drones that require binding will be useless if you buy a used one as DJI will not allow account transfers or new registrations.
 
Sounds like we can still fly........ From Chat.....

What it does ​

It is not the same as grounding every DJI drone already in people’s hands on Dec 23. Multiple sources (including DJI) indicate existing DJI equipment would still function / be usable, though future availability and upgrades could be affected. ​

The FCC has been moving toward stronger authority to limit or revoke prior approvals for Covered List companies, but that would generally require additional process and isn’t described as an instant “everything stops working on Dec 23” switch. The Verge+1​

 
Warren Faidley said:
Sounds like we can still fly........ From Chat.....

What it does ​

It is not the same as grounding every DJI drone already in people’s hands on Dec 23. Multiple sources (including DJI) indicate existing DJI equipment would still function / be usable, though future availability and upgrades could be affected. ​

The FCC has been moving toward stronger authority to limit or revoke prior approvals for Covered List companies, but that would generally require additional process and isn’t described as an instant “everything stops working on Dec 23” switch. The Verge+1​

Click to expand...
All the ban does is ban new sales of DJI drones and sales of used drones on ebay, offer up, craigslist, amazon, mercari, poshmark and other online selling sites.

Anyone with an existing drone can still fly it.
 
Yes that's right - current drones will still work. The issues is if you crash your DJI drone, you're looking at 4x the cost (or more) to replace it with something even close to the same capability. If I crashed my Mavic 3 Pro, I'd be looking at least $6,000-$8,000 for a comparable replacement, and there's no way I can afford that. If the ban happens, I'm going to have to be even more conservative with my flying that I currently am. If I crash, that means the end of my aerial imagery capability.

Edit: My struck-out statement is not correct. The ban is only on new models not yet FCC-approved Current models are still legal to import and sell:

 
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Dan Robinson said:
Yes that's right - current drones will still work. The issues is if you crash your DJI drone, you're looking at 4x the cost (or more) to replace it with something even close to the same capability. If I crashed my Mavic 3 Pro, I'd be looking at least $6,000-$8,000 for a comparable replacement, and there's no way I can afford that. If the ban happens, I'm going to have to be even more conservative with my flying that I currently am. If I crash, that means the end of my aerial imagery capability.
Click to expand...
You might take a look at one of these.

 
A lot of the DJI alternatives, including that one, are really DJI shell companies using the same components (the previous article goes into those). The loophole was closed for those which means they'll be next.

I think not only should the ban have been contingent on the results of the audit, but a ban without an audit should result in the US government giving tax breaks or subsidies for the purchase of alternatives, or at least have to shoulder the financial burden imposed on pilots needing to replace their equipment. I'm sure a class-action lawsuit will be coming soon.
 
And there it is. DJI is now banned from importing new products into the United States. No due process, no factual evidence, nothing to support their position, just an arbitrary de facto ban.

www.reuters.com

US bars approvals of new models of DJI, all other foreign drones

The Federal Communications Commission said on Monday it was adding China's DJI, Autel and all foreign-made drones and components to a list of companies determined to pose unacceptable risks to U.S. national security and would bar approvals of new types of drones for import or sale in the United...
www.reuters.com www.reuters.com
 
Thanks for the update. I purchased a new DJI Mavic 4-Pro on Sunday and extra parts that should arrive tomorrow. Used DJI drones and parts are about to go through the roof. DJI has already said they will supply updates.
 
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