A number of readers have directed me to a DroneXL article reporting that the most recent firmware replace for sure drones has “inadvertently made these units unlawful for business use” within the US.
The drones in query are DJI’s common light-weight fashions, the DJI Mini 3 and DJI Mini 4 Pro.
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To know the difficulty, we have to study each the firmware replace that DJI launched for the drones in query in addition to the Federal Aviation Authority’s (FAA) intensive regulations regarding drones.
Firstly, concerning the firmware updates: The discharge notes for the DJI Mini 4 Professional replace on December 2, 2023, will be discovered here, and the notes for the DJI Mini 3 replace on January 25, 2024, can be found here.
The replace element inflicting concern is as follows:
Added help for mechanically activating the US Distant ID solely when the plane is used with an Intelligent Flight Battery Plus.
At first look, it is only one line, however — to know its significance — there’s important context to unravel.
With the growing variety of drones buzzing across the skies, the FAA decided a necessity for a system that might allow drones in flight to broadcast identification and placement data to varied events, together with however not restricted to, different pilots, the FAA, and regulation enforcement and different federal businesses.
The mandate for Remote ID was legislated, with a compliance deadline of September 16, 2023. Drones requiring registration, used for recreation, enterprise, or public security, wanted to stick.
Newer drones got here with built-in Distant ID capabilities, whereas older models required additional modules for compliance.
Nevertheless, attributable to a number of components, such because the restricted availability of Distant ID-compatible broadcast modules for present drones missing Distant ID, the FAA acknowledged that some drone operators may wrestle to fulfill the necessities. Consequently, it issued a notification stating that for Distant ID violations occurring on or earlier than March 16, 2024, it might “contemplate all circumstances… when exercising its discretion in figuring out whether or not to take enforcement motion.”
Due to this fact, if you happen to’re mandated to make use of Distant ID and are flying with out it between September 16, 2023, and March 16, 2024, it is best to have a considerable justification.
However which drones want Distant ID? The reply is not easy.
Be aware that each the Mini 3 and Mini 4 Professional are sub-250-gram drones when geared up with the usual battery. DJI additionally provides a bigger, heavier Clever Flight Battery Plus, which will increase the drone’s weight past 250 grams.
Revisiting the wording within the launch notes:
Added help for mechanically activating the US Distant ID solely when the plane is used with an Clever Flight Battery Plus.
This implies leisure pilots flying a Mini 3 or Mini 4 Professional with a regular battery do not require Distant ID. Nevertheless, the introduction of a bigger battery triggers the Distant ID mechanically.
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That is acceptable for leisure use.
The issue arises for business pilots. When flying with the usual battery, the drone nonetheless requires Distant ID for business functions, however there isn’t any handbook activation possibility, because it’s mechanically managed, rendering the drone non-compliant.
Backside line, business pilots working below Half 107 flying the Mini 3 or Mini 4 Professional should equipment their drones with an Clever Flight Battery Plus to stay lawful.
If flying with out the Clever Flight Battery Plus, then sure.
It appears seemingly. I’ve reached out to DJI for a press release and can present updates upon response.
My recommendation is to purchase an Intelligent Flight Battery Plus and set up it in your drone to allow Distant ID. The extra battery life alone is useful, particularly for business pilots.
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Be aware: Be sure to buy a real DJI battery. The financial savings from a less expensive, lower-quality various shall be insignificant if a battery failure leads to shedding your drone.
Alternatively – however keep in mind I’m not a lawyer – you may stick with it flying as normal till March 16, 2024, and hope that the FAA workout routines its discretion in case you are caught.
No.
Should you fly with the usual battery then your Mini 3 of Mini 4 Professional shall be beneath 250 grams and you do not want Distant ID. Should you match the larger battery, then Distant ID shall be mechanically activated for you.