Summary
Chinese drone company DJI has removed its geofencing feature that automatically restricted drone flights over sensitive areas, like airports, wildfires, and government buildings, replacing it with dismissible warnings.
The decision follows growing distrust in Chinese-made drones and U.S. regulatory changes.
DJI argues this empowers operators while aligning with global standards, but critics worry it could endanger safety, particularly for unaware pilots.
Previously, geofencing helped prevent incidents, like a DJI drone crash at the White House in 2015.
Yep! That said, that drone flying into a plane over the wildfires is a pretty great example of why geofencing SHOULD exist. You don’t have to have malicious intent to cause destruction…I can see someone’s drone getting sucked into an engine while they’re trying to get an amazing shot of a plane taking off
Aren’t there TFRs over fire fighting activities?
Also, any semi-busy to busy airport is generally towered. If you are flying into controlled air space without talking to tower…. You’re going to get charged with a federal crime
I think so? I don’t fly commercially (I have a racing and “indoor” drone) so I’m not sure.
And yeah, it’s a felony. But a felony doesn’t undo the damage.
I’m not advocating either way, I see both sides of the argument as having good points