DJI Delivery Drone, Warning For Fake Apps, FAA Registration Change, Upcoming Events

Welcome to the Weekly UAS News Update. We have four intriguing stories for you this week.

DJI Delivery Drone

Firstly, DJI has released a delivery drone. Surprisingly, this development wasn't in the rumor mill. The drone, named the FlightCart 30, resembles the Agra series of drones. However, this one's for delivery, not agriculture. The cargo box on this drone measures 22 inches in length, 16 inches in width, and 12 inches in height. The drone can carry a hefty load—up to 40 kilos with a single battery or 30 kilos with two batteries. However, its fly time is somewhat short, at only 18 minutes on the dual battery setup. The drone is IP55 rated, features DJI 03, a built-in parachute, and 4G options. Plus, it can cruise at 33.5 miles an hour. Currently, it's not targeted for the US market, but its price converted to US dollars is around $17,000, similar to the Inspire 3. We'll keep you posted on any updates about its availability in the US.

Fake DJI apps

Next, DJI warns against counterfeit apps in the Google Play Store. These apps may seem legitimate but contain malware or other harmful programs. One DJI forum user recounted his unfortunate experience: “I downloaded the DJI Fly App from the Google Play store yesterday and unfortunately opted to get the three-day trial and supposedly it charged $39.99 to his card.” He suspects it's a scam aimed at stealing Google Pay information. So, Android users, always download apps directly from the DJI website.

FAA Registration

Moving on, there are some changes in the FAA registration. Previously, drone owners had a two-week window after creation to update their Part 107 registration for free on the FAA drone zone. After two weeks, a $5 fee was levied. However, now the FAA is waiving that fee until December 31, 2023, though new registrations will still incur the charge.

Pilot Institute News

Now, onto some exciting news from Pilot Institute. We've been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the country, ranking 372 on the Inc 5000 list. This places us at number one in both Arizona's Education segment and the national aviation category. Thanks to all of you for your continued support.

Lastly, we have a lineup of events where we'd love to see you. From the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas to the Colorado Drone Roundup and the Colorado Drone Air Show, there's a lot to look forward to. Don't forget the live event on Monday at 4 pm Pacific and 7 pm Eastern. We'll be ready to answer all your questions.

That's a wrap for this week! See you next time. And just a side note for Android users: while your taste might be better than mine, always ensure your apps are legit. Just kidding! Stay safe and informed.