Drone News: Remote ID Delay, Mini 4 Pro Price, FAA Gives BVLOS, Pilot Sentenced, and DAA Campaigns

Welcome to the Weekly UAS News Update. This week, we have five compelling stories to share. Let’s dive right in!

Remote ID Enforcement Delayed

If you caught our video earlier this week, this might sound familiar. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a discretionary enforcement of Remote ID until March 16, 2024. What does this mean for you? Take a moment to download the five-page document linked in the description to stay informed.

While the compliance date for most remains September 16, 2023, those awaiting modules, firmware updates, or FRIA approval have been granted an additional six months.

However, a word of caution: don’t delay your module purchase. If you’re caught on backorder come February and don’t receive it by the March 16 deadline, you could face fines, as stated by the FAA. If you’ve already ordered a module, we recommend waiting until it arrives.

DJI Mini 4 Pro Price Leak

We’ve received price leaks for the rumored DJI Mini 4 Pro from Europe. Reported by DroneXL, the drone-only is priced at 799 Euros, roughly equivalent in dollars. The drone with the RC2 is at 999 Euros, and the Fly More Combo is at 1129 Euros. These prices are still fluctuating as they are based on rumors. Notably, the package includes a DJI RC2, hinting at the integration of OcuSync 4, the new technology seen in the Air 3. We’ll keep you posted as more information emerges.

FAA Grants UPS and uAvionix BVLOS Waivers

In our third story, the FAA has granted BVLOS waivers to UPS Flight Forward and uAvionix. UPS will use the Matternet M2 drone, a pioneer in airworthiness certification, while uAvionix will employ the Red Pace drone, developed by the French military and hydrogen-powered, to test their detect-and-avoid tech. Both companies will join Phoenix Air Unmanned to gather data for the FAA, which will shape future BVLOS standards. Predictions hint at an NPRM for BVLOS as early as August 2024, with a final ruling in 2025. However, in aviation, timelines can change.

TFR Violating Pilot Gets Sentenced

25-year-old Dale Dabney has been sentenced to a year of probation and 40 hours of community service for flying his DJI Air 2S over the Bengals vs. Raiders game last year. After posting the footage on YouTube, Dabney faced industry backlash and even taunted the FAA. The Department of Justice, not the FAA, handed down the sentence, hinting at additional penalties from the FAA.

DAA Announces More Campaigns

The Drone Advocacy Alliance (DAA) has rolled out three new campaigns. Part of this alliance, we, along with several companies, work to either support or counteract potential restrictions on drone usage in the industry and public safety. The new campaigns focus on opposing restrictions in federal bill appropriations, the FAA Reauthorization Act, and market restrictions in the NDAA. Those interested can find links in the description to voice their opinions on these proposals.

That wraps up this week’s news. We’ll be in Buena Vista, Colorado, on Sunday for the Colorado UAS Roundup. If you’re in the area, come say hi! Otherwise, see you next week.