Welcome to Weekly UAS News Update! We have five stories this week, including a crucial update on a drone ban requiring immediate action, DJI Flip leaks, DroneUp receiving their Part 135 certification, Skybrowse new interior mapping capabilities, and the FBI’s involvement with drone sightings over New Jersey.
DJI Drone Ban Update: Urgent Action Required
The House and Senate leadership are attempting to bypass a vote on the NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) by assembling a combined bill. The final version will be sent to both chambers for a quick vote before reaching the president’s desk. Some leaders are pushing to include the Countering CCP Drones Act, which would add DJI to the FCC entity list. This would classify DJI products as telecommunications or video surveillance equipment, though this classification seems questionable for drones. Immediate action is needed – please contact your representatives and senators this week. For more information, see Vic Moss’s detailed video from the Drone Service Provider Alliance in the description.
DJI Flip Drone Leaks
Information about a potential new DJI drone called “Flip” was posted on X by longtime leaker Jasper Ellens. While some suggest it could replace the DJI Mini 5, this seems unlikely. The leaked images show LiDAR obstacle avoidance sensors, a 3-axis gimbal, and unique inducted propellers with a wireframe design resembling bike wheels with spokes. The drone reportedly features a 2S 3,110mAh battery. While there’s speculation about a January 2025 release, this timeline seems improbable given the limited concrete information available.
DroneUp Receives Part 135 Certification
DroneUp has obtained their Part 135 certificate for on-demand air carrier operations. They also received approval to expand their BVLOS operations from three to five miles from delivery hubs, potentially increasing their serviceable households by 300%. Currently operating for Walmart in Dallas and Riverside Health System in Virginia, DroneUp had previously closed several locations to focus primarily on the Texas area deliveries. The current cost per delivery is $30, which they hope to reduce through an automated delivery system rather than using actual pilots. This high operational cost could explain why drone delivery services haven’t gained widespread adoption, as it’s not a price point customers would typically be willing to pay for small item delivery.
Skybrowse Updates Interior Mapping
Skybrowse has enhanced their interior mapping algorithm to account for color science and video output from the top 10,000 cameras worldwide, improving post-processing capabilities. They’re offering a 30% discount until month-end using code “CHRISTMAS30” at checkout.
FBI Investigating New Jersey Drone Sightings
The FBI is investigating reports of large drones over New Jersey. Understanding aircraft lighting is crucial here: traditional aircraft have strobe lights on wing tips, a red beacon on the tail, navigation lights (red on left wing, green on right, white on tail), and white landing lights. Based on available footage, the reported “drones” appear to be airliners at moderate altitude rather than low-flying drones. Local residents are encouraged to share their observations.
The community will reconvene for happy hour and Monday’s live Q&A.
