DJI to restrict non-compliant drones at next software update

This will cause a storm and will only be as good as the data DJI provides. It certainly will be a topic on our Tuesday Hangout. One of the things it brings back into sharp focus is just how much data DJI are storing on you. They are, in effect, asking for an update.

If you don’t comply with this update, your DJI system will be throttled and fly no further than 50 metres distance and 30 metres altitude.

City fliers, prepare to start taking country trips to get your flying fix.

If this is an effort to appease regulators around the world, I would hope their guidance has been sought as to the applicable restricted airspace in whatever country. The accuracy and completeness of some airspace information is questionable in some places.

Will this stop DJI equipment flying altogether in countries where private RPAS flight is forbidden?

This update, and complaints, will be lost in the noise of next week’s expected launch of the DJI Spark.

DJI will soon introduce a new application activation process for international customers. This new step, to take effect at the end of next week, ensures you will use the correct set of geospatial information and flight functions for your aircraft, as determined by your geographical location and user profile.

Even if you have registered when activating your aircraft upon purchase, you will have to log in once when you update the new version of DJI GO or GO 4 App. If you have forgotten your password since your initial login, you can reset it using a function within the DJI GO and DJI GO 4 apps.

You will need a data connection to the Internet for your smartphone or tablet when you log in, in order to verify the account information and activate the updated software or firmware.

If this activation process is not performed, the aircraft will not have access to the correct geospatial information and flight functions for that region, and its operations will be restricted if you update the upcoming firmware: Live camera streaming will be disabled, and flight will be limited to a 50-meter (164-foot) radius up to 30 meters (98 feet) high.

The feature applies to all aircraft (except standalone A3 and N3) that have been upgraded to the latest firmware or when using future versions of the DJI GO and GO 4 apps.

DJI encourages pilots to always follow applicable laws and regulations in the countries where they operate and provides information about these regulations on its FlySafe website at flysafe.dji.com.