Considering picking up a second drone considering the ban looks imminent, opinions...

[WildcatDave]

It looks like that drone ban is going to happen. I shoot professionally with an Air 3 and I'm considering picking up an Air 3S so that I have a second drone in case one fails, as it looks like buying DJI products after the first of the year in the US is not going to be possible. Does this seem like a waste of money or a smart move? I can't be without the drone as I need it for work and $1,500 or so for the fly more kit seems reasonable in case I have a hardware failure of some kind.

Wondering if other people are picking up a second drone so that they have backup or they're just going to let this go and see how it pans out. I wouldn't be so concerned except the competing products are not even close in my opinion. Otherwise I would just pick up another company's product, but I really love DJI products for their ease of use and quality.

 

[mavic3usa]

My opinion:

Recreational flyers should have at minimum a second or backup drone (something to hold you for 2-3 years).

Part 107 flyers whose business depends on their drone should have a second and perhaps even a third backup drone (something to hold you for 3-5 years).

It's not like DJI is going out of business. Somewhere there will be DJI drones and parts and service, even if you have to travel to Canada or Mexico to get help. That's why my suggestion is 2 or 3 instead of 4 or 5.

 

[MS Coast]

It looks like that drone ban is going to happen. I shoot professionally with an Air 3 and I'm considering picking up an Air 3S so that I have a second drone in case one fails, as it looks like buying DJI products after the first of the year in the US is not going to be possible. Does this seem like a waste of money or a smart move? I can't be without the drone as I need it for work and $1,500 or so for the fly more kit seems reasonable in case I have a hardware failure of some kind.

Wondering if other people are picking up a second drone so that they have backup or they're just going to let this go and see how it pans out. I wouldn't be so concerned except the competing products are not even close in my opinion. Otherwise I would just pick up another company's product, but I really love DJI products for their ease of use and quality.

I have an Air 3S Fly More Combo with only a few hours that I don't need. Send a private message if you're interested.

 

[Jim Martin]

My guess (and it's 100% a guess), is that the madness will end, but not for 2 to 6 years. I suspect it will still be possible to acquire new drones or parts during this time, but it could become very difficult, pricey and unreliable. I've purchased 3 additional drones in the past 2 months in hopes of weathering the storm.

 

[FLDave]

From a business perspective--and this is what really should be paramount, There is no time better than right now to get your second drone. Just look for the best deal right now, not what you or someone else thinks MIGHT happen in the future. Likely near the end of your business fiscal you, so focus on the business and financial aspects; financially, is now or next year your best business decision?

 

[AMann]

My opinion:

Recreational flyers should have at minimum a second or backup drone (something to hold you for 2-3 years).

Part 107 flyers whose business depends on their drone should have a second and perhaps even a third backup drone (something to hold you for 3-5 years).

It's not like DJI is going out of business. Somewhere there will be DJI drones and parts and service, even if you have to travel to Canada or Mexico to get help. That's why my suggestion is 2 or 3 instead of 4 or 5.

Uh, someone’s legacy is already being planned out, with enough general support using some new guy or family member to back it up. It could mean another 8-years of the same in the U.S. after the current term ends in a little over 3-years. But that’s all I’ll say about that…

I’ve started looking at alternative systems for aerial photography, either a different commercial one or building my own using an Ardupilot compatible flight controller.

 

[mavic3usa]

Uh, someone’s legacy is already being planned out, with enough general support using some new guy or family member to back it up. It could mean another ~12 years of the same in the U.S. But that’s all I’ll say about that…

I’ve started looking at alternative systems for aerial photography, either a different commercial one or building my own using an Ardupilot compatible flight controller.

I think it's *all* going to come crashing down; there's no foundation to any of this.

 

[AMann]

I think it's *all* going to come crashing down; there's no foundation to any of this.

I am concerned about other parts bans- motors, flight controllers, batteries, etc. Not sure how that will go also.

 

[GadgetGuy]

I am concerned about other parts bans- motors, flight controllers, batteries, etc. Not sure how that will go also.

No need for concern about parts or batteries when you have extra whole drone kits to cannibalize as necessary, or for use as backups.

 

[DisasterPastor]

I just fly for fun and have been watching prices to get another backup and then use the "bad" one for parts as needed.