DJI sales in America.

[MS Coast]

generally when we say "drones are prohibited in the national park" that's short for wildlife refuge, wilderness areas, national memorial, and national conservation area, etc.

Those are all different things with different regulations regarding drones. Lumping them together leads to confusion, particularly among new drone owners. For clarity, all of the USNPS National Parks are off limits to drones.

 

[tca]

I think we can now say there is a drone ban bill officially before the US Congress (Rick Scott) which if signed by the President will ultimately ban Chinese drones in the US. Anyone who says drones won't be banned is simply being disingenuous because the bill does have a chance to pass and should not be ignored. Anyone who continues to believe the government is not coming for your drones (for whatever reason) and doesn't care about recreational flyers and their drones is in denial. Anyone who believes the bill will fail (like it always does) and we can just get back to normal and the government will give up and never try again (or will fail the next time as well) is naive.

That's right, the future isn't what it used to be; THIS is your new future. That is all. Frustrated.

I live n Florida and have been using DJI drone for 8 years.......I am also

I think we can now say there is a drone ban bill officially before the US Congress (Rick Scott) which if signed by the President will ultimately ban Chinese drones in the US. Anyone who says drones won't be banned is simply being disingenuous because the bill does have a chance to pass and should not be ignored. Anyone who continues to believe the government is not coming for your drones (for whatever reason) and doesn't care about recreational flyers and their drones is in denial. Anyone who believes the bill will fail (like it always does) and we can just get back to normal and the government will give up and never try again (or will fail the next time as well) is naive.

That's right, the future isn't what it used to be; THIS is your new future. That is all. Frustrated.

I live n Florida and have been using DJI drones for 8 years.......I am also know who Rick Scott is...
He is a real POS....when he became governor he tore up the Florida State Pension [ which I was in ] but since I had already retired the BS that he pulled didn't effect me BUT it really hurt a lot of my friends who
were law Enforcement Officers, Firemen and Teachers. Check his record when he was a CEO of a large medical company....probably should have went to prison. So anything that he tried to do doesn't surprise me!

Senator Rick Scott's Past Medicare Fraud Case Raises Flags Years Later

 

[KS-6]

I can't believe sooo many people are too dumb to understand what you were saying. I got it straight away, maybe because I'm British. We understand these things.

Born in Ipswich, got it right away. I think I know the reason the proverbial bird flew over the nest, but I'll leave that one alone...;-)

 

[KS-6]

If you "fancy" a holiday in the US there are millions of reasons to still come. You will NEVER experience scenery like the Grand Canyon, the national parks of Utah(Arches, Canyonlands, etc) , the dark skies of the American West for astrophotography, the red rock country, of Sedona and the America West, the spectacular national parks, etc. anywhere else. And mostly, you can fly your drone anywhere but the parks.

Dale

Personally, I would visit a country that is actually taking the most existential threat to our world seriously.

For example, two national parks have raging wildfires that are destroying natural and visitor attributes, one I was doing a photo book project on for a decade. The entire South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison has been torched and now the fire line is moving towards homes in the area. I have spent years visually telling the natural history story of the place through medium and large format black and white photos, I am now scuttling the project out of sheer disgust.

And here is the latest report regarding the losses from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon:

"The Dragon Bravo fire last night had 40 mph gusts. The Lodge has been lost along with most cabins per Grand Canyon Superintendent Ed Keeble. Additional clarification noted the Visitors Center, Gas Station, the wastewater facility, the administration buildings, Backcountry Information Center, and some lodge employee residences have also been lost."

All at a time with funding being cut.

To folks who were thinking of visiting the U.S., I suggest you might spend your time and money in a place that actually deserves it.

 

[Wreckhunter]

New DJI drones are essentially banned, for the most part. Didn't take legislation just a zealous Customs Agency and an administration looking for sound-bytes and stunts

There is no official ban on new DJI drones,at least not for a while yet,Could it happen down the road maybe

 

[Max Headroom]

There is no official ban on new DJI drones,at least not for a while yet,Could it happen down the road maybe

If they are not being allowed into your country (being held at ports) it may as well be a ban

 

[hank970]

For those who don't know it, you CAN fly your drone at Red Rock Canyon. It's one of the few "national parks" that is the exception and in my mind, proves a sensible policy on flying drones can work at some national parks rather than having a zero-tolerance, no exceptions law.

Q: Is flying a drone allowed at Red Rock Canyon?
A: Yes, visitors can fly drones for recreational purposes at Red Rock Canyon. Please do not disturb wildlife or visitors while flying your drone.

Visitors are prohibited from launching and landing drones and other unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in Red Rock Canyon's Wilderness Areas (La Madre Mountain Wilderness Area & Rainbow Mountain Wilderness Area).

The Las Vegas Soaring Club also has flying space nearby. To find out more information, please visit www. lvsoaringclub. org

Red Rock Canyon, even when framed by quotation marks, isn't a part of our National Park System. Neither is it administered by the National Park Service (NPS). It's administered as a National Conservation Area by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). There's a big difference in NPS and BLM management philosophies -- even on parts of the public domain (BLM) which have been formally designated as national conservation areas or (I think erroneously) as national monuments. NPS policy is more protective of resource values and the quality of the visitor experience, and management is therefore more restrictive. BLM has a more hands-off approach to visitor activities and also allows for extractive uses like grazing, logging, mining, and drilling for oil and gas. There's room in the world for both management philosophies, even in contiguous areas.

I live within a mile of Colorado National Monument (NPS) and McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (BLM). Both offer superlative western scenery. Beyond that, if you want to see wildlife, visit the national monument. If you want to see people walking their dogs and cows grazing, or if you want a place to fly your drone, visit the national conservation area.

 

[mavic3usa]

Red Rock Canyon, even when framed by quotation marks, isn't a part of our National Park System. Neither is it administered by the National Park Service (NPS). It's administered as a National Conservation Area by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). There's a big difference in NPS and BLM management philosophies -- even on parts of the public domain (BLM) which have been formally designated as national conservation areas or (I think erroneously) as national monuments. NPS policy is more protective of resource values and the quality of the visitor experience, and management is therefore more restrictive. BLM has a more hands-off approach to visitor activities and also allows for extractive uses like grazing, logging, mining, and drilling for oil and gas. There's room in the world for both management philosophies, even in contiguous areas.

I live within a mile of Colorado National Monument (NPS) and McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (BLM). Both offer superlative western scenery. Beyond that, if you want to see wildlife, visit the national monument. If you want to see people walking their dogs and cows grazing, or if you want a place to fly your drone, visit the national conservation area.

i would prefer not to debate the NPS system and it's structure and how it's all laid out, etc we can do that in another thread if you wish, I don't think that's relative to my point. I know the NPS is off limits I'm saying it doesn't have to be that way and we have a couple of good example why not.

 

[hank970]

There's no debate, and it was you who brought national parks into this discussion, not me. The NPS isn't obligated to accommodate every popular new toy. Be content to fly where you can.

 

[Mrktn]

If you "fancy" a holiday in the US there are millions of reasons to still come. You will NEVER experience scenery like the Grand Canyon, the national parks of Utah(Arches, Canyonlands, etc) , the dark skies of the American West for astrophotography, the red rock country, of Sedona and the America West, the spectacular national parks, etc. anywhere else. And mostly, you can fly your drone anywhere but the parks.

Dale

But flying over Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon are prohibited, right?

 

[MS Coast]

But flying over Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon are prohibited, right?

Yes. Flying over Bryce Canyon National Park or Grand Canyon National Park is prohibited.

 

[Chip]

To folks who were thinking of visiting the U.S., I suggest you might spend your time and money in a place that actually deserves it.

Great. Where do you suggest we go visit where everyone and everything is better?

 

[Mrktn]

Yes. Flying over Bryce Canyon National Park or Grand Canyon National Park is prohibited.

Thanks, should have checked my trusty app, Drone Assist.

Was thinking of bringing my Air 3S for a trip of a lifetime to Las Vegas next year and hitting Utah while there but I’m not one to flout the rules

 

[KS-6]

Great. Where do you suggest we go visit where everyone and everything is better?

If a genuine question, I still can't *really* answer that for you, but...

If based on global conduct and values, then many places in Europe and New Zealand for example. Australia a bit less so than NZ but far better than most and I have to say, Tasmania is simply incredible.
If based on weather volatility, then go where it is Winter or at least cooler as that kind of weather is better than raging infernos with the likelihood of TFR's even if open to drone overflights otherwise.
Some of the more mild tropical places are on my list as well, the Maldives for example.

Consider flying with a purpose too, a good friend and colleague of mine who does commercial work was doing volunteer work with NGO / USAID with aerial imaging being part of it in Africa before the funding streams were recently gutted. He is now applying to some currently reorganizing public / private partnerships that may still be able to be effective in places of need.

Fly with open eyes, mind and heart and the world is your oyster.

 

[ryguy80]

I'm dealing (again!) with swelling issues on my six M2P batteries, so finally decided to buy at least one new one. But the DJI store does not have any. After searching a number of places, I did find one on Amazon (the listing said 'only two left'). I don't know if this is a result of tariffs and/or Chinese fears, or just because the M2P is so elderly.

This is why I’m hesitant hanging onto or even using my DJI drones. I feel like it’s going to be a major PITA if I need parts or service. I need to feel that DJI has my back if something happens with one of their products, and through no fault of their own, I don’t have that impression right now now.

This last year has really put a damper on my interest in the hobby.

 

[mavic3usa]

If you "fancy" a holiday in the US there are millions of reasons to still come. You will NEVER experience scenery like the Grand Canyon, the national parks of Utah(Arches, Canyonlands, etc) , the dark skies of the American West for astrophotography, the red rock country, of Sedona and the America West, the spectacular national parks, etc. anywhere else. And mostly, you can fly your drone anywhere but the parks.

Dale

There's no debate, and it was you who brought national parks into this discussion, not me. The NPS isn't obligated to accommodate every popular new toy. Be content to fly where you can.

This is where I saw the comment about America's finest locations mentioned and I simply wanted to note that some of these places are off limits to drones like GC, some are ok like Red Rock, and some are iff like Sedona....just in case anyone was reading. I really didn't intend to get into a debate about their designations and their status but I know most people tend to lump these all together and may not be aware. When you go into the Red Rock entrance and show your NP pass and there are federal officials in uniform everywhere....if it quacks like a duck.....

I think it's fair to deviate just a bit and talk drone laws in the NP without pretending like my government is obligated to abide by my wishes. In America, we are free to do whatever we want unless we are prohibited and I'm working on changing the NP prohibition every chance I get (even though I know some have given up on it) that didn't have to be and in my opinion is in place for the wrong reasons. I'm never content when it comes to my government and I'm always fighting for change*...for me and for everyone even you which is why when the Parks are finally open, I'm pretty sure I won't be the first person to fly there.

*I'm not asking for a wide open Park to buzz the animals and land on top of Rushmore and fly between the buildings creating noise and over the geysers spoiling everyone's pictures. I just had to throw that out there because that's the typical go to response for anyone wanting to fly a drone in a NP. Just asking for limited time, limited space, permits and/or fees....something for my land.

 

[anotherlab]

....The entire South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison has been torched and now the fire line is moving towards homes in the area. I have spent years visually telling the natural history story of the place through medium and large format black and white photos, I am now scuttling the project out of sheer disgust.

With the losses due to fire, that is a reason to keep working on your project and document the changes to the canyon.

 

[KS-6]

With the losses due to fire, that is a reason to keep working on your project and document the changes to the canyon.

I do understand and appreciate that point of view, but for the time being, my heart is not in it. I take the natural world very personally.

 

[anotherlab]

I do understand and appreciate that point of view, but for the time being, my heart is not in it. I take the natural world very personally.

At least consider the possibility of coming back to it. Even when you remove the human factor, fires happen. Some trees require fire for reproduction. The Lodgepole pine has cones that are sealed with resin. It requires a forest fire to melt the resin away and to allow the seeds to be released. It's part of nature.

I'm assuming that you have the before pictures. Take some pictures now of the aftermath, even if you just put them away in storage for now. At some point, nature comes back. It won't be the same landscape, but it will be a fresh one with new life. You have the opportunity to record and document a life cycle.

 

[mavic3usa]

I try to see things as three steps forward, one step back (there's going to be setbacks) but these days are one step forward and three steps back. At some point, it's not going to end well; everybody has their limits. I fear for what is going on today because of the potential ferocity of the backlash that is about to happen one day; being caught in the middle means you take it from both ends and four years from now could be round #2 of hurting.