News just keeps getting (potentially) worse for us DJI Drone flyers in the U.S.

[Mach25]

Now there are two (or three??) investigations going on with DJI drone use in the U.S. I sure do hope DJI passes the investigations but it seems like they're constantly fighting an uphill battle with our current administrations' tariffs and national security concerns. When will it end??

US launches national security probe into DJI, Autel drones

The US Commerce Department has officially opened a Section 232 national security investigation into DJI and Autel drone imports.

dronedj.com

Republicans demand urgent review of DJI, Autel drones [Updated]

House Republicans demand a national security review of DJI drones, citing potential risks; findings could lead to DJI being banned in the US.

dronedj.com

US Commerce Department Probes Drone Imports, Eyeing National Security Tariffs

The US Commerce Department has initiated investigations into imports of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their components, potentially leading to new

dronexl.co

 

[Felix le Chat]

My two penn'orth? I'm now a 100% fatalist concerning this subject... I honestly think it's not a matter of "...if..." but "...when...". The trouble is that this madness won't stay on your side of the Atlantic.

 

[GadgetGuy]

DJI has already completely retreated from the U.S. market. It's basically already over. Enjoy all your DJI existing equipment until it breaks or crashes, and have backups and spare parts, cannibalizing as necessary. Some stuff may be sourced internationally, but expect delays, customs holds, tariffs, and a likely return to sender when all goes sideways, and hope you can get your money back.

 

[Felix le Chat]

DJI has already completely retreated from the U.S. market. It's basically already over. Enjoy all your DJI existing equipment until it breaks or crashes, and have backups and spare parts, cannibalizing as necessary. Some stuff may be sourced internationally, but expect delays, customs holds, tariffs, and a likely return to sender when all goes sideways, and hope you can get your money back.

Such a shame... if it genuinely was all about 'evil empires' and transistorised terrorism: you might understand some of the reasoning... and (to a degree) accept sensible restrictions, but reading through the McCarthyist paranoia and frothy invective has taught me something I was genuinely ignorant of... and that is just how many different flavours of B.S. there are.

 

[Cafguy]

I myself have already slowed on purchasing DJI Drones simply because of the parts headache. I hoped that something could have been worked out BUT the Government wants to stick to its guns and so does DJI.
If this mess is ever settled it will only be after regulations on recreational pilots are so strict that the only Drone DJI will be able to sell here will be the Mini. Oh well more of my money will be going to GEPRC now!

 

[tstr14]

Actually it could be good news. DJI has claimed multiple times they wanted to be able to prove their drones are secure.

 

[mavic3usa]

As a community, are we prepared for the likely outcome that this audit will either confirm that DJI drones are a threat (essentially backing up the government claims) or ending up being "inconclusive" as in not able to make a final determination? We asked for the audit knowing there is a chance it could fail and it would be very difficult to challenge the results if it doesn't go our way. Personally I think it's the latter and this audit will not "clear" DJI of any wrongdoing but it will cleverly but convincingly box in DJI as an unknown or potential threat with definite repercussions to national security. A bunch of open ended conclusions, a lot of what-ifs, mysterious ramifications if left unchecked, etc. The government has stated their position, I'm not sure how a government audit is supposed to counter it at this point. It may not corroborate the claims but it won't squash them either.

And even if it did, even if the audit can't find a single issue, this will be a signal to the states that once again the federal government is derelict with their duties and it's up to the states to take action. First they won't enforce any of the rules. Second, the geofencing is allowed to be brought down. And finally, they refused to condemn DJI conclusively. I think you will then see a volley of legislation at the local level to fill in the void left by the federal government who had but one job.