Safer Skies Act signed into Law.

[Occams Razor]

I think the confusion lies in the fact that batteries don't receive FCC certification. And this leave the door open to interpretation when it comes to existing batteries.

What the FCC is referring to as UAS Critical Components are all part of the documentation package submitted for FCC certification so yes, specific components/items are indirectly approved for use with a specific drone. The UAS CC list in the Public Notice comprises of:

Data transmission devices
Communications systems
Flight controllers
Ground control stations and UAS controllers
Navigation systems
Sensors and Cameras
Batteries and Battery Management Systems
Motors

My understanding is that information/documentation/drawings/testing related to the above are all part of what is submitted by DJI. If any of the above have have fit/form/function changes for a previously certified drone, it would not be allowed in the US. As an example, if DJI were to introduce a super-plus battery for the Mini 5 Pro, it would be banned from import into the US because it was not part of the original packet and would be considered "new". Again, if you have information that shows that it works differently, please share.

 

[Riptide]

What the FCC is referring to as UAS Critical Components are all part of the documentation package submitted for FCC certification so yes, specific components/items are indirectly approved for use with a specific drone. The UAS CC list in the Public Notice comprises of:

Data transmission devices
Communications systems
Flight controllers
Ground control stations and UAS controllers
Navigation systems
Sensors and Cameras
Batteries and Battery Management Systems
Motors

My understanding is that information/documentation/drawings/testing related to the above are all part of what is submitted by DJI. If any of the above have have fit/form/function changes for a previously certified drone, it would not be allowed in the US. As an example, if DJI were to introduce a super-plus battery for the Mini 5 Pro, it would be banned from import into the US because it was not part of the original packet and would be considered "new". Again, if you have information that shows that it works differently, please share.

Thanks for this. I didn’t understand how things like batteries could be affected by the FCC covered list but in this context it makes sense. That said I don’t think it’ll really cause batteries to be difficult to get. There are 3rd party batteries sold for many devices that are FCC approved (the devices) and those batteries weren’t part of the approval process and yet we can still buy them.

 

[mavic3usa]

What the FCC is referring to as UAS Critical Components are all part of the documentation package submitted for FCC certification so yes, specific components/items are indirectly approved for use with a specific drone. The UAS CC list in the Public Notice comprises of:

Data transmission devices
Communications systems
Flight controllers
Ground control stations and UAS controllers
Navigation systems
Sensors and Cameras
Batteries and Battery Management Systems
Motors

My understanding is that information/documentation/drawings/testing related to the above are all part of what is submitted by DJI. If any of the above have have fit/form/function changes for a previously certified drone, it would not be allowed in the US. As an example, if DJI were to introduce a super-plus battery for the Mini 5 Pro, it would be banned from import into the US because it was not part of the original packet and would be considered "new". Again, if you have information that shows that it works differently, please share.

As I mentioned earlier, I'm not sure what "part of the original packet" means especially when it comes to parts and accessories sales (outside the drone package) and 3rd party manufacturers. Seems to me it defaults to nothing is allowed unless you get an exemption. Don't forget many of the parts and accessories are compatible with multiple drones (both FCC and non-FCC approved drones) so it's impossible to decide given there is no list of part number and manufacturing dates maintained. All process need to have some sort of verifiable data, it can't just be submit a list today and we'll use it as the cutoff.

 

[mavic3usa]

This is what I am referring to when we discuss whether existing critical components are "banned" or not:

"The FCC fact sheet says previously authorized devices can still be sold and used. But it’s unclear whether replacement batteries for those devices fall under the component ban. If they do, your existing drone becomes a paperweight once the batteries wear out."

FCC Banned Foreign Drone Batteries, But China Makes 99% Of Them

Yesterday, I wrote about the FCC's sweeping ban on all foreign-made drones and critical components. Today, the New York Times published an article that

dronexl.co

 

[Chip]

Because this whole entire enchilada is a knee-jerk reaction to the NJ "drone invasion"

Yes a knee jerk reaction to an orchestrated event.

by uninformed, corrupt and lazy politicians.

My theory is that many well intentioned state and local officials were manipulated. There was no other way to effectuate such massive regulatory and legal change overnight.