DJI replaces geofences with advisories

The geofencing system that DJI pioneered in 2013 transitioned to an advisory-only system in the United States starting January 13 via a software update. Lines on maps that DJI software would previously prevent its drones from crossing will now only generate user alerts. The company followed up on the announcement three days later with a more detailed explanation posted in its official blog, noting that the system was established "at a time when consumer drones were still a relatively novel technology and formal drone flight rules and regulations were sparse. This voluntary initiative helped foster responsible flight practices and provided valuable user education. Having been in place for over a decade, we understand why there are mixed sentiments surrounding this change."

The detailed explanation, rare for the Chinese drone maker, noted that the long-planned change is consistent with international regulatory frameworks and the arrival of Remote ID, which theoretically, at least, allows the FAA and law enforcement agencies to investigate airspace violations by uncrewed aircraft.

"This change gives back control to operators and provides them the information they need to fly safely," the company wrote.

While DJI flatly denied any political motivation, the timing of the announcement—10 days after a Department of Commerce rulemaking notice set the stage for banning DJI drones—invited skepticism.

The FBI recovered the wreckage of a DJI drone that was destroyed in a collision that damaged and temporarily grounded a firefighting aircraft in California on January 8. Geofencing may have been irrelevant in that case, since the tanker's flight path on the day of the collision appears to have remained clear of the temporary flight restrictions enacted at the time to secure airspace around two major Los Angeles fires. The FAA noted that the law against interfering with firefighting operations with a drone applies regardless of whether a TFR is active.