Drone News: DJI Ban Updates, Drone Stalker Arrested, Drones for Good, & Flite Fest 2024

Welcome to your weekly UAS news update we have 5 stories for you, DJI Ban Updates, Drone Stalker Arrested, a drones for good story, Flite Fest and a correction to last week's segment!
dronexl.co/2024/06/19/tester-senate-countering-ccp-drones-act/
droneadvocacyalliance.com/
dronexl.co/2024/06/13/drone-stalker-arrested-harassing-teenage-girls/
kdvr.com/news/local/lakewood-police-used-a-drone-to-save-an-intoxicated-teens-life/
www.flitefest.com/
00:00 Introduction
00:20 DJI Ban Updates
02:02 Drone Stalker Arrested
02:50 Drones for Good
03:27 Flite Fest 2024
04:16 Correction to Lawsuit Story
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Welcome to your weekly UAS news update we have 5 stories for you, DJI Ban Updates, Drone Stalker Arrested, a drones for good story, Flite Fest and a correction to last week's segment!
First up, a bill similar to the Countering CCP Drones Act is expected to be introduced in the Senate.
It’s reported that Jon Tester - Democrat Senator from Montana - will be the one introducing this bill, and would involve adding DJI to the FCC’s Covered List.
The items covered in the list can not be imported or used in the United States, and this includes prohibiting FCC approvals for FUTURE DJI equipment.
Please check the Drone Advocacy Alliance websites for the most up-to-date information and for instructions on how to reach out to your senators and representatives.
As far as the current bills, there's no new information from last week, we are still waiting to hear whether or not Countering CCP language has been added to the Senate version of the NDAA. The introduction of this bill by Senator Tester might be a sign that Stefanik's attempts were not successful last week.
Next up, a man from PA was arrested for using a drone to stalk and harass teenage girls.
Canonsburg Police received a few complaints about drones, but things took a turn after the suspect interacted with a 13-year-old girl.
During their investigation, police learned that 44-year-old Michael Brackman had allegedly used his drone to follow a 13-year-old 80-90 times, nearly any time she went outside.
Police also discovered 5 additional cases involving children.
Police then arrested Brackman, who is currently held on a $10,000 bond.
We’ll keep you updated if we see more.
Third, is a story from last month that just became public.
Lakewood, CO police used a drone to save an intoxicated teenager.
Police were called after a group of teenagers reported a friend had wandered off and that he was “very intoxicated”.
A drone operator with thermal was dispatched to the call and found the teen lying in a small bush.
Upon reaching the scene, the teen was not breathing and CPR was successfully performed.
Great job to the Lakewood Police Department!
Next up, Flite Fest is happening now!
If you're unfamiliar with Flite Fest, It's an RC Airplane meet-up that includes building foam airplanes, testing them, and then flying them.
The event is held in Malvern, Ohio, and goes through this weekend.
If you're in the area, check it out, build some airplanes, and be sure to hang out for combat!

[@DieselDucy]

Whatever happened to America being a free country?

[@paulshriver1132]

progressive democrats

[@nomadhomad3685]

​@@paulshriver1132 Litterally a G.õP pushed amendment. It started with FLorida Governor banning DJI in his state. Stop with this misinformation.

[@nomadhomad3685]

US government (both dems and reps) and their corporate masters realized China is getting too much of that sweet data that could go to American tech companies….

[@Bro_Jared]

Thank God it won’t make my current drone useless!

[@BoopSnoot]

We don't know that for sure, there is no wording about grandfathering in. In the past they bricked Sennheiser microphones when they sold off the 600/700mhz spectrum, and Huawei phones.

[@Waffle4569]

Unfortunately it seems likely DJI might be eventually getting banned from operating over radio frequencies, which would make all DJI drones highly illegal.

[@107drones]

Thanks for all the news, Greg.

[@JimBailey]

Thank you Pilot Institute.

[@MarcusFPV]

I haven’t gone back to the pilot institute since I finished my part 107 last week. Well, I got a 90 on it 😎 the gentlemen who gave me the exam asked me what I used to study and also said “damn, you really studied for this, huh?” Vouch for pilote institute!

[@CousinSchultz]

I got one wrong on mine, which I took over two years ago. I self studied as there is no need to pay anyone to pass that test. Spend your money on a different course with Pilot Institute. As far as the renewal test, it's a joke that anyone in the world should be able to pass.

[@y_i_fly6256]

Need to introduce a bill that will allow people who own a DJI drone to be compensated to purchase a US built drone. If the government can waist money on the mating habits of hamsters they can assist the American people for instances like this.

[@grampafpv]

More waste. We need to get these people out of office.

[@Cowloverdude]

Thank you for existing friend the world needs more people like you

[@E4S65]

I wouldn't switch to an American drone even if I was paid to. I want to fly the best brand

[@IslandDigital]

I agree but the Govt should also help . Instead of bailing out crooked companies, they should give American made drones grants and big tax breaks so American drones can keep costs down. We certainly have the technology right here in America to make even better drones with better warranties, support. A sort of DJI buy back or voucher to discount American drones would be great.

[@MrDecessus]

mating habits of hamsters, science vs hobby very different.

[@YellowRoseDrones]

Thanks for all you guys do for the drone community

[@kwhammer6727]

Thanks for doing an open correction. We all make errors or learn new facts, not hiding the information adds to your credibility.

[@AcAdapterInc]

What kind of Journalist makes corrections ? (Good Ones)... Thanks Greg

[@billburkhart6004]

Thank you for keeping us up to date.

[@paullthomas8064]

Thank you, Greg. Happy Flying!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you for the update!

[@aubtinthepro]

Thank you

[@jeffparisse4202]

Excellent report. Thanks.

[@bobmccarthy9232]

Great… Canonsburg is the borough right next to me. Now every time I take off in my back yard the police will probably show up.

[@bobdemassi3945]

Thanks very much for your continued and current updates! They really help & make a difference. Stay well

[@DroneAlone57]

I just joined Pilot Institute P107 here I come.

[@HighlanderMikeGolf]

You joined the right place! My daughter and I both got our Part 107 from Pilot Institute. She landed a part time gig while going through college, flying for the university.

[@videosbywilliams]

Thanks Greg I always count on you to keep us informed with what’s happening with DJI I have two of their drones and they are truly one of the best

[@VicMossPhotography]

Wow, I live in Lakewood and didn't know this.

[@DroneMappingTools]

I always look forward to your videos! Great job as always!

[@dronebuzz]

Thank you Greg! All the very best! ;-) T

[@RonaldBrown59]

Thanks for all the latest information Greg.

[@makeithappenvideos]

great infromation

[@chuckrogers5077]

Watch out folks that want to buy Avavta 2.. Only if you own one of a limited number of phone models will you be able to download and use the DJI Fly App and therefore you will not be able to set it up... I'm returning an Avata 2 I just bought due to this.

[@RaskalTheKing]

I work for one of the five sUAS Blue Label companies that really benefits from this ban, but in all honesty, if you think about it just from a business perspective, DJI still owns the private sector, so.....

[@geor1036]

So if I were to buy the mavic 3 pro now, I will be safe from the ban? I can keep on flying it if the bill is pass?

[@Brad.W]

Yes you will be able to fly any DJI drone that is already on the U.S. Market. The bill will prohibit or forbid any future new DJI drones being imported into the U.S. So the Mavic 3 Pro will be safe for now unless they change the bill in a way that completely bans all Chinese drones completely in a way that you cant even fly them.

[@esphilee]

@@Brad.W The government is more restrictive than my parents. My parents do not control what toy plane I should buy as long as I don't crash it into the neighbour's window.

[@artykohl1118]

I drove around the ghetto with a drone on my dash, on, like a dash cam and alerts coming up on my controller screen about flying near a controlled airport. I would have kept going longer on more streets, but it started overheating......lol. You know what?? The 4K 180frame cam is better than any other camera I have. Took nice videos.

[@Skycurtain405]

So to clarify regarding the first story, would I still be able to use my DJI drones that I have now if it went through? Also, what are the chances of it being implemented?

[@markkempton4579]

@Skycurtain405 Yes. The bills as we've seen them only affect new frequency requests. Existing drones would remain legal and it's likely that DJI already has approvals for anything they're planning to release this year. Those happen well before release date. There's no scientific way to know the likelihood, but this senator crafting the Senate bill is brought in (bought in?) for serious things. He's known for getting work done across the aisle. I would say some version is going to make it into whatever the final defense bill looks like.

[@bochoara]

Will this ban affect the launch of the new Air 4 or 3s this year?

[@KyleSSamuelson]

Damn when you said drone stalker I was thinking the guy maybe could have some other excuse but 80-90 holy cow, no wonder it was considered a crime

[@gordongrainger6975]

The only reason why sen. Tester is supporting the ban is due to the fact that a Montana based drone company cannot compete with DJI so they are the main ones that want to ban DJI in order to make money.

[@shermangomez1154]

So I should get my avata 2 now then?

[@logitrol1]

I have seen references only to DJI imports. Wondering if either of these bills, or the reconciliation of the two bills will include the drone I fly, Autel???

[@Brad.W]

The way the bill is worded they are targeting all Chinese drones not just DJI. DJI is just being mentioned directly because they are at the most popularly known I have seen thousands of DJI drones not once have i seen any other drone that is mass-produced for sale on retail shelves.

[@gatway100]

Us robotics are the ones.I think are doing the skydio drone.That's the lady that's in charge because derdronUs robotics are the ones. I think are doing the skydio drone. That's the lady that's in charge because their drones are not. So they're trying to get rid of the DJ.I brand because they're so great

[@BigBeezy]

i sure hope a ban doesnt come i just paid for my part 104 class with PI

[@bens395]

It's not takes a long time I'd say by 2028 everyone is in a panic over this and just like remote ID it won't happen overnight takes time...

[@ionuchin]

If they want to take something, they need to give back the same if not more. If they want to give me US assembled drone similar or better than my mini 4 and Avata 2. Would you mind such exchange?

[@SlackerU]

Hopefully the ban is b/c the AIR 4 will have a sweet new night-mode that almost makes thermal irrelevant.

[@DOODAvideodude]

Will the Yuneec line be affected as well?

[@sUASNews]

Yuneec died as a company years ago

[@IslandDigital]

Since Drones MUST be registered, not all but majority , to the FAA , don’t you think stalking with a drone should fall under a FEDERAL crime? I believe it should. This would help when prosecuted to give mandatory time. People like this should be given harsh sentencing. This guy makes it so difficult for all of us Professionals and hobbyists who abide by the rules and we should all want these type of people locked up ! Especially when it comes to protecting our children !

[@psoon04286]

Incidents like this when reported over the news media makes all other drone operators look like perverts in the making😟

[@starhawke380]

I sure hope the DJI ban doesnt affect my Fimi drones... :)

[@komandagleby_GB]

How will we travel abroad and back to the US with our drones?

[@fpvaprendiendoamodificar6359]

I mean my Mavic 2 won't have a problem.😊

[@richm368]

It's vauguely concerning that the stalking happened 80-90 times and seems to only be a problem because the victim was underage. Shouldn't we all have that kind of protection? I once was warned not to fly near an island. It took less than 5 minutes for that policeman to find me, but this girl gets harrassed that many times and you can't find the opperator? WTF?

[@virginiatrailcameravideos]

While I don't defend what happened, there is also a fine line of being careful what you ask for. Imagine you are flying your drone and some anti-drone person simply claims that you are stalking them. What then? If someone is on an island out in public, is there an expectation of privacy? Why were you warned to not fly near this island? Why is a policeman looking for you simply for flying over what I assume was legal airspace?

[@richm368]

@@virginiatrailcameravideos It was a bird sanctuary. The beach was free game, but the "islands" 100 ft off shore were not. Personally, I'm really torn, there are so many places I want to fly where I also understand how bad it could be if everyone was doing so.

[@devernepersonal3636]

people making art always get harrassed before people actually committing crimes.

[@ernestsill2853]

Will they ban Autel drones also

[@PsychopathicBob1]

So much for my mini 2 after installing the latest DJI update. I can no longer fly my mini2. WTF

[@komandagleby_GB]

What happened to it?

[@Max-Kuz]

I have a video on @AerialDetroit getting the cops to come at UofM campus! So funny you mention them

[@Maruman_man]

now DJI can get rid of geofencing.

[@kingisrael1532]

Exactly! Makes sense🤷🏽‍♂️

[@gainsrc]

Was that a Mavic Mini the cop was using to save a life? 🤦‍♂️

[@StonesDrones]

I just wanna know what's going to happen to the cell tower inspection industry, since they primarily use dji

[@gatway100]

the main person in charge of the DJI works for us robotic drones....is basically skydio drones due to the fact that drones are not as great as they claim

[@mucy2807]

lol @ fanboy 😂

[@psoon04286]

Do they really have dozens of RCs flying around at those Flite Fest like swarms of insects?

[@PilotInstitute]

Yeah. It’s called combat. Tons of fun.

[@jessejae5820]

Not taking any chances....just purchased my Air3 while its on sale at B&H and not waiting for potentail Air4 risking it being not being avaialbe because of this stupid FCC Coverage bill......

[@IndustryPets]

We need you to speak on Capitol Hill like Mr. Rogers did years ago.

[@EricM793]

See when people do that stuff with the little girl They ruin it for everyone Oml! Sad plus what is going on with the Drone Ban! I have a dji mini see please explain ty

[@mfe3602]

It shouldn't as every person is responsable for their own acts. Not others. Promoting an individual incident and then making everyone guilty of it is a trick governments use when they want to impose new restrictions. A very simple and basic trick, but it works because everyone buys.

[@TimsDrones]

Binoculars aren’t regulated. Nor telescopes. But drones …? I blame hysteria stirred up by our FAA. Late of Boeing fame.

[@williamschwartz9283]

@@TimsDrones The FAA has no skin in this game. They are just a tool of the Anti-Chinese lobby. I offer as evidence the intellectually insightful post by @weiniesail (2 hrs ago): " Sucks for dji but F the CCP."

[@dragonspecpc]

Wow found him not breathing and CPR was successful?

[@TheAerialBoogeyman-cd6ns]

!

[@montezchaseparker]

We pilots have to take the good with the bad.

[@Desertscorpion57]

Where is the proof behind the claims?

[@harmymd]

They shouldn't ban such beautiful tech because of selfish interests, they should innovate and make better drones than that of DJI. It's that simple

[@Desertscorpion57]

It seems this targeting of DJI drones is aimed at controlling the commonly owned mini series that because they weigh under 250grams don't require a formal FAA license for recreational use. Additionally they are affordable unlike the USA drones which are bigger, bulkier, more expensive and require registration, a formal FAA license. I ask again where is the proof behind the claims and why haven't the facts been made available to the public under the freedom of information Act.

[@Backcountryhiker]

Hello, just F.Y.I. when I get your email, my McAfee security software warns me that your link in my email is "suspicious". Thanks.

[@Smog_007]

So I can still fly into public areas because they can’t control the airspace.

[@guineapigzed]

DJI bricks your drone with software.

[@CousinSchultz]

All airspace in the USA is controlled. With that said, there are multiple classifications. Some of which require approval and others that do not.

[@omarjason529]

I don't fly my drone (DJI MINI 4 PRO) very often but when I fly (Dallas TX) I requested permission the app (Autopilot) asnwer some questions and they answer me with OKEY. I Fly in incontloled space.(White Rock Lake). In another thing, despicable act what this man in the news doing a teenager, that's not help to the drones pilot future...maybe you compensated with news about drones helping at the community; find and search lost people, etc. Greetings!h

[@bmorebones]

They look nothing like a drone tester 😂

[@adventuresinbandoland]

There’s a KZbin channel that all the guy does is stalk street walkers with his drone. Flying directly over moving traffic and people.

[@colt2110]

Only 10,000 for stalking young girls??

[@bens395]

Rip all the people selling their stores 😂

[@JRidgely]

Our congress needs to go. This is about eliminating competition to us drone makers!

[@straitjacketstudios]

Who is presenting the DRONE ADVOCACY ALLIANCE data collected to Congress?

[@shb7772000if]

What was the drone stalker arrested for. I would think you would say that. He must be pretty stupid.

[@grampafpv]

Michigans preemption law is amazing. People should demand this type of legislature in every state. Well except NC, they are a lost cause Im afraid.

[@ramblinrick4u]

Drone stalkers are why legislators want to ban drones and limit fly zones. That is understandable. However, everyone that has a camera is not a stalker. It’s like guns. There is nothing wrong with the device. It’s the people that use them. I know in NC we have surveillance laws and NC requires drone operators to get another Certificate from Dept. Of Transportation. Unfortunately, people that post “troll” videos and more are the ones causing the issues with lawmakers wanting to ban drones. I wish law enforcement would crack down in illegal surveillance, operators and such videos be banned.

[@ChrisQuadFPV]

Don't you love the US government 😮

[@charlemiami]

Well prepare to pay 7k to US Drone for an equivalent of Dji Air 3 🤷‍♂️

[@ZeitGeist_TV]

Glad I bought my Dji Mini 4 Pro a month ago, going to get some batteries and parts while we still can without reseller mark up if a true ban on sales goes into effect.

[@charlemiami]

@@ZeitGeist_TV hopefully DJI release the Air 4 before the ban

[@ZeitGeist_TV]

@@charlemiami That would be great if that happens, Dji is light years ahead of everyone else so this ban isn't going to end well for consumers.

[@madwilli3205]

If you haven't already you might wanna watch his video on the new remote id requirements for the mini 3 and mini 4 pro

[@23lkjdfjsdlfj]

I'm thrilled to see the US government supporting US businesses!

[@PilotInstitute]

Except it’s not. It will destroy many American businesses.

[@skaardd]

really? you really think that? because I use a DJI drone to for a filmmaking business. if that were bricked how does that help me?

[@charlenemyers188]

When will drone nerds promote disciplining their own as the AMA or BAR Association do? If you do nothing to address and hold accountable for nefarious drone activity.

[@Freedom_and_Democracy]

Dji drone supporters should be reported to the FBI.

[@haroldyazzie3538]

Tell Donald to help us.

[@toasti2699]

Trump hates china, how in the world could he help??

[@weiniesail]

Sucks for dji but F the CCP.

[@shb7772000if]

I wish i had a dollar for every KZbin video about DJI drones being banned. It's never going to happen so why not stfu.

[@AlfieDoug]

Adobe should also be banned.