Drone News: Mavic 3E gets CAT 2, Serious Drone Injury, Aloft LAANC Onboarding, & DJI Neo Specs Leak

[@thurber_shots]

Appreciate the update as always, Greg. Just wanted to mention that I've been contacted after submitting a LAANC, both by phone and text, a few times giving me alternative instructions, such as re-submit with a lower altitude, etc. rather than an unexplained denial. Not always but it's really cool of them when they do.

[@SchubertTech]

I have as well. I also submitted a LAANC for an area that didn't need one, and they contacted me saying, "That's Class G, you don't need it."

[@bobcowen]

Ironic that he was washing windows at a hospital. I hope he was able to get immediate treatment for his injuries.

[@JimBailey]

Thank you so much Pilot Institute, yall are the best. :)

[@YellowRoseDrones]

Thanks. The info about reducing the advance time is great news

[@aaron6516]

Thanks Greg for bringing us this weekly news updates. Great info this week!!! Really appreciate it!

[@DroneServiceProvidersAlliance]

A lot of ATC have been complaining because they couldn't give any feedback. I have no doubt they'll be very happy!

[@sgrams3578]

The RPSC was quite brave knowing the dangers of attempting to disconnect the battery, it was the quick thinking and reflexes that prevented even more harm to others.

[@VaughanReconstruction]

As always, thanks for the update.

[@JamesHopkins-d2o]

That's a nasty prop fight, I hate to hear that. It sounds like the RPIC had plenty of time to think this through a little better.

[@OpenCarryUSMC]

Common sense ain’t so common. And it’s been getting less common for decades. Walking into a meat grinder is never a good idea.

[@SummerlinRealtor]

Looking forward to seeing you Greg next month in Las Vegas at the UAV expo!

[@vonheise]

I will be ordering the DJI Neo since the Hover 2 seems to have disappeared after its announcement. Will be waiting for a basic operation class from you. I want a simple, less expensive drone to use over water...

[@TylerTrimnal]

Keep them fingers safe out there operators

[@melted_cheetah]

🤘

[@femiomomo]

Regarding the out of control drone, in the old days, of R/C helicopters, if the helicopter was low enough we used a large fishing net on a extended pole. This is not the perfect solution but maybe it would have save some cuts and scratches, as removing the battery is a terrible idea, also a a broom to stop the rotation of the props, and or use the broom to push down on the body of thr drone,if possible.

[@OpenCarryUSMC]

It had a hose attached. Just wrap the hose around or under something and keep the area clear until the batteries die and it comes down. Or pull it down to whatever you have the hose through or under while ensuring you and others are out of the danger zone. Simple stuff really. But critical thinking is so suppressed in todays society that it’s no wonder the operator basically walked in to a meat grinder.

[@lkwilliams]

Hearing this, all I could think of was “baseball bat”.

[@KeyPointProductionsVA]

Well, interesting story. I just thought of this, but if that happens to me, new props are cheaper than a hospital bill. Was it on the ground? Not sure if it was flying or not. Very odd situation

[@captraykelly]

Great update

[@SkySafariDrones-]

Interesting about further coordination. On my iPhone using the free version, the reduced expiration time (to 3 hours) was not available, even though the App reports it's up to date. As a test, I filed a request beyond the 72 hours stated in the App to see if it would clear. I got confirmation that my request for further coordination was pending. Previous requests were denied without explanation, so we'll see. Film at 11:00.

[@johnkerrins686]

I noticed that same thing. I just submitted a handful for further coordination this AM and there is still a 72 hour buffer needed to allow you to submit. FYI - I was using Online site. #TreeLineView

[@SkySafariDrones-]

My request was just approved. I misunderstood the 72 hours vs 3 hours. Previously, my request would have been canceled 72 hours before my shoot. Now it would be canceled 3 hours before the shoot ... if not already granted. So it's not lead time to file, but rather a cancelation window.

[@glenmcdowell]

Aloft new features are in the paid version or free? I'm still seeing 72 hour notice, which is new as it used to be 48.

[@jgraziano]

I've heard of RPIC's being getting feedback from ATC, but not me. Just denial a couple of times till I lowered altitude or added safety protocol.

[@rlfisher]

Are the Aloft LAANC enhancements for all versions of their product, or only the paid version?

[@inthefreytoo]

I don't understand why anyone would try to put their hands INSIDE a drone with spinning props. Especially one that can lift a power wash nozzle!? For a drone that large, I would carry some sort of netting I could throw over it and not risk losing a finger! In mean, geeze dude!!! Hope he doesn't lose his finger!

[@jon_espi10]

Honestly, I would rather deal with the damage with the drone rather than putting myself and my crew in danger of permanent injury

[@OpenCarryUSMC]

It had a hose connected to it. You put the hose under or wrapped around something and it’s tethered. Then you just wait for the batteries to exhaust while keeping the area clear of personnel. Just goes to show that you don’t have to be all that smart to pass the 107 test.

[@WilliamParmley]

@@OpenCarryUSMC I wondered about that (the hose tether). Seems like the best solution.

[@WilliamParmley]

@@jon_espi10 Right! Hardware can be replaced. Injuries might never fully heal or might not even be survivable!

[@EMicheleAdams]

I was thinking if it's too strong that holding the hose down is bad, then it's too much to get anywhere near the props.

[@dronebuzz]

Thank you Greg! ;-) T

[@coloradoclif]

Just the 3E? Or does that include the T and M as well? My biggest issue is that the AVSS system can't be used in conjunction with the RTK module which limits it's usefulness.

[@rivas541]

I share this concern. There's still option to ppl the data though

[@avss6241]

The PRS-M3E is approved for the Thermal. The Multispectral version was not originally considered as it was assumed it was only used with the RTK. However, if the M is used without RTK, AVSS can add that to the list.

[@cyclonedronz7861]

@@avss6241 the M3E is useless without the RTK module. The M3M does map but it's not made for mapping and the RTK module is not as important. The M3T is not a mapping drone and one should rarely need the RTK module. You need to do your homework!! So for the M3E which I bet out sells the 3T and 3M by a big margin your parachute is useless. This reminds me of a Fox clickbait headline. It would be better on a Mavic 3 Pro which is a camera drone, DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

[@avss6241]

@@cyclonedronz7861 Homework time: (1) what is the maxtow? (2) what does the usb-c functionality do (3) how many payloads does the usb-c support (4) where does dji tell developers to attach payloads

[@cyclonedronz7861]

@@avss6241 yeah you need to find those things out….🤣

[@wardmercer1425]

DJI probably coming out with a smaller drone similar to HooverAir X1 but with more features

[@theskybutlerllc]

I'll be interested to see how these Categorized operations roll out now that configurations of drones are being approved on the DOC. For Category 2, as an example, Part 107.120 still requires that the drone "not contain any exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin upon impact with a human being", meaning that you have to have prop guards. If you purchase the parachute system to go on your M3E, does it come with instructions that say you must install prop guards? Or, does the kit come with prop guards? I'm curious how this will end up working....

[@avss6241]

The PRS-M3E does not require prop guards. AVSS has an approved FAA MOC, which AVSS has demonstrated no laceration when using the AVSS systems.

[@PilotInstitute]

Keep in mind that prop guards are only one of the methods approved for meeting the requirement you mentioned about exposed rotating parts. A prop stop system is another.

[@theskybutlerllc]

@@avss6241 thanks for this! I was wondering if AVSS had shown some method of compliance with this Part. I appreciate the info.

[@theskybutlerllc]

@@PilotInstitute thanks. I just hadn't seen the requirement addressed anywhere, and I hadn't looked into their MOC. I appreciate the discussion.

[@avss6241]

@@theskybutlerllc Thanks for the thoughtful questions and for doing the initial homework on the rule. Always happy to provide details on the nuance!

[@turnerpunk]

The DJI Spark was actually 300 grams so requires registration and remote id which is not baked in unfortunately. 😢

[@SlackerU]

I see those tall drone trailers & wonder if they should have a crash-cage for injuries, as trying to evade an out-of-control large-drone would require them to leap off the tall trailer. I imagine the injuries are like shark attacks.

[@markbianchi9133]

Wow, I looked up the price of the AVSS parachute system! $1700 minimum.

[@W4rd-n1c]

I probably won’t buy any more dji drones until they decide to release none enterprise drones with sdk.

[@bradleywhais7779]

Yeah kinda mad my Mavic 3 has no sdk. Nets drone will be an Autel.

[@mikehammock7781]

I paid for the part 107 course on Udemy. Does that qualify me for joining the community.pilotinstitute ??

[@funnyrobl]

I have a mavic 3 pro cine

[@leadsled213]

Why don't the regular Mavic 3 get Cat 2 approval?

[@PilotInstitute]

Because the parachute needs to connect to the drone via the SDK port and the Mavic 3 doesn’t have one.

[@nightwaves3203]

Good thing that guy was at a hospital.

[@akush55]

wash drone needs power cord tethered bypass on board battery variable turn off controlling flow of power / gee it's flying iphone se spec

[@Rodzillaone]

The DJI would not have this problem!!

[@SkipFredrickstv]

So, do not stick your hand inside a drone, don't hike in the desert without water when it's 120, dont swim in the ocean when there are warnings signs posted for sharks. Hard to feel sorry for careless and stupid. See you at the Expo!!

[@АдамСаутиев-ч2к]

Dirty bear 96

[@chriscapune7873]

👍🐈‍⬛🐾🐝

[@marcecarter3785]

Why not just let the batteries go dead?!

[@thompaulson5152]

How do u guys have the fake neo photos aren't u dji folks

[@RichardBurns-yl8zh]

operation around hosiptal.....hmmmm all that electronics equipment inside hospital would mess with it or the opposite happen, can't believe hospital allowed drone near it with all sensitive equipment inside will cause signal loss at the least....good guess old fart in hospital bed was make the drone movements...lol

[@RichardBurns-yl8zh]

lol, reached in to the battery to disarm it..smh serves him right, next time this happens people flip the drone over. don't reach for the battery idiots, flip over one of 2 things will disarm itself or props hit ( not the operator)ground a shut down....hope he learned a lesson...but hey I have my 107 I fly drones..more an more idiots getting into it...

[@vampyflys]

Dude loses a finger, but DJI drones are the problem...

[@littlesandydronography]

Good morning everyone!