DJI Adds Airplane and Helicopter Detectors to Consumer Drones

DJI, a civilian drone and aerial imaging technology company, has committed to installing airplane and helicopter detectors in new consumer drones, part of a 10-point plan to ensure that the world's skies remain safe in the drone era.

All new DJI drone models released after 1 January 2020 that weigh more than 250 grams will include AirSense technology, which receives ADS-B signals from nearby airplanes and helicopters and warns drone pilots if they appear to be on a collision course. This will be the largest single deployment of ADS-B collision awareness technology to date and sets a new standard by putting professional-grade aviation safety technology in drones available to everyone.

AirSense can detect airplanes and helicopters from miles away, farther than a drone pilot can hear or see them and displays their locations on the screen of the pilot's remote controller. It has previously been available only on some professional-grade DJI drones, and this video explains how it will work in consumer drones as well.

"DJI leads the drone industry in developing safety technology and education, and we continue that tradition today by setting higher expectations for ourselves, our competitors and regulators," said Brendan Schulman, DJI Vice President for Policy & Legal Affairs. "DJI was the first company to offer geofencing, automatic altitude limits, return-to-home technology and other safety features to the world's growing community of personal and professional drone pilots. We believe our efforts have helped drones attain their enviable safety record, and we expect our new agenda will further improve safety even as more drones take to the skies."

DJI's 10-point plan is about how DJI, other drone manufacturers, and government officials around the world can maintain drones' admirable safety record. The 10 points are:

1. DJI will install ADS-B receivers in all new drones above 250 grams
2. DJI will develop a new automatic warning for drone pilots flying at extended distances
3. DJI will establish an internal Safety Standards Group to meet regulatory and customer expectations
4. Aviation industry groups must develop standards for reporting drone incidents
5. All drone manufacturers should install geofencing and remote identification
6. Governments must require remote identification
7. Governments must require a user-friendly knowledge test for new drone pilots
8. Governments must clearly designate sensitive restriction areas
9. Local authorities must be allowed to respond to drone threats that are clear and serious
10. Governments must increase enforcement of laws against unsafe drone operation

Other aviation organizations agree that installing AirSense in mainstream consumer drones is an important step in protecting airplanes, helicopters and the people who fly in them. DJI's ambitious schedule aligns with the FAA's upcoming requirement for essentially all airplanes and helicopters to be equipped with ADS-B transmitters in controlled airspace.