To drone or not to drone?

JoergH

First, the FCC action isn’t limited to “Chinese companies.” It applies to foreign-produced UAS and foreign-produced UAS critical components, regardless of whether the country is China, Malaysia, Japan, or Europe. So a SkyRover drone can fall under the restriction without the government claiming it’s Chinese.

Yes, I have said that numerous times. That's the entire point of this line of the topic. They have banned everything without the audit showing the origins, or what danger they even pose that is required by law.. They were required by law to conduct an audit and they said nah...

I am however very confused as to how a simple motor threatens national security...

JoergH

Second, saying SkyRover “manufactures in Malaysia” isn’t the same as proving the entire supply chain is non-Chinese. Motors, radios, cameras, batteries/BMS, and firmware are exactly the components the FCC defines as “critical,” and there’s no public audit showing their origin.

Yes, again, I've mentioned this several times.

Even if a drone was made in the US, by a US company and it used a Japanese motor, it would be banned under the current ruling... Why? Because foreign made motors for drones were also banned along with all drone parts, all drone components and all drone batteries.

There was / is no audit of Skyrover to ban them, or any other manufacturer for that matter, because they did not conduct an audit that is required by law..

JoergH

Third, the idea that SkyRover is a DJI clone using DJI backend may be believed in the community, but belief isn’t evidence. If the U.S. government wants to rely on that claim, the law already provides a mechanism to do the audit and publish the findings. That hasn’t happened.

It has not happened because they bypassed the law requiring them to do so..

JoergH

I’m fine with bans based on demonstrated risk like with DJI — but asserting manufacturing origin or backend ties without documentation just replaces one assumption with another.

In other words, I think we are in violent agreement that this is all being badly mishandled.

I'm not under the conditions they did it under. They did not conduct the ---> required by law audit and they did this behind closed doors and in secrecy..

I am not okay with the government behaving in this manner and bypassing laws when they see fit. Again, it's not just the current admin as this all started under the previous one and continued onward..

1. I never said Skyrover was made in China
2. I never said DJI was based in Malaysia
3. The ban of every drone, part and component made outside of the US has been discussed in length
4. The worldwide ban was implemented without the government doing a required by law audit.

• If they want to ban Skyrover, or any manufacturer, then do the required by law audit and prove how they are connected to DJI or why they are also a threat to national security.
• If they want to ban a simple drone motor because it's a national security issue then do the required by law audit and show the proof as to why. But a motor? Seriously?
• If they want to ban drone batteries made outside of the USA then show why that drone battery is a risk to national security. But a battery? Seriously?
• etc, etc, etc...

So I've been trying to find out as much as I can about this but it's hard as there is a lot of conflicting info..

From what I have gathered, the ban is for 'new' drone models. So DJI could still keep producing and selling drones like the Mini 4 Pro, the Mini 5 Pro etc since they were existing models already in production and being sold before the ban kicked in. If they make a Mini 6 Pro then that would be banned.

But, in DJI's case, they still have the issue where customs is seizing their products due to the child labor claims..

I assume this is also true for the accessories, batteries, components and motors.. Anything before the ban date is good but any new model after the ban date is not?

Skyrover can still sell the X1 and S1 but if they were to make a Skyrover X2 or an S2 then they would not be able to sell it in the US..

It's all pretty confusing. Anyone have more info to add on this?

Simple, start a US drone company.Gotta read between the lines.

Yeah, I did a lot of research on this as well, and I came to the conclusion that it's not just new models, it's any new production runs of any existing models as well. The only thing that can be legally sold as of right now is existing stock because it already has FCC approval.

Effective December 23, 2025, the FCC added foreign-made drones and certain drone components (including DJI, SkyRover, Autel, and similar companies) to its “Covered List.”

• This means new models of foreign-made drones and RF equipment cannot get FCC equipment authorization, which is required to import and sell them legally in the U.S. market.
  → Result: New DJI models cannot be imported into the U.S., and new FCC approvals for them are blocked preventing import of even existing models like the SkyRover S1 since specific models aren't mentioned in the law.

But, I agree, the wording is a little nebulous, and thus I suspect that DJI and others will go to court shortly.

Bronco V-8

Simple, start a US drone company.Gotta read between the lines.

But everything on or in the USA drone like batteries, motors, components etc would also have to be made in the USA as well right?

My understanding is that If a US company wants to build a drone and they use a Japanese motor then the entire drone is banned....

JoergH

Yeah, I did a lot of research on this as well, and I came to the conclusion that it's not just new models, it's any new production runs of any existing models as well. The only thing that can be legally sold as of right now is existing stock because it already has FCC approval.

Effective December 23, 2025, the FCC added foreign-made drones and certain drone components (including DJI, SkyRover, Autel, and similar companies) to its “Covered List.”

• This means new models of foreign-made drones and RF equipment cannot get FCC equipment authorization, which is required to import and sell them legally in the U.S. market.
  → Result: New DJI models cannot be imported into the U.S., and new FCC approvals for them are blocked preventing import of even existing models like the SkyRover S1 since specific models aren't mentioned in the law.

But, I agree, the wording is a little nebulous, and thus I suspect that DJI and others will go to court shortly.

I've read that once current USA stock is gone that's it but then I have also read that if it's an existing model they can keep producing it forever if they want..

Not sure what's what at this point as the information is all over the place..

Part of the problem is the way this was handled.. A closed door meeting instead of the required by law audit with little to no real information available... The whole thing stinks to the high heavens...

If this is really the end of the line, I might sell my Mini 4 Pro and buy the Mini 5 Pro from a USA based eBay seller. I saw several USA based sellers that are selling them for retail price.. Many of the sellers have high positive feedback.. Hummmm.. LOL

raqball

If this is really the end of the line, I might sell my Mini 4 Pro and buy the Mini 5 Pro from a USA based eBay seller. I saw several USA based sellers that are selling them for retail price.. Many of the sellers have high positive feedback.. Hummmm.. LOL

I did..

I sold my Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo with the RC2 for $1,000 yesterday and the Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo with RC2 arrived today... The Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo was $1,150 so it cost me $150 for the upgrade..

Why?

1. FOMO (fear of missing out)
2. I figured might as well get the latest greatest while I can
3. It only cost me $150 for the swaparoo

• The Mini 5 Pro has a better camera. Not really important to me as 4K @ 60 fps is still 4K @ 60 fps
• The Mini 5 Pro has the same obstacle avoidance sensors but adds 2 additional Lidar sensors to assist with avoidance
• The Mini 5 Pro has quick swap propellers. No longer need a screwdriver
• The Mini 5 Pro came with ND Filters (not sure I'll ever use them but they come standard)
• Obviously most things on it are improved over the Mini 4 Pro..

My #1 reason was for the addition of the 2 front Lidar sensors.. Worth $150? I dunno but I guess if it keeps me from crashing it, then yes...

So now I have my Skyrover X1 and the DJI Mini 5 Pro.. I'll probably use the Skyrover X1 until I get comfortable flying as crashing the Mini 5 Pro would suck.. Crashing the Skyrover would also suck but it was half the price..

Take that US Gubment! 😂

Some interesting stats and poll results..

I weighed my Mini 5 Pro and it's slightly over the 250 gram mark. It came in at 250.3 grams. Even if it's under 250 grams out of the box, adding something like an ND filter can put it over that limit and place you in violation... Based on mine being slightly over the limit, I registered it with the FAA. It's $5 for 3-years.

Register your drone: https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/

I then ordered this free sticker for it. The FAA registration # is required to be on the drone. You can write it on the drone with a sharpie or something or get these profession and cleaner looking stickers for free with free shipping..

Free registration stickers (you'll need your FAA registration number): https://form.jotform.com/211945631269056

Weigh your drone even if it claims to be under 250 grams as the fines can be ginormous if you don't and you get caught.. Also, make sure you carry the above FAA registration and the TRUST test certificate whenever you fly.. I'll keep both in my drone bag..

Since DJI Care is no longer available in the USA, I was on the hunt for some kind of insurance to cover the DJI Mini 5 Pro. Some homeowners policies will, some renters insurance policies will etc... They will all vary in what they cover (lost, stolen, damaged), deductibles, etc..

After doing some research, I came across State Farm's 'Personal Articles' insurance.

https://www.statefarm.com/insurance/personal-articles-policy

I contacted an agent and went over all the details and options. Here is the policy I now have:

• $60 a year (or $5 a month - pick your billing option)
• Covers: Lost, Stolen, Damaged
• No deductible

This is for $5,000 of coverage (their minimum) so if you have multiple drones, they'd be covered up to that $5K limit. I was also told that you can add more coverage over the $5K and that it would cost a few extra $$ for every additional $1,000 that's added on top of that $5K..

You can't get a quote online and you need to contact a State Farm agent to start the policy.

I do not work for State Farm and I have absolutely no affiliation with them nor do I have any other insurance products with them..

They did ask for purchase receipts and photos of the drone.

TL;DR: Both of my drones are completely covered against loss, damage and theft for $60 per year..

You should join the AMA and use their insurance.Even though they sold out they are still a viable organization and offer a lot to flyers.
Adult Membership

$89/year

• ✔ $2.5M liability insurance
• 
  
• ✔ Access to all AMA flying sites
• 
  
• ✔ Monthly magazine subscription

https://www.modelaircraft.org/sites/default/files/documents/500-A.pdf

NEWS FLASH:
As of this morning (according to my E*Trade feed), the US is backing away from from the Chinese drone ban…

Bluestreak57

NEWS FLASH:
As of this morning (according to my E*Trade feed), the US is backing away from from the Chinese drone ban…

From what I've read and watched, the Commerce Department changed it's ruling but the FCC's ruling / ban is still in effect..

I also saw this ruling from 2 days ago that addressed firmware updates, phone apps, etc. They have banned all software, firmware and app updates effective Jan 1, 2027..

https://dronexl.co/2026/01/22/fcc-drone-firmware-updates-january-2027/

*snip*

FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology confirmed that DJI, Autel, and other covered drone manufacturers can continue pushing firmware and software updates to previously authorized drones through at least January 1, 2027.

*/snip*

I've also read where some are speculating that all of this could be gamesmanship leading up to the meeting between the US President and the Chinese President..

Hopefully after that, these drone bans are reversed...

This is my understanding of where everything stands now:

1. DJI Mini 5 Pro, DJI Mavic 4 Pro, Skyrover X1 and all previous models are legal to import into the US
2. New models like a DJI Mini 6 Pro, a DJI Mavic 5 Pro, Skyrover X2 etc would be banned
3. Firmware updates for the legal to import drones will be banned on Jan 1, 2027

Even though existing DJI drones are legal to import into the USA, Customs is still seizing them under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). I do not think the Skyrover drones are being seized under this act as Amazon always has plenty of stock.

I am sure there is probably more to it but that's my understanding in a nutshell..

Be careful out there folks and follow the rules.. Apparently the FAA is lowering the hammer on people..

raqball

Be careful out there folks and follow the rules.. Apparently the FAA is lowering the hammer on people..

thanks for sharing that video. I can't believe people can be so irresponsible with a drone when it is so simple to follow the rules and still get great video.

Lots O Fords

thanks for sharing that video. I can't believe people can be so irresponsible with a drone when it is so simple to follow the rules and still get great video.

Yeah, almost all of the people who were fined were ignoring the simplest, and most basic, of rules.

I grow tired of these irresponsible people! Be it irresponsible drone usage, people who go off trails causing damage to the environment, or the slobs who trash camp sites, parks etc..

They are the reason we can't have nice things, why drones are getting cracked down on and why trails get restricted and / or shut down all the time.. 😡 💩

raqball

Yeah, almost all of the people who were fined were ignoring the simplest, and most basic, of rules.

I grow tired of these irresponsible people! Be it irresponsible drone usage, people who go off trails causing damage to the environment, or the slobs who trash camp sites, parks etc..

They are the reason we can't have nice things, why drones are getting cracked down on and why trails get restricted and / or shut down all the time.. 😡 💩

I just can't understand those who trash trails and sights.
Couple weeks ago we took people to a cave that has a cool overlook. It takes a bit of effort to get there.
And it was clean, before a group left behind about 12 beer cans.
We must have just missed them, the trash was fresh.
We packed it out.

Lots O Fords

We packed it out.

Thank you! 👍

*rant

Two massive, and I mean massive, pet peeves of mine --> that will instantly send me into a rant are the slobs at camp sites, parks, etc and the people who leave designated trails causing damage to the environment.

Trails are getting shut down and restricted all the time and private land owners are reluctant of let others use, or pass through, their land because of these people..

/*rant

raqball

Thank you! 👍

*rant

Two massive, and I mean massive, pet peeves of mine --> that will instantly send me into a rant are the slobs at camp sites, parks, etc and the people who leave designated trails causing damage to the environment.

Trails are getting shut down and restricted all the time and private land owners are reluctant of let others use, or pass through, their land because of these people..

/*rant

You and me both. If someone feels like they need to cut across the desert for a challenge. I say, follow me, I'll show you a challenge. And it's on a designated trial