Drone owners may not have to register their machines with the Federal Aviation Administration, but users of a DJI model will experience restrictions if they do not verify their craft with the manufacturer.
The China-based firm has announced it will introduce a new application activation process for users that provides the necessary information to power the drone.
For those who do not comply, their unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will experience camera malfunctions and flight will be limited to a 164-foot (50m) radius up to 98 feet (30m) high.
Anyone who owns or purchased a DJI drone ‘will have to log in once when you update the new version of DJI GO or GO 4 App,’ DJI said.‘If this activation process is not performed, the aircraft will not have access to the correct geospatial information and flight functions for that region, and its operations will be restricted if you update the upcoming firmware,’ the firm continued. This include disabling of live camera streaming will be disabled, and flight will be limited to a 50-meter (164-foot) radius up to 30 meters (98 feet) high.
Earlier this month, the US appeals court motioned against a ruling that would force recreational drone owners to register their UAVs with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The new rule stipulated that anyone owning a drone weighing more than half a pound (227 grams) would have to register their name and address with the FAA, as well as place an identification number on the vehicle’s motor.
And although it was aimed curbing illegal flights near airports or interfering with civil aviation, critics said the move went too far and decided to throw it out.
However, those who own a DJI will have to comply with other laws or suffer the consequences.
Anyone who owns or purchased a DJI drone ‘will have to log in once when you update the new version of DJI GO or GO 4 App,’ DJI shared in the announcement.
‘If this activation process is not performed, the aircraft will not have access to the correct geospatial information and flight functions for that region, and its operations will be restricted if you update the upcoming firmware,’ the firm continued.
This include disabling of live camera streaming will be disabled, and flight will be limited to a 50-meter (164-foot) radius up to 30 meters (98 feet) high.
The process is mandatory for all drones that have been upgraded with the latest firmware or for those planning to use future versions of the DJI GO and GO 4 apps.
However, the standalone A3 and N3 are excluded from the rules.
Currently, US law in theory prohibits drones from flying at more than 400 feet (121m) in the vicinity of airports or within restricted areas like the center of the capital city.
But authorities find it difficult to enforce those rules in practice, and drone users frequently ignore them.
In a statement the FAA said the registration rule had aimed ‘to ensure that drones are operated in a way that is safe and does not pose security and privacy threats.’
‘We are in the process of considering our options and response to the decision,’ it said.
Join GhanaStar.com to receive daily email alerts of breaking news in Ghana. GhanaStar.com is your source for all Ghana News. Get the latest Ghana news, breaking news, sports, politics, entertainment and more about Ghana, Africa and beyond.