Drone News: FAA Reauthorization, DJI Mini 4K, and Robinson Helicopters Purchased Ascent AeroSystems
16,018
Published 2024-05-03
00:00 Introduction
00:17 FAA Reauthorization
01:30 DJI Mini 4K
03:09 Robinson Helicopters Purchased Ascent AeroSystems
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First up, congress appears close to FAA reauthorization.
The reauthorization is over 1,000 pages, with topics including BVLOS drone operations, fine increases for consumer violations, legislation over near collisions, quality control for large aircraft manufacturers, and FAA staffing.
Congress now will need to vote in favor of the bill before it heads to the President’s desk.
During this time, we need to stay up to date on possible regulations going through Congress that may get lumped into the bill.
The DAA has a new campaign opposing a section of the FAA Reauthorization that would prohibit the DOT from using any money for drones made in China along with the expected-to-be-introduced Drones for First Responders Act.
Check out the DAA Link below to make your voice heard and we'll keep you updated when we see more.
droneadvocacyalliance.com/
Next up is the DJI Mini 4K.
The drone is currently available for sale on DJI’s Amazon site, with no mention on DJI’s official website.
The Mini 4K supports recording up to 4K 30fps, and 2.7K up to 60 fps.
Other specs remain similar to the old Mini 2 series, with a 31-minute flight time, 3 axis gimbal, smart features like quickshots, panoramic shots, and RTH.
The Mini 4K comes in at $299 for the drone and controller, and the Fly-more combo with extra batteries at $449.
This offers a more cost-effective option for those looking for a 4K drone, as compared to the Mini 3 at $419 for the drone and controller, and $589 for the fly more combo.
Let us know what you think about this new DJI release!
dronexl.co/2024/04/29/dji-mini-4k-drone/
Last up, Robinson Helicopter has acquired Ascent AeroSystems.
If you’re unfamiliar with Ascent, they make the Spirit Drone which is a coaxial tube-like drone primarily used by the military and some industries.
The Spirit has a max takeoff weight of 13.5 lbs, an IP56 Rating, and a maximum flight time with a payload of 38 minutes.
Ascent also makes the NX30, with a 15lb payload, 65-minute endurance, and 35-mile range.
Robinson CEO David Smith hopes to ramp up production of Ascent’s drones to hundreds a month.
We’ll keep you updated if we see more from Robinson and Ascent!
dronexl.co/2024/04/24/robinson-helicopter-drone-ma…
Alright, that’s it, have a great weekend!
All Comments (21)
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The crazy thing is, I still have my original Mini 2 for almost 4 years, which shoots 4k at 30FPS. I still use it. It's my main hobby drone.
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You probably right Greg about DJI having so many of those mini SE drone shell's that they don't know what to do with them but continue to make them with different names and prices.
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Interesting to see Robinson getting into the drone space. I wouldn't expect them to make a shift like that unless they had a good plan in mind.
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Extra parts left over was my first thought. I think it is a good move to get more people flying their DJI branded videos and more people who will be against DJI being kicked out of the US.
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It’s a reminder. I appreciate the reminder
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Keeping us all up to date. I love it ❤
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Great theory on the “why.” Always good to differentiate a product line and have a low cost option that provides a fair amount of quality and feature set.
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Mini 2 was and still is a great drone I still own mine!
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Thank you Greg! ;-) T
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Does Mini2 4K have a smaller footprint controller? Main complaint of newer version seems to be that the packing weight and bulk was now out-of-sync with minimalist travel friendly niche early versions established
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Greg, the link you referred to as being below, isn't. Lee
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will the new 4k work with the newer controllers? It would be a good "sacrificial drone" for flying under bridges if there is fishing line hanging from it. I was able to salvage an Air 2 after encountering that issue flying at a campground road bridge crossing a river.
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Is this new mini 4k compatible with the newer RC controller?
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WIll the new Mini 4K have RID? Why not have a refurb program to update/upgrade the Original Mini 2 with RID support?
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I'm confused..... The original Mini 2 could also shoot in 4K 30fps. So.... what's actually different about the new one?
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DJI Mini 4k does not support RID in the USA (per DJI on their forum) USA YouTube reviewers should point this out to their subscribers and if they use DJI Mini 4k video on YouTube they should be using a third party RID module to be in compliance with FAA part 107 use of the Mini 4k.
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So, is the Mini 4k equipped with Remote ID? If so, there’s our answer to a Mini 2 with RID!
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Does the DJI mini 4K have RID?
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I wish DJI would make a single standard for all their mini drones - it's maddening a regular so your under 249 g and a plus so if your flying part 107 you have your remote ID active
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So if there is a DJI ban are they going to compensate me for my mini 3 cost for an another type drone?
