For over a decade, operating a DJI drone over restricted areas in the United States was nearly impossible. DJI’s geofencing software automatically prevented flights over sensitive locations such as runways, power plants, public emergencies like wildfires, and even the White House.
However, amidst a significant rise in US drone distrust and incidents like a DJI drone obstructing wildfire efforts in Los Angeles, DJI has announced the removal of its stringent geofence system. The company will no longer enforce “No-Fly Zones” but will instead provide a warning that can be ignored by the user, leaving the responsibility to the operator’s judgment and the risk of legal consequences.
In a recent blog post, DJI described this change as “placing control back in the hands of the drone operators.” DJI believes that technologies like Remote ID will equip authorities with the necessary tools to enforce existing regulations, according to DJI’s global policy head Adam Welsh in a statement to The Verge.
Intriguingly, the DJI drone that collided with a Super Scooper aircraft during the Los Angeles wildfires was a lightweight model under 250 grams, potentially exempt from Remote ID requirements, prompting the FBI to state it would have to “work backwards” to identify the operator.
DJI’s decision to eliminate its geofencing feature appears to correlate with the US government’s diminishing support, as evidenced by blockages on drone imports, labeling DJI as a “Chinese Military Company,” and initiating a timeline for an unofficial import ban.
“The FAA does not mandate geofencing from drone manufacturers,” confirms FAA spokesperson Ian Gregor to The Verge.
Conversely, Brendan Schulman, former DJI global policy leader, expressed concern over this shift, stating: “This is a remarkable shift in drone safety strategy, with potentially substantial implications, particularly for drone operators who may not be fully informed about airspace restrictions and high-risk areas.”
“There was significant evidence over the years indicating that automatic drone geofencing, based on risk assessments, greatly enhanced aviation safety.”
“Coincidentally, this change comes nearly a decade after a DJI drone famously crash-landed on the White House lawn, and now the removal of geofencing may lead to similar incidents, as users can opt to disregard warnings.”
Here are the questions posed to DJI, along with their responses:
1) Can you confirm that DJI no longer prevents its drones from taking off or flying into any locations within the United States, including military bases, emergency areas like wildfires, and critical government sites like the White House?
Yes, this GEO update applies to all locations in the U.S. and aligns with the FAA’s Remote ID objectives. With this update, previous DJI geofencing datasets have been replaced with official FAA data. Areas that were once identified as Restricted Zones (or No-Fly Zones) will now be listed as Enhanced Warning Zones, in accordance with FAA regulations.
2) If there are still restrictions on some locations, which locations are those?
Not applicable.
3) Was this decision made in consultation with or by directive from the US government or any specific government bodies, agencies, or representatives? If yes, which? If no, why not?
This GEO update aligns with principles set forth by aviation regulators globally — including the FAA — that place the responsibility of compliance on the operator.
4) Did DJI conduct any risk analysis studies prior to this decision, and if so, what likelihood of abuse did they find? If not, why not?
The prior geofencing system was a voluntary safety measure introduced by DJI over 10 years ago when small drones first entered the airspace, and regulations were still being established. Since then, the FAA has implemented Remote ID requirements, mandating that drones in the U.S. must broadcast a “license plate” equivalent, which commenced in early 2024, thus providing authorities with tools to enforce existing regulations.
Welsh noted, “This update has been in development for some time, following successful similar changes in the E.U. last year, which showed no evidence of increased risk.” However, last year’s E.U. changes reportedly maintained mandatory no-fly zones around UK airports. In the U.S., Welsh indicated that the apps would continue to provide warnings when pilots attempt to enter restricted airspace, provided they keep their flight apps updated.
