Drone-captured video shows daring act between hot air balloons, Republican party advocates for DJI investigation, and additional drone-related updates
In the world of drone technology, there's been a flurry of activity recently. DJI, a leading name in the industry, has unveiled an update to its 3D modeling software, Terra, featuring game-changing 3D Gaussian Splatting for creating super-realistic 3D models [6].
Meanwhile, Joanna Steidle, a drone pilot from the Hamptons, has made headlines after winning the top prize in the inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest. Her winning portfolio showcases top-down shots of marine wildlife, including a spinner shark chasing bait fish off Long Island's coast [1].
The footage of this historic event was captured by a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone. In a record-breaking feat, daredevil slackliner Julien Roux performed a highline traverse between two hot air balloons at a height of 2.6 miles [2]. The DJI drones were also used to set up the line between the balloons.
But the spotlight on DJI doesn't stop at its innovative technology and impressive footage. U.S. House Republicans have requested an urgent, accelerated national security review of DJI and other Chinese drone makers. The review is aimed at determining whether widespread use of Chinese drones poses unacceptable risks to U.S. infrastructure and public safety [3].
If DJI isn't formally reviewed by December 23 of this year, it will automatically face a ban under the 2025 NDAA. However, as of mid-2025, the national security review is pending but has not formally started [4]. House Republicans, including Elise Stefanik, Rick Crawford, and John Moolenaar, have urged the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to complete the review within 30 days [5].
On a different note, the drone industry is also seeing growth in the service sector. FlyGuys, a service akin to Uber for drone pilots, has raised $13 million in a Series A-1 funding round to accelerate growth. FlyGuys connects clients with a nationwide network of over 16,000 FAA-certified pilots for fast, on-demand data capture in various industries [7]. The new funding is aimed at scaling globally, expanding mission management software, and creating new opportunities for independent pilots.
As for the International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest, it drew over 1,500 entries, showcasing unique landscapes and wildlife from around the globe. Details about the winning photos, however, were not provided in the given paragraphs [1].
Despite the regulatory uncertainty and customs scrutiny, DJI drones continue to be popular, with many models unavailable in the U.S., including the recent Mavic 4 Pro [3]. It remains to be seen how the ongoing national security review will impact the future of DJI and the drone industry in the U.S.
References: 1. The Drone Girl 2. CNET 3. TechCrunch 4. The Verge 5. The Hill 6. DJI 7. FlyGuys
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) should consider the safety implications and issue specific certification for drone pilots who specialize in tasks such as 3D mapping, working alongside companies like FlyGuys.
- Considering the increased popularity of drones in insurance capabilities, it is crucial to map out and analyze potential risks, ensuring aerial technology is used responsibly in industries like marine wildlife photography.
- In light of the ongoing national security review, DJI might find it necessary to obtain additional safety measures and certifications before pursuing projects like creating super-realistic 3D models using technology like 3D Gaussian Splatting.
- With the growth of drone technology in various industries, there is a need for collaborations between drone manufacturers like DJI and government bodies, such as the FAA, to ensure safety standards are maintained and drone pilots have the appropriate certifications.
