DJI will release a mandatory firmware update for the Phantom 2, Phantom 2 Vision, and Phantom 2 Vision+ to help users comply with the FAA’s Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) 0/8326, which restricts unmanned flight around the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
The updated firmware (V3.10) will be released in coming days and adds a No-Fly Zone centered on downtown Washington,
The restriction is part of a planned extension of DJI’s No Fly Zone system that prohibits flight near airports and other locations where flight is restricted by local authorities. These extended no fly zones will include over 10,000 airports registered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and will expand no fly zones to ensure they cover the runways at major international airports. DC and extends for a 25 kilometer (15.5 mile) radius in all directions. Phantom pilots in this area will not be able to take off from or fly into this airspace.
http://www.suasnews.com/2015/01/34070/dji-announces-mandatory-firmware-update/
Comments
This DJI employee seems to be saying it's an elective update: "If you do not want to be subject to this new restriction, you may elect not to install the update" (from http://skypixel.org/post/81975172404)
http://www.dji.com/info/news/phantom-2-firmware-update-new-no-fly-z... just says "As with all updates, all users are strongly encouraged to update their firmware immediately"
Is there a source anywhere for the statement that the firmware update is mandatory? I'd like to see what DJI actually said, not someone's interpretation.
@Ahmed: You are wrong. DJI is not imposing or deciding anything. The FRZ is not DJI's idea. It is the law, written by the government (FAA). DJI is merely making their product comply with the law. Which car manufacturers have to do with every vehicle they make as well.
Good luck finding a law, law enforcement agency, and court that will apply, arrest, charge, and convict someone for violation of the illusion of personal property air space. Not going to happen.
I agree. I don't see this as a bad thing at all. In fact, I think we should be doing it. Be responsible voluntarily before something worse is forced on us.
These are all bandaids to a larger problem. These bandaids are a good thing, but far from a solution.
Rui, you are correct, there is absolutely no requirement at all for a GPS to fly with DJI's NAZA based system(what the Phantom uses). In fact it works very well without one. Simply unplug the GPS and it automatically goes into "Stabilized" kind of mode where you can take off and fly anywhere without restriction. This solves nothing.
John, DJI sent it to me
@Sgt Ric, hey moderator, be nice!
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next