Setback
The US communications regulator, the FCC, added foreign-made drones to its Covered List, so new models from DJI and others can no longer get approval for the US. Drones already approved and owned are not affected. DJI sells more than half of US commercial drones.
A delay, pause or setback
What the source says
“does not prohibit import, sale or use of any existing device models the telecom regulator previously authorized”
What it means
DJI FlyCart, from DJI, is at stage 4 of 5 on our ladder: paying customers. A setback stays on the record next to the milestones; the stage moves down only when the rules say so.
Human help: The maker hasn't said whether people help it remotely.
More on DJI FlyCart
- Wind farm operator Ørsted announced a four-week trial flying 55–65 kg maintenance kits to turbines at its Hornsea 2 North Sea wind farm, using a drone DroneXL identified as a DJI FlyCart 100.
- In its appeal against the FCC, DJI told a US federal appeals court that 25 products it planned to launch in 2026 were blocked from the US market, and projected a $1.56 billion loss this year.
- US regulators blocked approvals of new foreign-made drone models and key parts, including DJI's, on national security grounds.
- The FlyCart 100 went on sale around the world, but DJI said it would not be sold in the US for the time being.
- DJI launched a bigger model in China, the FlyCart 100, which can carry 80 kg (176 pounds). US approval was still pending.
- DJI put the FlyCart 30 on sale worldwide. To fly in the US it would still need an FAA type certificate or an exemption.