Aerial Interestingness: Stunning Footage of Drone Over Balloon Acrobatics, Republican Advocacy for DJI Examination, and More Exciting Findings!
In the world of drone technology, two significant developments have emerged. Firstly, DJI, a leading drone manufacturer, has made a major update to its 3D modeling software Terra, introducing 3D Gaussian Splatting for super-realistic 3D models. This update doubles processing speed, delivers survey-grade accuracy with lower hardware requirements, and makes high-end digital twins and city-scale mapping accessible on entry-level computers [1].
Meanwhile, DJI finds itself in a precarious position due to a pending national security review. 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 [2].
As of late July 2025, the fast-tracked national security audit is still pending and has not yet been officially scheduled or completed. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requires a formal audit of DJI by December 23, 2025, with an automatic federal ban on DJI drones taking effect if the review is not conducted by that deadline [3][4].
Republican lawmakers, including Elise Stefanik, Rick Crawford, and John Moolenaar, have urged the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to expedite this review within 30 days following their July 2025 letter [1][2]. However, no formal audit date has been announced as of July 2025 [4].
If the audit is not completed by December 23, 2025, DJI drones will be automatically placed on the FCC Covered List, effectively banning their import and sale in the United States [3][4]. DJI drones are already facing regulatory and supply chain challenges in the U.S. due to customs delays and regulatory scrutiny [4]. DJI has publicly called for an evidence-based review and stated it has “nothing to hide,” emphasizing the importance of completing the mandated audit [5].
In other news, FlyGuys, a service described as "the Uber for drone pilots," has raised $13 million to expand its operations. The new funding will be used to scale globally, expand mission management software, and create new opportunities for independent pilots amid soaring demand for drone data [6].
The International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest, which drew over 1,500 entries, spotlighted unique landscapes and wildlife from around the globe. Joanna Steidle, a drone pilot from the Hamptons, won the top prize in the inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest. Her winning portfolio features top-down shots of marine wildlife, including a spinner shark chasing bait fish off Long Island's coast [7].
One of the entries in the contest featured a daredevil slackliner named Julien Roux, who broke a record by tightroping between two hot air balloons at a height of 2.6 miles, higher than Mont Blanc's summit. The footage of Roux's feat was captured using a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone [8].
In conclusion, the pending national security review could significantly impact DJI's operations in the U.S. If completed, it may help DJI avoid the ban. Meanwhile, FlyGuys continues to grow, connecting clients with a nationwide network of over 16,000 FAA-certified pilots, enabling fast, on-demand data capture for various industries.
- The aerospace technology industry is witnessing a trend where drone manufacturers are focusing on enhancing safety features, as demonstrated by DJI's update to its 3D modeling software Terra.
- The FAA-certified pilots offered by FlyGuys are pivotal in the fast, on-demand data capture services they provide to various industries, expanding their operations globally.
- In the drone industry, safety concerns have led to a pending national security review of DJI and other Chinese drone makers, with the review aiming to ensure no unacceptable risks to U.S. infrastructure and public safety.
- In the face of regulatory and supply chain challenges, DJI faces the possibility of being automatically placed on the FCC Covered List if the national security review is not completed by the December 23, 2025, deadline.
- The overall demand for drone data is soaring, creating new opportunities for independent pilots to capitalize on, such as the expansion of FlyGuys' mission management software.
- As technological advancements continue in the drone industry, the insurance aspect is becoming increasingly important, protecting businesses against liabilities arising from the use of drones, such as the High-Definition Map Failure insurance offered by DJI.
