Aerial Report: Balancing Act on Balloons Accidentally Documented by Drone, GOP Advocates for DJI Investigation, and Further Updates!
In the world of technology and drones, two notable events have recently taken place. On one hand, the U.S. House Republicans have formally requested an accelerated national security review of Chinese drone manufacturer DJI. On the other, a ground-breaking tightrope walk between two hot air balloons was captured by a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone, setting a new record.
Accelerated Review of DJI
Amidst concerns over national security risks posed by Chinese technology, U.S. House Republicans have called on the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to expedite an urgent, accelerated national security review of DJI. This request aligns with the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that mandates a security risk assessment and formal review of DJI drones.
However, as of July 2025, no official audit has yet commenced. The deadline for the review is fast approaching, with only six months left until December 23, 2025. DJI and industry stakeholders are urging the completion of the review to avoid market disruptions.
Record-Breaking Tightrope Walk
Meanwhile, in the realm of extreme sports, slackliner Julien Roux made history by tightroping between two hot air balloons at a height of 2.6 miles, a feat captured by a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone. This record-breaking event took place at a height higher than Mont Blanc's summit, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerial sports.
Innovations in Drone Technology
On the technological front, DJI has unveiled an update to its 3D modeling software, Terra. The new version, Terra 5, features 3D Gaussian Splatting, a computer graphics technique that creates super-realistic 3D models. Terra 5 aims to make high-end digital twins and city-scale mapping accessible on entry-level computers.
Elsewhere, FlyGuys, often referred to as "the Uber for drone pilots," has raised $13 million in a Series A-1 funding round. This funding will be used to scale globally, expand mission management software, and create new opportunities for independent drone pilots. With a nationwide network of over 16,000 FAA-certified drone pilots, FlyGuys enables fast, on-demand data capture for various industries.
In the photography world, 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.
The first International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest drew over 1,500 entries, showcasing unique landscapes and wildlife from around the globe. However, details about the winning photos were not provided in the article.
It's an exciting time for both the drone industry and extreme sports, with innovations pushing boundaries and records being broken. Whether you're a Part 107-certified drone pilot or a fan of aerial sports, there's plenty to keep an eye on in the coming months.
- The U.S. House Republicans have called on the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to expedite an urgent, accelerated national security review of DJI drones, as mandated by the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
- In the photography world, Joanna Steidle, a drone pilot from the Hamptons, won the top prize in the inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest for her portfolio featuring marine wildlife.
- Meanwhile, aerial technology is advancing, with DJI's new version of Terra 3D modeling software, Terra 5, featuring 3D Gaussian Splatting for creating super-realistic 3D models.
- FlyGuys, known as "the Uber for drone pilots," recently raised $13 million in a Series A-1 funding round to scale globally, expand mission management software, and create new opportunities for independent drone pilots.
- Slackliner Julien Roux made history by tightroping between two hot air balloons at a height of 2.6 miles, a record-breaking event captured by a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone.
- Industry stakeholders, including DJI, are urging the completion of the Pentagon’s review of DJI drones to avoid market disruptions before the December 23, 2025 deadline set by the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
