Aerial Update: Drone Footage Reveals Daring Act Above Hot Air Balloons, Republican Party Demands Investigation into DJI, and Additional Stories!
The International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest has concluded, with Joanna Steidle from the Hamptons taking the top prize. Her winning portfolio, showcased online, features stunning top-down shots of marine wildlife, including a spinner shark chasing bait fish off Long Island's coast [1].
The contest drew over 1,500 entries, showcasing unique landscapes and wildlife from around the globe. The footage of this event was captured using a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone [2].
Meanwhile, DJI, the world's largest drone manufacturer, finds itself in a precarious position. U.S. House Republicans have requested an urgent, accelerated national security review of DJI and other Chinese drone makers, under Section 1709 of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) [6].
If DJI is not formally reviewed by December 23 of this year, it will automatically face a ban under the 2025 NDAA. This ban would severely disrupt DJI’s access to the large U.S. market, where it currently holds over 70% share [3][4][5].
The fast-tracked audit of DJI, mandated under Section 1709 of the 2025 NDAA, has significant implications for the company’s operations and its potential ban in the U.S. Lawmakers recently pushed to complete this audit within 30 days, far quicker than the originally intended one-year period, raising concerns that such a rushed review might compromise its credibility [1][4].
DJI has expressed readiness and willingness to cooperate with U.S. authorities for a thorough and fair audit, emphasizing that its products have robust security and privacy protections [1][4][5]. However, the sudden push by some lawmakers for a 30-day audit timeline has been viewed by DJI and industry watchers as problematic, possibly undermining the depth and fairness of the review process [1][4][5].
In the tech world, DJI has also made strides. They have unveiled DJI Terra 5, featuring 3D Gaussian Splatting to create super-realistic 3D models with fine details [7]. The new version of DJI Terra 5 offers enhanced LiDAR and multispectral workflows for aerial surveying, urban planning, and digital preservation [8].
Elsewhere, FlyGuys, a service likened to Uber for drone pilots, has raised $13 million to expand operations. The new funding is aimed at scaling globally, expanding mission management software, and creating new opportunities for independent drone pilots [9].
A daredevil named Julien Roux set a record by tightroping between two hot air balloons at a height of 2.6 miles, higher than Mont Blanc's summit [10]. The video showcases a mix of aerial sports and drone storytelling, further demonstrating the versatility of DJI drones.
The outcome of this audit will directly determine whether DJI faces a ban under the NDAA. A credible, timely audit may allow DJI to continue operations in the U.S., but failure to complete it—or failure to pass it—will trigger a ban that could halt the company’s U.S. business substantially [1][3][4][5].
[1] https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/10/23413386/international-aerial-photographer-of-the-year-contest-winner-joanna-steidle [2] https://www.dji.com/mavic-3 [3] https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/07/dji-drone-maker-faces-possible-ban-in-us-under-new-security-review-mandate.html [4] https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-lawmakers-urge-quick-review-of-chinese-drones-under-security-act-2022-10-06/ [5] https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/dji-drone-maker-faces-possible-ban-in-us-under-new-security-review-mandate-2022-10-07/ [6] https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-lawmakers-urge-quick-review-of-chinese-drones-under-security-act-2022-10-06/ [7] https://www.dji.com/terra [8] https://www.dji.com/terra [9] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flyguys-raises-13-million-in-series-a-funding-round-301643184.html [10] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10986619/Daredevil-tightrope-walker-Julien-Roux-sets-world-record-walking-between-two-hot-air-balloons-2-6-miles-above-ground.html
- The winning portfolio in the International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest, claimed by Joanna Steidle, utilizes a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone for capturing stunning top-down shots of marine wildlife.
- The drone industry, led by DJI, collaborates extensively with the insurance sector to provide reliable safety and protection measures for pilots and equipment.
- The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively working on a certification process for drone pilots, aiming to enforce stringent safety standards within the industry.
- To adapt to technological advancements, the aerospace industry has been integrating drone technology into navigation systems for improved mapping and surveying purposes.
- The Finance sector is closely monitoring the ongoing audit of DJI under the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act's Section 1709, as potential consequences may significantly impact the company's financial performance.
- As DJI prepare for the upcoming FAA's drone pilot certification, they're also unveiling new technology like the DJI Terra 5, featuring innovative 3D mapping capabilities for various industries such as urban planning and digital preservation.
