Aerial Updates: Stunning Footage of Balancing Act Between Balloons Taken by Drone, Republicans Urge Examination of DJI, Plus Additional Stories!
In the realm of aerial photography, exciting developments are unfolding. FlyGuys, a company connecting clients with FAA-certified drone pilots, has announced the successful completion of a Series A-1 funding round, raising $13 million to expand operations. Known as "the Uber for drone pilots," FlyGuys aims to scale globally, expand mission management software, and create new opportunities for independent pilots.
Meanwhile, the drone industry is facing a critical review. U.S. House Republicans have requested an urgent, accelerated national security review of DJI, the Chinese drone maker, under Section 1709 of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The review is aimed at determining whether widespread use of Chinese drones poses unacceptable risks to U.S. infrastructure and public safety. If DJI is not formally reviewed by December 23 of this year, it will automatically face a ban.
The review is of significant importance, as DJI holds a substantial U.S. market presence. Potential findings could lead to DJI being placed on the Federal Communications Commission’s Covered List, effectively banning their drones in the U.S.
Elsewhere in the world of aerial photography, Joanna Steidle, a drone pilot from the Hamptons, has made headlines by winning the top prize in the inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest. Details about the winning photos were not provided, but Steidle's portfolio features top-down shots of marine wildlife, including a spinner shark chasing bait fish off Long Island's coast. The winning video showcases an impressive mix of aerial sports and drone storytelling.
In another exciting event, a daredevil slackliner named Julien Roux broke a record by performing a highline traverse between two hot air balloons at a height of 2.6 miles. DJI drones were used to set up the highline between the two balloons, capturing the thrilling event on video.
Technological advancements continue to push the boundaries of what drones can achieve. DJI has unveiled Terra 5, a software update that uses 3D Gaussian Splatting to create super-realistic 3D models with survey-grade accuracy. This advanced computer graphics technique represents 3D scenes using millions of tiny, translucent ellipsoids.
The International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest drew over 1,500 entries, showcasing unique landscapes and wildlife from around the globe. With such a vast array of talent and technology, the future of aerial photography promises to be an exciting one.
For Part 107-certified drone pilots, it's worth checking out FlyGuys to see if they have any opportunities in your area. With a network of over 16,000 FAA-certified pilots, FlyGuys enables fast, on-demand data capture for various industries.
As the review of DJI and other Chinese drone makers continues, the future of the drone industry in the U.S. remains uncertain. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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- The successful completion of FlyGuys' Series A-1 funding round, worth $13 million, aims to expand the operations of the drone pilot connection service, known as "the Uber for drone pilots."
- Simultaneously, the drone industry in the U.S. is under scrutiny, with U.S. House Republicans requesting an urgent review of DJI, a Chinese drone maker, under Section 1709 of the 2025 NDAA.
- If DJI is not formally reviewed by December 23 of this year, it will automatically face a ban due to potential unacceptable risks to U.S. infrastructure and public safety.
- In a separate development, Joanna Steidle, an FAA-certified drone pilot from the Hamptons, won the top prize in the International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest, featuring aerial shots of marine wildlife.
- DJI has recently unveiled Terra 5, a software update that uses 3D Gaussian Splatting for creating super-realistic 3D models with survey-grade accuracy, demonstrating technological advancements in the drone industry.
- With over 16,000 FAA-certified pilots in its network, FlyGuys offers opportunities for on-demand data capture for various industries, providing a significant impact on the aerospace and finance sectors.
