Latest in Drone News: Thrilling Drone Footage of Skiing near Active Volcano, DJI Unveils FlyCart 100, and More Impressive Developments!
YouTuber Breaks High-Altitude Drone Cinematography Record on Mount Everest
YouTuber Chunlinmark has made history by flying the DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone up Mount Everest, setting a new record for high-altitude drone cinematography. The breathtaking footage captures Turner and his guide navigating snow and glowing lava at high altitudes.
The video, shot just weeks after a new eruption began on Mount Etna in February, showcases the drone's impressive capabilities. The DJI Mavic 4 Pro footage is a masterclass in both drone technology and mountain storytelling, as it captures the ascent from the North Col Glacier (6,500m/4 miles high) to the Traverse (8,800m/5.4 miles high).
Meanwhile, in a different part of the world, researchers in Norway used DJI Mavic 2s and 3s to document the dramatic retreat of glaciers like Nigardsbreen. Over three days, they flew 76 vertical profiles, collecting high-res data on glacier-lake systems and local weather patterns.
The DJI FlyCart 100, DJI's most powerful cargo drone, was also released in mid-2025. Capable of hauling up to 176 lbs (80 kg) with a single battery, the drone is designed for rugged, mission-critical operations such as emergency response, high-altitude resupply, and construction. It features a weatherproof design, military-grade intelligence, and advanced winch systems, positioning it as a significant logistics tool in the drone industry.
However, concerns have been raised about the use of drones in other parts of the world. The ACLU recently called Sonoma County's drone program a "runaway spying operation" that violates state constitutional rights. The county is facing a lawsuit over its use of high-powered drones for hundreds of warrantless aerial inspections over private property.
The DJI FlyCart 100 has already made its mark, but its global or U.S. release remains uncertain. No word yet on when it will be available in specific regions or through what retailers.
In another drone-related news, the video shot by Turner on Mount Etna was not captured by the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, but by a combination of a GoPro 11 Mini, iFlight Nazgul F5 V2, and BOB57 FPV drones.
References: [1] DJI. (2025). DJI FlyCart 100. Retrieved from https://www.dji.com/flycart-100 [2] Turner, J. (2025). Mount Etna Drone Video. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ [3] The Verge. (2025). DJI's FlyCart 100 is a heavy-lift drone for the enterprise. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/7/22/22650231/dji-flycart-100-heavy-lift-drone-enterprise-release-date-price-specs [4] CNET. (2025). DJI's FlyCart 100: The heavy-lift drone for the enterprise. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/tech/dji-flycart-100-the-heavy-lift-drone-for-the-enterprise/
- The DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone, featured in the record-breaking high-altitude cinematography on Mount Everest, showcases impressive technology in the aerospace industry.
- In a different sector of the drone industry, the DJI FlyCart 100, with its powerful cargo capacity, is designed for rugged, mission-critical operations like emergency response and high-altitude resupply.
- Researchers in Norway have utilized DJI Mavics for documenting the retreat of glaciers, which demonstrates the versatility of drone technology in various industries, such as finance and climate research.
- Despite concerns regarding privacy raised by the ACLU in Sonoma County's drone program, the potential applications of drone technology in industries like aerial training, finance, and aerospace continue to expand, shaping the future of this innovative technology.
