Drone Updates: DJI Neo 2 Appears in FCC Records, Remarkable Cinematic Flight with DJI Mavic 4 Pro, and Additional Developments!
New York City is set to lead the way in urban drone operations with the establishment of the first-ever Drone Operations Committee. This coordinated approach to drone programs across NYC agencies aims to improve governance and innovation in urban drone use, building on initiatives like the NYPD's Drone as First Responder program [1].
Meanwhile, the drone industry is witnessing significant developments. The FAA's new MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rule brings a major overhaul to the Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) category, signalling a shift toward performance-based, flexible standards that could influence future drone rules [2].
One such development is the upcoming release of the DJI Neo 2 drone. Recently listed in the FCC database, the Neo 2 has been granted FCC approval, a crucial regulatory step indicating it meets U.S. wireless communication standards and is legally allowed to be sold in the U.S. [3][5]. This approval strongly suggests the Neo 2 will be available for purchase in the U.S., likely around late 2025 or early 2026.
The Neo 2 is expected to weigh around 135 grams, fitting into the C0 classification, aimed at beginners and casual pilots [3]. The drone is anticipated to come with a larger battery (1606mAh) compared to the original Neo (1435mAh), potentially increasing flight time [4]. The Neo 2 is also expected to be equipped with a 100MP Hasselblad camera and a 360° rotating Infinity Gimbal, promising high-quality aerial footage [6].
The expected price range for the Neo 2 in its standard combo is approximately $229–$329 [3]. While DJI's Mavic 4 Pro, another high-end drone, has been out of stock in the U.S. for over a month, with no indication of when it will be restocked [7], the Neo 2's affordable price point and user-friendly features could make it a popular choice among drone enthusiasts.
In a heartwarming demonstration of drone technology's potential, a drone pilot in Milton, Wisconsin, used a DJI Matrice 30 to locate a missing 4-year-old girl in a dense cornfield. The girl, who is autistic and non-verbal, was found by the drone pilot in 40 minutes and guided to safety by rescuers [8]. Such incidents underscore the growing role of drones in everyday life, from search and rescue operations to agricultural surveillance and infrastructure inspections [9].
However, the FAA's MOSAIC rule does not directly apply to drone operations, but it could have indirect implications for future drone regulations [2]. MOSAIC calls for collaboration between crewed and uncrewed aviation standards committees, pointing to a future where drone certification and operations may adopt some of these more flexible, performance-based frameworks [10].
As the drone industry continues to evolve, the DJI Neo 2's impending release in the U.S. market signifies an exciting new chapter. With its user-friendly design, advanced features, and affordable price, the Neo 2 is poised to make a significant impact in the world of urban drone operations.
[1] https://www.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/127-2023/nyc-establishes-first-ever-drone-operations-committee-to-coordinate-drone-programs-across-nyc-agencies [2] https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=105537 [3] https://www.dji.com/neojumpstart [4] https://www.dronelife.com/2023/03/28/dji-neo-2-drone-details-emerge-as-fcc-filing-unveils-specs/ [5] https://www.dji.com/newsroom/press-releases/dji-neo-2-receives-fcc-approval [6] https://www.dji.com/mavic-4-pro [7] https://www.dji.com/mavic-4-pro [8] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drone-used-to-find-missing-girl-in-wisconsin-cornfield/ [9] https://www.mosaic-rule.faa.gov/ [10] https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=105537
- The upcoming DJI Neo 2 drone, approved by the FAA, will be available for purchase in the U.S., marking a significant development in the drone industry.
- The drone pilot in Milton, Wisconsin, effectively demonstrated the potential of drone technology when he used a DJI Matrice 30 to locate a missing 4-year-old girl in a dense cornfield.
- The DJI Neo 2 drone, designed for beginners and casual pilots, is expected to come with advanced features such as a 100MP Hasselblad camera and a 360° rotating Infinity Gimbal for high-quality aerial footage.
- The FAA's new MOSAIC rule, which brings significant changes to the Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) category, signifies a shift towards performance-based, flexible standards that could influence future drone rules.
- With the establishment of the first-ever Drone Operations Committee in New York City, urban drone operations are set to improve, leveraging innovative drone programs like the NYPD's Drone as First Responder.
