DJI Drones Restricted Temporarily In The UK
The Civil Aviation Authority in the UK has restricted DJI drones due to certain issues of the drones failing mid- air. The authorities have issued a safety notice (SN) for operators of the DJI Matrice 200 series multi-rotor small unmanned aircraft. This notice came about after several in-flight battery problems which have led to a complete power loss. The DJI Matrice 200 and Inspire 2 use TB50 and TB55 DJI batteries that are failing specifically. Detection of the power loss was made when there was sufficient battery time still left on the device.
DJI’s Response
In a press release, the company has said that DJI is investigating the reports regarding the batteries showing incorrect power levels that have led to loss of power mid-flight. They have also issued a statement regarding the battery problem. Stating that flight safety and product reliability are their top priorities. They have advised customers to fly with caution when operating their drones equipped with these batteries. In addition, DJI is working on a firmware update that will provide improvements to flight safety for the affected drones. DJI is reportedly urgently working on a mitigation plan to allow customers to confidently use these batteries again.
According to DJI, the best way forward is to constantly keep checking the voltage of the battery before and during the flight. This is a temporary solution till they resolve the problem. A firmware update push to all the drones is underway that use these two batteries. This update will ‘provide improvements to flight safety’. The company has urged customers who have experienced these problems to contact DJI immediately. This is so that they can understand and work on the battery problem.
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The company urges customers to also keep the flight within visual line of sight to support a safe return to home. Users should not fly the drone over people, moving vehicles, or other property that is susceptible to damage. CAA has suspended permissions to fly these models over or within 150 metres of any congested area. Instructions were given to refrain from flying within 50 metres of any persons, vessel, vehicle or structure which is not under the control of the SUA (Small Unmanned Aircraft) Operator.
