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ADU 1388: Buy DJI or American drones before DJI ban?

9 snips
Sep 17, 2025
Discover the implications of the upcoming DJI ban on drone pilots and the key deadlines to watch for. Explore valuable alternatives like the Freefly Astro and the Skydio X10 versus DJI Matrice 4T for inspections. Gain insights into the business case and ROI when considering different platforms, especially in Florida's evolving regulatory landscape. The discussion covers essential tips for navigating the changing drone market and what this means for your operations.
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INSIGHT

What The DJI Ban Actually Does

  • The NDAA sets a Dec 23, 2025 deadline that could add DJI and Autel to a covered list restricting future sales and imports.
  • Existing DJI drones will likely keep flying, but revocations or further rules are possible so risk isn't zero.
ANECDOTE

Student Landed High-Wage Mapping Job

  • A recent DroneU student attended mapping training and secured full-time, high-wage mapping work soon after.
  • Paul used that example to show the training-to-employment pipeline works in practice.
INSIGHT

NDAA Drones Unlock Contracts, Not Instant Revenue

  • NDAA-compliant drones open access to public-safety and federal contracts but those opportunities require time, relationships, and infrastructure.
  • Higher rates and stickier contracts exist, yet landing them is nontrivial and often competitive.
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