DJI has finally come out to appease drone enthusiasts in Europe by releasing an updated version of their drone flying app. This new release, Fly app v1.10.6, is a swift response to the frustrations expressed by European users who discovered that the previous update, v1.10.4, imposed a max drone height limit of 120 meters. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of how DJI resolved the drone height limit issue in Europe and restored the freedom to fly at higher altitudes.
The Height Limit Problem in Europe
What was the fuss all about? Let's take a moment to understand the height limit issue that plagued drone operators in Europe. Here's a brief overview:
DJI's drone flying app typically allows users to set their preferred height limit between 20 and 500 meters.
However, the default setting is set at 120 meters (400 feet) in order to meet the standard aviation regulations.
This default setting proves to be restrictive for users who require greater altitude for various purposes such as capturing aerial footage in mountainous regions or conducting professional inspections on tall structures. Previously, users could still make modifications when the situation required it.
The problem arose when users in the European Union noticed that, following the update to version 1.10.4, they could not exceed 120 meters through the remote controller settings (as you can see in the height adjustment slider here)
This unexpected limitation caught many drone enthusiasts off guard, and their frustration was compounded by the lack of an option to rollback the update in DJI's remote controller settings.
DJI's Solution: Fly app v1.10.6
Thankfully, DJI swiftly responded to the concerns raised by European drone operators by releasing the Fly app v1.10.6 update. Let's explore the key features of this update:
Fly app v1.10.6 restorates the height adjustment slider, effectively removing the cap that restricted users to 120 meters.
With this update, drone enthusiasts can once again enjoy the freedom to adjust the height limit according to their specific needs, whether it's for recreational purposes or professional applications.
To access the Fly app v1.10.6 update, users can visit DJI's official website, where it is available for download. The update is compatible with various devices, including iOS and Android (Android app downloaded from website).
Understanding the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Guidelines
While DJI has resolved the height limit issue, it's essential to understand the regulations set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). These guidelines ensure the safe operation of recreational drones within Europe. Here are some key points to consider:
- EASA regulations specify a height limit of 120 meters for recreational drone users.
- Compliance with this limit is determined based on the proximity of the drone to the closest point on the terrain.
It's crucial for drone operators to adhere to these guidelines to ensure their flights remain within legal boundaries.
Future Compliance Measures by DJI
Looking ahead, DJI has expressed its commitment to upholding compliance measures within Europe. Here's what we can expect:
- In January 2024, EU class identification label rules will be implemented, which will impact drone manufacturers like DJI. As of now, Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine have already obtained their C1 classification label.
- DJI plans to restrict the height limits on their C0-labeled drones to get compliant with these upcoming regulations.
These measures aim to enhance safety and ensure that drone operations align with regional guidelines and standards.
