Drone News Roundup: Mavic 4 Pro Hits FCC Database, FAA Drone Rules Simplified, and More!

This week we’re covering the Mavic 4 Pro hitting the FCC’s database, making it clear a launch will be coming soon.

We’re also covering a video aimed at simplifying the FAA’s drone rules, a drone that has robotic bird legs, OpenAI getting into counter-drone technology, and the FAA’s call for applications for the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee.

Now let’s get to those links!

Mavic 4 Pro Hits FCC Database

Suddenly a #wild ‘Drone’ registration appears. All with censored white pages and a ’empty’ FCC label. But then… BINGO. It is the #Mavic4 PRO label. It’s coming…. Will they actually launch it before the USA DJI ban in 2025? Exciting times. Cheers Jasper pic.twitter.com/i3VjtC3Ffs

— Jasper Ellens | X27 (@JasperEllens) December 5, 2024

After several recent leaks, DJI has filed the Mavic 4 Pro with the FCC. DJI did its best to keep the filing a secret. But just as with the DJI Flip recently, the filing was discovered and leaked. The FCC filing doesn’t share much new information, except that the Mavic 4 Pro will come with a bigger battery—it packs a 6654 mAh battery while the Mavic 3 Pro’s is a 5000 mAh. Despite the lack of information, the filing confirms that DJI is working on a new Mavic, and that it’s getting ready to launch. According to industry insiders the 4 Pro will come out in April—but we’ll have to wait to see. Follow the link below to see all the leaks that have come out so far about the Mavic 4.

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Drone Rules Simplified: Top 10 Must-Know FAA Regulations

Having trouble keeping all the FAA’s drone rules straight? We made this short video to help. The video covers the 10 things you need to know to stay compliant with FAA regulations. Here’s the list to save you some time (use the links to jump straight to the spot in the video you want to watch):

• Rule #1: Recreational VS Commercial
• Rule #2: No Flying Over People
• Rule #3: Keep the Drone in Sight
• Rule #4: Airspace and Restricted Areas
• Rule #5: Stay Under 400 Feet
• Rule #6: Flying at Night
• Rule #7: Register Your Drone
• Rule #8: Avoid Moving Vehicles
• Rule #9: Remote ID
• Rule #10: Reporting Accidents

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This Drone Comes with Bird Legs

Researchers from EPFL and UC Irvine have created a drone called the RAVEN with bird-like legs that can walk and leap into flight. Equipped with springs and motors to mimic bird muscle dynamics, the bird can also jump across small gaps. But the design isn’t just a gimmick. It actually allows the drone to transition easily between ground and aerial movement, offering greater versatility and energy efficiency compared to standard quadcopters. This unique approach to takeoff and landing could prove useful for a range of drone applications, including search-and-rescue, environmental monitoring, and disaster relief.

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Company Behind ChatGPT Is Working on Counter Drone Technology

Credit: Infiniti Electro-Optics

OpenAI, the company that created ChatGPT, has partnered with defense contractor Anduril to provide AI support for counter-drone systems. The collaboration aims to protect U.S. military personnel from drone attacks and support national security efforts. But the partnership is raising concerns, since some view it as the sign of OpenAI’s changing attitude about the use of its technology by the military. In the past, OpenAI has explicitly banned the use of its AI technology for defense applications. Then in January of this year, it quietly removed that language from its usage guidelines. And now this partnership seems to indicate the company isn’t just OK with others using its tech for defense—it wants to do so itself.

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FAA Now Accepting Applications for the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee

To promote and support women in the aviation industry, the FAA has established a committee to provide advice on recruitment, education, and career advancement for women in aviation. Called the Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee (BCWAAC), the committee honors trailblazing women in aviation history, including Bessie Coleman, Amelia Earhart, and Katherine Johnson. The creation of this committee was one of the requirements of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act. And it’s now open for applications. The deadline to apply is December 23, so we recommend applying ASAP if you’re interested.

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