Commercial UAV Expo has rolled into Caesars Forum Sept. 2–4 with more than 3,500 drone people from 70+ countries, which is both a statistic and also the precise number of humans who will photobomb your LinkedIn feed by Friday. As one of the biggest drone events of 2025, CUAV 2025 brings together brains and battery packs in an annual meeting of drone experts.

This year, CUAV 2025 it lands at a very specific moment for the industry: the FAA’s long awaited Part 108 BVLOS NPRM finally dropped, and we’re in the heat of the 60-day comment period. Translation for the non policy die-hards: the rules that could make routine BVLOS less special-waiver unicorn and more everyday reality are officially on the table. If you use drones for real work, this is your chance to help shape what “real work” looks like.

Where am I?

I’m not in Las Vegas this week. Instead, I’m in Phoenix, in a podcast studio, recording a dozen episodes and videos for my podcast, Smart Travel. Yes, I live many lives (I’m a travel writer and pocaster too!). The podcast fuels my 401k and health insurance — and yes, I do love my job. Definitely subscribe to my podcast if you want to hear me gab about travel and personal finance!

The Drone Girl feeds my free-time, my ability to work for myself, my inbox and my alarming collection of drones. But even from the Sonoran Desert, I can feel the CUAV-Week energy.

Why this CUAV 2025 matters

Plenty of trade shows promise “the future of drones.” CUAV 2025 is the first big tent since the BVLOS NPRM arrived, so expect sessions that decode BVLOS frameworks, insurer expectations and detect and avoid assumptions. You also may pick up tips around how to explain all of this to a CFO who has never once cared about link budgets but very much cares about risk.

If you attend one learning track, make it the BVLOS heavy hitters. Those includes no shortage of talks including:

• “The BVLOS NPRM has been released. What now?”
• “Navigating BVLOS operations”
• “Part 108 proposed rule”
• “Deep dive into Part 108” — this one is hosted by my friends over at Pilot Institute

What to check out today (Wednesday, Sept. 3)

Technically the conference opened yesterday, but today is the big day for CUAV 2025.

Start with the 9 a.m. opening keynote. You’ll hear how teams quantified ROI for skeptics, then you’ll get a case study that flew drones in the Grand Canyon by threading the right regulatory needles.

At 10:30 a.m., pick your flavor:

• Future of BVLOS: that “what now” panel I mentioned.
• Best uses of drone tech: revealing deployments across DOTs and inspection teams that go beyond “we took a pretty orthomosaic.” Expect infrastructure and maintenance leaders sharing workflows that actually get funded.

By lunch, get your steps in on the exhibit floor. There are 225+ exhibitors this year. If you’re a pilot who secretly loves process more than props, the Indoor Airspace demo zone is your toy store. Want to feel like a student again in the good way, not the I-forgot-to-study way? Park yourself at the Pilot Hub for “Everything you need to know before you fly,” then stay for business building and mapping workflow talks.

Afternoon is choose-your-adventure:

• Drone law and airspace access for the team lead who answers compliance DMs at 11 p.m.
• Defining drone program success for the managers who have to translate “cool flight” into “budget approved”
• Eyes above the ash for public safety teams operationalizing post-wildfire work with thermal, lidar, and AI

Close your rings at Pitch the Press and then stick around for the Networking Happy Hour. You came for BVLOS clarity. You stay for the serendipity of meeting the one integrator who has already solved your weirdest RTK problem.

Thursday is collaboration day, and it is not just a kumbaya

Thursday’s 9 a.m. keynote, “Breaking silos, building skies,” brings leaders from service providers and enterprise users to tackle a nasty truth: the more capable drones get, the more complex the ops.

You’ll get frameworks for aligning outcomes among clients, regulators, and vendors. Also on Thursday: “How real-world efficiencies are enabled by drone-in-a-box,” a meaty Part 108 session, and a very compelling set on lessons from Ukraine if you want a blunt look at UAS and counter-UAS under pressure.

And for those of you who treat professional development like a side quest, the Level Up Lounge is offering 15-minute consultations to polish your brand and pitch. Translate that to: finally fix your website’s “Services” page and your “about” headshot from 2018.

Six survival tips from a woman who has walked these floors in the past

Yes, I have been to CUAV in the past! If it’s your first time, here are my tips:

1. Pick a role-based itinerary early. CUAV has prebuilt paths for pilots, surveyors, project managers, public safety, service providers, and airspace folks. Use them. Decision fatigue is real and the show is large.
2. Schedule your demo time like a meeting. The gems are the in-between conversations with engineers who can actually say “no” and “we tried that and it broke.”
3. Bring your numbers to every chat. If you can say “we saved 17 truck rolls last quarter” or “dock uptime 94 percent,” you will leave with better partners and better pricing.
4. Write your BVLOS comment outline on the plane home. You’re in the 60-day window. Capture your specifics now while the panels are still ringing in your ears.
5. Hydrate and snack! Caesars Forum is gorgeous, and also, it’s a cardio workout. Oh, and stay cool. Might I recommend those solar-paneled fan hats.

For everyone on site this week, have a blast, learn a lot, and make the future a little less wait-and-see and a little more let’s-go-now. I’ll be back on the show floor at future drone events!

Until then, happy CUAV 2025 week from your friendly neighborhood Drone Girl, reporting from Phoenix with equal parts FOMO and optimism.

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There’s something sacred about setting the vibe before a drone flight. Battery charged? Props tightened? Weather check complete?

And yet, one thing that always sets the tone before I ever power on the controller: the perfect desktop and smartphone background.

Whether I’m editing footage from a sunrise flight, prepping for a podcast or just pretending to organize my microSDs instead of watching drone fails on YouTube (we’ve all been there), I want my screen to reflect the same energy I bring to the field: bold, creative and unapologetically drone-obsessed.

So I have something for you.

FREE drone-themed desktop backgrounds and printables!

These aren’t just any designs — they’re vibrant, empowering, and packed with personality, thanks to the incredible illustrator Carli Krueger, who brought my wildest flying-daydreams to life in art form. Download them here.

Here’s the lineup:

“I Fly Like A Girl”
A rallying cry for every femme drone pilot out there, featuring the iconic Phantom drone in all its nostalgic glory. It’s a tribute to where so many of us started — and how far we’ve flown since.

“Fly Me To The Moon”
Drones as a gateway to aerospace, physics, and mathematics curiosity? Yes please. And it’s true: drones are increasingly popular as a tool in STEM programs.

With that in mind, this particular desktop background is cosmic and curious, reminding us that the sky isn’t the limit — it’s just the beginning.

“Quad Squad”
This one hits right in the industry heart. It’s about community, connection and the unspoken bond between friends who meet up before dawn to catch the perfect golden-hour shot or attend every drone event they can to catch up with those who don’t live nearby.

“We Can Fly It”
If Rosie the Riveter had a drone tucked under one arm and a LiPo charger in her back pocket — this would be her backdrop. A powerhouse design for every pilot who knows she belongs in the sky.

“Fly Away With Me”
My personal fave. It oozes retro travel poster charm and makes me want to pack a Pelican case and take off somewhere cinematic. I even turned this design into a custom drone landing pad with Premium Drone Supplies — and yes, it looks as cool IRL as it does on screen.

Download all my Drone Desktop Backgrounds here.

These printables and wallpapers are made to spark joy, fuel inspiration and show the world that drones aren’t just tools — they’re art, they’re science, they’re you.

Use them on your phone. Turn them into your own custom coffee mug. Use them to make your own custom drone landing pad (and use coupon code SALLYFRENCH) to save $5 at checkout if you do).

Here’s to full batteries, clear skies and desktops that fly,
— Sally aka TheDroneGirl

The post Turn your phone and laptop into a shrine of drone cuteness appeared first on The Drone Girl.

I’m often the one doing the interviews, but I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Desiree “Drone Diva Desi” Ekstein, where she interviewed me for the Women and Drones Coffee Connection series. Our 22-minute conversation covers both our individual drone journeys and the vibrant evolution of the UAS community.

Watch the latest episode of the Women and Drones Coffee Connection, featuring yours truly, below:

Meet Desiree Ekstein (“Drone Diva Desi”)

Longtime Drone Girl readers likely also know Desiree Ekstein, a trailblazing figure in the drone industry. She is one of the first women to earn the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and an AUVSI TOP‑Level 3 instructor and pilot. She wears many hats: FAASTeam DronePro Lead for San Diego, UAS Safety Advisor for Women and Drones, adjunct instructor at MiraCosta College, and host of the Coffee Connection series.

She has put her entrepreneurial spirit into founding On the Go Video.biz, led Girls Take Flight to inspire young women in STEM, built a fleet of more than two dozen drones and has done critical work like photographing historical sites via drone with 3D mapping.

Desiree is also an accomplished author. Her book ELEVATE YOUR STANDARDS: Building an Operations Manual for your Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Company first published in December 2021. With it, she delivers checklists and SOP guidance aimed at helping operators professionalize their drone workflow.

A conversation with shared roots in storytelling, safety & STEM

In our chat, I recount my journey as one of the earliest journalists to integrate drones into storytelling, starting with documenting fire department operations.

I shared my experience reviewing drones (often getting previews of the earliest tech). We also relived great moments in drone history, like the reveal of the DJI Mavic Pro (finally, a small portable drone!) and the debut of obstacle avoidance tech in consumer drones (hello DJI Phantom 4!). I also share personal drone memories, like the moment when Romeo Durscher first showed me (in a super secret field in San Francisco) how the DJI Phantom 4 worked ahead of its debut.

From using drones for emergency response to filming action sports, we both reflected on how far drone tech has come — and how essential safety, training and inclusivity are in that evolution.

Subscribe to the Women and Drones YouTube channel to watch the full 22‑minute Coffee Connection (and get more episodes with other guests every week!). And while you’re at it, subscribe to my own YouTube channel, too!

The post Coffee Connection: Career reflections with Desiree Ekstein appeared first on The Drone Girl.

The sun is shining, the palm trees are swaying and the drones are ready to dazzle! I’ve traded my usual San Francisco Fog for some SoCal Sunshine! Yes, I’m writing to you from Palm Springs, as I’m here for Palm Springs Drone Fest 2025.

There may have been a fun little pre-party last night, but Palm Springs Drone Fest officially kicks off today. It runs from March 21 to 23, 2025, at Palm Springs High School in California. Things begin today at 4 p.m. local time, when the trade show opens and drone soccer begins. Everyone (not just the pros!) is welcome to play then, so you can bet I will be among them! Believe it or not, I’ve never played drone soccer before.

This first-of-its-kind celebration of all things drones is shaping up to be the ultimate event for drone enthusiasts, pilots and industry leaders alike. It might just be the best drone event of 2025 (at least it is thus far!).

I’ll be on the ground covering all the action live on my Instagram stories (@TheDroneGirl), so be sure to follow along for real-time footage, behind-the-scenes moments, and interviews with some of the biggest names in the drone world. Plus, don’t miss coverage from other fantastic creators like @Dr. LaQuata Sumter, @fionalakeaus and @dronedivadesi, who will also be sharing their perspectives from the event.

Palm Springs Drone Fest 2025: what I’m most excited about

One of the major highlights I’m looking forward to? The drone light show paired with live music and performances! International violinist Esther Anaya will bring a live performance to the drone show, blending music and drone artistry like never before.

Yes, it’ll include lightsaber performances as part of the show using “Star Wars”-inspired Jedi stunt performers.

That’s part of the opening ceremony, which is set for 6 p.m. at Palm Springs High School Stadium. That ceremony will include airing of the PS Drone Film Fest entries and a lot of hype. Then, the drone show itself will go on at about 7:30 p.m. as the ceremony’s finale.

Can’t make it in person? The epic show will also be live-streamed on NBC.

Though that’s the Friday opening night event, if you can only go one day (though there are multi-day-tickets), you might actually get the most bang for your buck tomorrow, that’s Saturday, March 22. Doors open bright and early at 8 a.m., with the Drone Soccer tournament launching at 9 a.m. in the main gym.

Then, there will be drone racing in the stadium, a trade show, a drone store, food trucks, the official drone film festival, breakout sessions and more. I’ve covered Palm Springs Drone Fest fairly extensively in the past, so check out my guide to Palm Springs Drone Fest to see what else to expect.

Drone festivals of this scale are rare. While the drone industry has seen many educational conferences and business-focused events, a large-scale celebration for pure drone joy has been missing. Well, until now.

In the past, events like Interdrone in Vegas have folded, and COVID-19 slowed the momentum for in-person drone meetups. But finally, Palm Springs Drone Fest fills the gap with a community-driven event that celebrates everything from FPV racing to cinematic photography.

“I wanted to do (an event) that brought back the excitement of FPV drone racing and cinema and the fun of it,” said PS Drone Fest founder Skip Fredricks in an episode of the Real People Real Life Podcast. “I wanted to do an event about drones and the fun of it. Not making it so business-to-business, but more business-to-consumer.

Watch him give a preview of the weekend ahead in that podcast episode here:

And the setting? Palm Springs is perfect. Known for its resorts and as the home of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, it’s an incredible spot for what could soon be the premier drone festival of the year.

Get tickets to Palm Springs Drone Fest now

Yes, tickets are still available!

The one-day pass is just $33.85 after fees, including access to breakout sessions, the Drone Film Festival, trade show and tournament viewing. Get that one if you’re just coming in tomorrow. For you SoCal people in LA, San Diego and Orange County, it’s totally do-able as a day trip!

If you’re coming to just the event tonight, you can get a ticket for just $12.51! That’s $10, plus $2.51 in fees.

See all the ticket options on the Palm Springs Drone Fest 2025 Eventbrite page.

Follow along and stay tuned for more

Whether you’re here in person or living vicariously through social media, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Follow along for updates throughout the weekend, and if you can’t catch everything live, don’t worry. I’ll be circling back next week (and in the weeks to come) with a full recap of the best moments, jaw-dropping drone shows, and top takeaways from Palm Springs Drone Fest. I’m excited about those workshops where I’ll share what I’ve learned!

And of course since I’ll be there, let’s meet up in person. Come say hi if you see me! See you in the desert!

Got more questions? You’ll likely find answers on the PS Drone Fest website.

The post Palm Springs Drone Fest 2025 takes flight today! Follow along for live coverage appeared first on The Drone Girl.

The drone community mourns the loss of Romeo Durscher, a visionary whose kindness and passion left an indelible mark on the industry. Born on March 2, 1975, Romeo passed away on March 3, 2025.His journey was one of inspiration, innovation and unwavering support for those around him.​

A personal reflection on Romeo’s legacy

I first met Romeo during his tenure at DJI, where he served as DJI’s Director of Education. From our initial encounter, it was evident that he was not just an advocate for drone technology but also a champion for education, equality and joy in every endeavor. In an industry predominantly led by men, Romeo’s approach was refreshingly inclusive. He treated me as an equal, never questioning my knowledge or passion. His belief in my abilities helped me overcome the imposter syndrome I often felt in those early days of my own drone career.

One of my fondest memories with Romeo was when he met me at Treasure Island to give me an exclusive preview of DJI’s Phantom 4, equipped with obstacle avoidance technology. He knew how excited I would be and ensured I experienced it firsthand. His genuine enthusiasm was contagious, making every interaction both educational and enjoyable.​

He was a world traveler, but it was always a joy to get to meet up with him in San Francisco. Here’s us at the Drones Data X Conference at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts:

Romeo’s courageous battle

In the summer of 2024, Romeo learned that his lungs and liver had developed metastasized tumors from an unknown primary source. Despite the diagnosis, he approached this chapter with the same grace and positivity that defined his life.

In his own words:​

“I suppose we all have wondered how we would react and what we would do if ever confronted with this sort of challenge. I’m hoping that by sharing my own journey I can help others understand and appreciate how important it is to live passionately and freely for the moment. Indeed, now so many of even the smallest of incidents and minor pleasures throughout my life come back to me as welcome memories and warm reminders of all the wonderful lives that have intersected with my own.”

– From ​Durscher.com

A legacy of innovation and compassion

Romeo’s professional journey was as remarkable as his personal one. Before joining DJI, he contributed to NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) at Stanford University, where he played a pivotal role in heliophysics missions. His transition to DJI marked a significant shift, where he built the Public Safety vertical in the drone industry, demonstrating the immense potential of UAVs in disaster response and humanitarian missions.

In 2021, Romeo joined Auterion as the Vice President of Public Safety, further advocating for open-source platforms and standardization in the drone industry. His efforts were instrumental in proving the return on investment for drone deployments within public safety sectors.

He did it all. He ws a published author, aerial photographer, science educator and global keynote speaker. Oh, and amazing human.

Throughout his career, Romeo received numerous, well-deserved accolades, including multiple awards and recognitions from NASA, United Nations, INTERPOL, DRONERESPONDERS and FLYMOTION.

Before his death, he reflecting on his life’s journey.

“I’ve been blessed with so many friends who have cherished me and helped me attain so many goals,” he wrote. “I believe and hope I can convince you that pursuing your dreams should be a constant motivation throughout your life. That pursuit—and the experiences you have and people you meet in the process—will give you great gifts that are more precious than any material gains.”

A final farewell

Romeo Durscher’s impact on the drone industry and the countless individuals he inspired will continue to resonate. His legacy serves as a reminder of the profound difference one person can make through passion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. As we bid farewell to a dear friend and mentor, we carry forward the lessons he imparted and the warmth he shared with all who had the privilege to know him.​

Rest in peace, Romeo.

The post Drone community loses a hero this week appeared first on The Drone Girl.

This year, I experienced CES from afar after a whirlwind year of travel to some of the most innovative drone hubs like a Wing Nest in Fort Worth, Texas, the live taping of America’s Got Talent in Pasadena, and Matternet’s Silicon Valley headquarters. Even though I wasn’t physically at CES, the magic of technology made it easy to stay tuned to all the latest and greatest. And yes, there are all sorts of new CES 2025 products that we should all be hyped about.

January always brings new tech that sets the tone for the year ahead, and this guide highlights the best products we discovered during CES week. Some were officially launched or showcased at CES, while others are fresh releases you can buy (or pre-order) right now.

New drone gear

DJI O4 Air Unit & O4 Air Unit Pro

• Why it’s great: DJI’s O4 Air Unit lineup upgrades FPV functionality for non-FPV drones with lower latency (down to 15ms in Racing Mode for the Pro version) and smoother video transmission. The Pro adds 4K120 slow motion, dual antennas, and expandable storage with a microSD slot. Want to learn more? We took a deeper dive into the DJI O4 Air Unit series.
• Price: Starting at $109 for the standard version, or $229 for the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro
  • Order the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro now from GetFPV.
  • Order the DJI O4 Air Unit Pro now from B&H Photo.
  • Order the DJI O4 Air Unit now from GetFPV.
  • Order the DJI O4 Air Unit now from B&H Photo.

DJI Matrice 4 Series (4T & 4E)

• Why it’s great: Enterprise users will appreciate advanced AI detection, laser range finding, and impressive telephoto capabilities for inspections and mapping. The Matrice 4T stands out with its thermal imaging, while the 4E excels in high-speed aerial mapping.
• Price: $7,299 for DJI Matrice 4T drone with Care Enterprise Plus, or $4,799 for DJI Matrice 4E drone with Care Enterprise Plus.
  • Contact DJI Enterprise Dealers to purchase. Drone Girl’s preferred enterprise dealer is Drone Nerds.

HGLRC Wind5 Lite V2 Racing Frame Kit

• Why it’s great: This lightweight, durable frame is perfect for drone racers looking for top-tier performance and easy maintenance.
• Price: $37
  • Buy now from GetFPV

RCINPOWER Vanover 2207 V3 Motor

• Why it’s great: Designed by freestyle world champion Alex Vanover, this motor delivers durability and precision for freestyle and racing pilots.
• Price: $28
  • Buy now from GetFPV

TrueRC Duality 2.4/5.8GHz RP-SMA Stubby Antenna

• Why it’s great: A compact, high-performance antenna for DJI FPV Goggles V2 with dual-band capability for seamless video.
• Price: $95
  • Buy now from GetFPV

Other new CES 2025 products that drone pilots may love

Hollyland LARK M2S DUO & Mini Combo Wireless Mic Systems

• Why it’s great: These ultra-light microphones are perfect for content creators with 48kHz/24-bit audio, intelligent noise cancellation, and up to 30 hours of battery life.
• Price: $120
  • Buy now from B&H Photo

OBSBOT Tail 2 AI-Powered PTZR Live Production Camera

• Why it’s great: A flexible, AI-enhanced live production camera with 4K60 video, improved tracking, and gesture control. Perfect for content creation and conferences.
• Price: $1,000
  • Buy now from B&H Photo

Samsung ViewFinity S8 Monitor

• Why it’s great: A massive 37” monitor with stunning 4K resolution, 99% sRGB color accuracy, and ergonomic features for creative professionals.
• Price: $680
  • Buy now from B&H Photo

SHOKZ OpenFit 2 Wireless Earbuds

• Why it’s great: These open-ear earbuds feature superior sound quality, minimal sound leakage, and IP55 resistance, with 48 hours of total battery life.
• Price: $180
  • Buy now from Amazon
  • Buy now from B&H Photo

Dell Area-51 Laptop

• Why it’s great: This gaming powerhouse offers up to 12TB of storage, NVIDIA RTX 50 series graphics, and blazing-fast refresh rates (up to 300Hz).
• Price: Starting at $2,500

Whether you’re a drone enthusiast, a creator, or a tech aficionado, these CES 2025 products represent the best of innovation for the year ahead. For those first-movers who need to have the latest and greatest tech right when it hits, these are the products to consider. They strike that balance of new and unique — but also practical. Happy shopping, and happy flying!

The post The best new CES 2025 products (that you can already buy or pre-order) appeared first on The Drone Girl.

As 2025 approaches, the drone industry is gearing up for a transformative year. From regulatory advancements to technological innovations, here’s a look at the key trends shaping the skies.

1. More BVLOS flights (and more useful drone flights, including drone deliveries)

The drone industry has long been constrained by the dominance of Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) operations. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights are critical for scaling applications like drone delivery and long-distance inspections, yet regulatory hurdles have limited their widespread adoption. However, change is on the horizon (particularly in the U.S.), as evidenced by instances of Federal Aviation Administration approvals.

For example, in September 2024, the FAA granted the NYPD permission to fly drones BVLOS across much of New York City, without needing visual observers or specialized equipment to detect other aircraft.

Over on the drone delivery front, Wing has been on a tear with BVLOS approvals and successful operations (as evidenced by my visit to try an actual Walmart drone delivery myself earlier this year). Wing continues to expand, such as recent news that it would offer drone deliveries out of a couple Dallas malls. Expect news like that to be more commonplace for drones in 2025.

Though Wing dominates, there is some competition. For example, drone delivery companies like Matternet are pushing boundaries through innovations like Matternet’s Landing Station. It also recently launched drone deliveries in Silicon Valley, with plans to operate BVLOS drone deliveries under FAA Part 135 certifications in a few suburbs just south of San Francisco by early 2025.

Expect BVLOS to unlock new use cases and significantly expand drone capabilities like not just delivery drones, but better search and rescue operations, inspections and more.

2. More drone light shows

Drone light shows have taken the entertainment world by storm, and 2025 is set to build on this momentum.

While 2024 ended with some setbacks — notably a tragic incident in Orlando involving an injured child where drones flew out of control — the year also set records for the size and duration of drone shows. Iconic appearances on shows like “America’s Got Talent” and successful integrations into events such as Disney’s nighttime spectacles have cemented their popularity.

Personally, I witnessed the stunning displays on a Princess Cruise and at Disneyland Paris, and both were mesmerizing. With an increasing number of companies specializing in this technology, it’s highly likely you’ll catch a drone light show in 2025, whether at a local event or a major venue.

3. Trade impacts under Trump’s administration

If former President Donald Trump’s policies return with his anticipated presidency, the drone industry could face significant shifts in trade dynamics. Reports suggest that Trump’s administration plans to impose a 20% blanket levy on all U.S. imports. Chinese products potentially face tariffs as high as 100%.

Given that Chinese manufacturers like DJI and Autel currently dominate 74% of the U.S. drone market, such measures could disrupt supply chains. Companies may be forced to diversify their manufacturing bases to mitigate risks, potentially leading to increased costs for consumers and delays in innovation.

Yes, that means DJI drones could soon get more expensive — which means now might be the best time to buy a new DJI drone.

4. Increased pushes to ban Chinese drones

While the Countering CCP Drones Act was excluded from the final FY25 NDAA — creating a huge relief for pilots who rely on DJI drones — efforts to restrict Chinese drones in the U.S. are far from over.

For example, the American Security Drone Act of 2023 (which is integrated into the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act) already prevents federal agencies from using drones from countries deemed national security threats. That measure hints at a broader trend toward banning or severely limiting the use of Chinese drones in the U.S.

For manufacturers and operators, the effects of a Chinese drone ban would be profound. With that would come the need for massive shifts in procurement strategies and a push toward domestic alternatives. That said, such a ban could be good news for American drone companies. That’s because they would no longer have to compete for market share amongst U.S. customers.

5. New DJI consumer drones

Calls for bans aside, DJI continues to dominate the consumer drone market, and 2025 is poised to bring even more groundbreaking products from the tech giant.

Following the success of the DJI Neo and the DJI Air 3S (the former of which in particular set a new standard for accessibility and ease of use), DJI is expected to release consumer drones with enhanced autonomous capabilities and intuitive controls. These advancements make drone operation simpler than ever, broadening their appeal to casual users and professionals alike. As DJI integrates advanced obstacle avoidance, improved camera systems and longer battery life, their drones will likely remain the go-to choice for hobbyists and creators in the coming year.

• Order DJI Neo now from Adorama for $199.
• Order DJI Neo now from Amazon for $199.
• Order DJI Neo now from B&H Photo for $199.
• Order DJI Neo now from Drone Nerds for $199.

And of course, what DJI launches is whatever the competitors copy. So, expect more options beyond just DJI.

Many tech companies use the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) as a launching point to showcase their new products for the year. CES is one of the biggest drone events, period, and this year’s version is set for Jan. 7-10, 2025. We’ll be watching.

6. Expanding Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

But whereas it seems as though Trump and his allies generally want to ban Chinese drones, the administration certainly doesn’t want to limit tech innovation. In fact, quite the opposite.

One focal point of the Trump Administration is a broader set of what the drone industry falls under: the concept of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). With this, the future of drones isn’t limited to small quadcopters. This broader future entails electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Some of those would be flown by human operators, while others (much like tiny quadcopters) would be autonomous.

Either way, AAM promises to revolutionize transportation by connecting urban centers and rural areas. With that, Trump and his allies want more.

In a 2023 Agenda47 speech, Trump highlighted the importance of America leading the global air mobility revolution. He positioned it as a critical element of national competitiveness.

“Dozens of companies in the USA and China are paving the way to develop electric take-off and landing vehicles for families and individuals,” according to a 2023 Donald Trump Agenda47 speech. “Just as the United States led the automobile revolution in the last century, I want to ensure that America, not China, leads the revolution in air mobility.”

The push for AAM could see increased investment in infrastructure, regulations, and innovation throughout 2025.

What are you looking forward to most from the drone industry in 2025? Tell me in the comments!

Speaking of 2025, do you want to ensure continuous coverage in the year ahead? If so, please make a donation to keep The Drone Girl running. I pay over $1,000 in annual Siteground hosting fees alone! Use the button below or go through my PayPal to donate. Thank you!

The post Drones in 2025: what to expect, challenges and opportunities for the industry ahead appeared first on The Drone Girl.

A lot happened in the drone industry in 2024. There was no shortage of proposed legislation  to do with banning Chinese-made drones. Speaking of Chinese-made drones, DJI launched some seriously cool products this year, some of which clearly target newbies. The drones for good side of things was especially delightful given the number of drone light shows that not only took off this year, but reached huge audiences by way of national TV spots, multiple Guinness World Records broken and even the introduction of pyro drones.

I’ve had my eyes on the drone industry every day of 2024 — and, well, every day since I started this website in 2013.

But in case you haven’t been following it as closely (or just forgot about the stuff that happened way back in January), here are the top 10 drone stories of 2024:

1. Drone deliveries mark milestones (including flights over people)

2024 was a fun year for me personally, as I got some drone deliveries of my own.

But elsewhere in the world, the drone delivery industry has been doing some big things. One of the biggest steps is happening over in London. Wing (the drone delivery arm affiliated with Google) partnered with healthcare logistics company Apian and the NHS Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust to bring on-demand medical drone delivery service to the heart of London. We’ve seen medical drone deliveries going on for a long time now, but this one stands out because it’s happening in one of Europe’s busiest and most complex airspaces (and the flights are between tall buildings and over people).

Of course, I can’t leave out my personal drone deliveries. First, I met up with the Wing team in Texas to test their partnership with Walmart. Just a couple months later, I headed to Silicon Valley to test out Matternet drone deliveries.

That said, it hasn’t bee all good news in the drone industry. DroneUp ended its drone delivery partnership with Walmart in three states: Arizona, Florida and Utah, in turning forcing a 17% staff reduction.

2. Basically everyone saw a drone show

2024 was the year that a lot of people saw their first drone show (and if it wasn’t their first, it was likely bigger, brighter and better than the last one they saw).

That’s thanks to all the developments in the drone light show industry. The race to rack up Guinness World Records was fierce, as multiple drone light show companies have sought to break (and re-break) world records). Among the standouts included a BotLab Dynamics show that broke five Guinness World Records in less than 13 minutes. Over at Disneyland Paris, Dronisos broke a different record with a massive Mickey in the sky. And in the vein of theme parks, there was a record-breaking show featuring a massive hummingbird as part of IAAPA 2024.

Drone shows really did take off in theme parks, including the free-to-watch “Disney Dreams That Soar” in Orlando at Disney Springs, the resort’s free outdoor shopping and entertainment district.

And even if you didn’t see a drone show in-person, you likely saw one on TV. American drone light show company Sky Elements placed third on America’s Got Talent Season 19 — the first time any drone company had made it anywhere near that far on the televised talent show.

Then to buck the people who said drones would replace fireworks, drone light show company UVify created pyro drones, which are actually used to carry fireworks which launch from mid-air.

3. Police departments expand drone use

Many police departments either started up or expanded their use of drones, including the San Francisco Police Department and the Chula Vista Police Department. Another notable instance was the New York City Police Department (NYPD), which was granted FAA approval to fly drones beyond-line-of-sight (BVLOS) across much of NYC without needing either a visual observer or even other type of specialized equipment to detect other aircraft.

4. Trump elected President could mark changes for the drone industry

You definitely didn’t miss that Donald Trump was elected for his second term. But you might have missed are the implications for the drone industry. His second term could mean both pros and cons for drone companies and pilots.

Talks of bans on Chinese drones could make drones more expensive, but it could also pave the way for  American drone companies to grow without competition from Chinese companies like DJI that typically undercut them on prices.

Trump has promised faster, more streamlined government, which could be a good thing in increasing approval speed — but it could also turn the industry into chaos if teams are cut and oversight is lost.

I dug deeper into what the Trump presidency could mean for drones.

5. Politicians seek to ban DJI drones

Speaking of talks to ban DJI drones, multiple times (primarily Republican) politicians have sought to ban them through various pieces of proposed legislation.

One of the most notable is the Countering CCP Drones Act, which could ban DJI drones by adding DJI to a list of companies deemed threats to national security.

Another proposal, the Drones First Responders Act, would create a 30% tariff on drones made in China. And the American Security Drone Act of 2023 would prohibit federal agencies from purchasing drones made by Chinese government-linked countries. 

Related read: If Congress bans DJI drones, here’s what that could do to hobby drone pilots

On that last note, the U.S. Department of the Interior released a scathing report this year documenting the negative effects of banning DJI drones. That report  references the period between January 2020 and October 2022, when the department prohibited both procurement and non-emergency use of drones from adversary nations (such as Chinese-made DJI drones). I detailed the report here, but the tl;dr is that the DOI cut back on buying new drones because the only ones they could legally buy were too expensive. That left them with outdated and otherwise shrinking fleets.

By the way, if you’re not sure whether now is a bad or a good time to buy a DJI drone, check out my guide to how shoppers should navigate proposed DJI drone bans.

Related read: What’s it like being a Chinese drone company right now?

6. DJI launches impressive (and low-cost) lineup of new drones

DJI went on a tear this year releasing all sorts of new products. It continues to expand its line of cameras that stay on the ground, including the influencer-focused Osmo line.

But since this is a drone website, I’m focused on the new drone releases. The DJI Air 3S stood out not necessarily because it has all sorts of new features (though it has those too) but really because of its price point at $1,099. That’s the same price as the DJI Air 3 upon its launch — but this one is a clear upgrade — signaling that DJI is seeking to democratize high-end drones with low prices.

Speaking of democratizing drones, there’s another one that really fits the bill — the DJI Neo. This drone is made for newbies, again a sign that DJI just wants to be a household name. As a hand-launch drone, it’s ridiculously easy to fly, and it thrives as an indoor drone, too.

7. DJI Air 3S gets caught up in customs debacle

Speaking of the DJI Air 3S, it got caught up in some controversy with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Evidently, CBP had been scrutinizing DJI’s compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), which is a law passed in 2021 designed to prevent products made with forced labor from entering the U.S. market. 

8. HoverAir tries its hand at competing with DJI

Though the market for camera drones pretty much revolves around DJI, other drone companies are still out there trying. The most notable contender this year has been ZeroZero Robotics, which this year launched the HoverAir X1 PRO and HOVERAir X1 PROMAX, two hand-launch drones that somewhat resemble the DJI Neo in design but that promise smarter follow-me features and a better camera.

9. Fun for drone racers 

One of the more charming trends in the drone industry through 2024 is the launch of products targeted at racers or people seeking a simulator experience. Nothing embodies that more than the Hotel Polaris, which opened on Nov. 14, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. That location near the U.S. Air Force Academy is hardly a coincidence. It’s an aviation-themed hotel with all sorts of unique touches including three flight simulators available for guest use.

10. B4UFly switches up providers

The FAA B4UFly program ended its relationship with provider Aloft on Feb. 1, 2024. In lieu, it brought on four other companies to provide B4UFly services. 

For pilots, that means that — rather than going to the FAA website — they’ll go to one of the apps of those four providers to find out where they can legally fly drones.

What other news stories stood out to you in 2024? Share them in the comments below. And then, stay tuned for The Drone Girl, as — after looking back onto the past year — we’ll next look forward to 2025.

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