DJI “Drone Ban” Explained. What the FCC Actually Changed and What to Do Next

Headlines are calling it a DJI ban. The reality is more specific, and it matters for anyone buying drones in the United States. In this episode, we break down what the FCC’s latest move actually does, what it does not do, and how to make smart decisions right now if you are a hobbyist, a small drone business, or an agency building an enterprise UAS program.

We explain what “FCC equipment authorization” means in plain English, why this is not an FAA flight ban, and what the real risk is for the market going forward. We also talk about DJI, other foreign manufacturers, and what alternatives look like depending on your mission and budget.

In this episode

• What people mean when they say “DJI ban” and what the FCC action really targets

• What is banned vs what is still allowed to operate and purchase

• Whether this affects only DJI or other manufacturers too

• The likely near term outcomes for inventory, repairs, parts, and new product releases

• What alternatives exist and how to evaluate them without getting burned

• Whether it is time to shift toward U.S. made platforms and what the tradeoffs are

• What we are advising Red Raven UAS customers to do right now