DJI drones get ads-b receiver to detect planes and helicopters

All new models of DJI drones weighing more than 250 grams will receive an ads-b receiver from next year. This allows the drones to warn their owners if they are near planes and helicopters.

It is only an ads-b receiver, says DJI. The drones can therefore not send a signal to helicopters, planes or the control tower. Moreover, the drone will not adjust its course, but only warn the person flying the drone that it is on a collision course with an airplane or helicopter. Adjusting the course must be done manually.

DJI says the receiver will come on all new models it releases from early 2020, if the drone weighs 250 grams or more. For example, the Spark is 300g, while the Mavic Air is 430g. There is no current model that falls below that self-imposed limit of 250g.

The manufacturer calls the feature AirSense and it is one of the ten points in a new safety plan. This should make flying with drones safer for the consumer and business market. DJI is the market leader in consumer drones.

DJI Mavic Air