This week in Drone News: The new Autel Evo II hits the shelves, a new drone is around the corner for DJI, rumored to be the DJI Mavic 2 Air, Terraview lines itself up to be an alternative to DJI, and finally an FAA Update but probably not the one you were waiting for... Script Notes
Autel Evo II hits the shelves
Autel announced that the Evo II is now available for purchase as of April 20 of this week. Available from Dealers.
It comes in 3 models,
Evo II: at $1495, 8k sensor (8000x6000 images). 7680x4320
Evo II Pro: $1795, 1” sensor, 6k (5472x3076)
Evo II Dual (8k + Thermal) 640x512 thermal
DJI Mavic 2 Air Rumored for next week
DJI will announce a new product on April 27 next week, which is expected to be the new DJI Mavic 2 Air.
Some of the leaked info shows
4K video, 1/2” sensor 12MP with stitched 48MP stills
ADSB receiver
34 min flight time
No obstacle avoidance
Alternative to DJI?
DJI was in the news again this week from major news network with the data leak story.
I reported on this a few months ago when the DOI decided to ground its fleet of drones.
And now an American company, Terraview, wants to become the alternative to DJI for government users and public safety responders.
Founded by two F-14 pilots, their drones are manufactured with US sourced parts, and non-Chinese parts.
With a proposed bill that could prevent government agencies from purchasing drones with parts made from China, Terraview could become the primary provider.
We reported on their RangePro X8P in the past with 70 minutes of flight time, perfect for long missions.
It accepts Zenmuse cameras such as the Z30, XT or X5/X5R
FAA Update
Still no update for expiring written exams… You still can’t fly as a remote pilot if you took your written exam prior to March 31, 2018.
If you took your written in April 2018, you have a week longer before your privileges expire.
The only FAA update so far regarding drones during the shutdown is that you are allowed to carry things with your drone as long as you remain within the regulation.
The FAA can also issue special approvals, some in less than an hour, for flights that support emergency activities and appropriate government, health, or community initiatives.
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