The Effort to Ban DJI Drones - The Truth Has Never Been More Obvious! 

Jumping to conclusions, NO. Connecting the dots, YES. Politicians and lobbyists don't even try to hide it anymore.

Skydio should be ASHAMED of themselves and shunned if not banned from purchase by OUR government agencies. We can get FAR more value for our money by allowing competitive bidding for equipment like this. You are correct in every aspect of this commentary. Great reporting.

I will build a mapping drone that costs me $20K before buying Skydio products. Anti-competitive practices should not be supported in any way.

That's why I'm getting tired of the US government banning companies. Us the consumers loses they don't want to compete with prices better technology and etc...

They also don’t like that DJI gave us the mini so we don’t have to register.

Prayers continue for your wife, family, and yourself Russ. God bless you all.

Thank you for bringing more light to this issue. We need to continue pushing against Stefanik, AUVSI and others who think this won’t be catastrophic for the industry and the hobby. Glad also to hear you and your wife are staying strong through this difficult time.

My wife is a breast cancer survivor, she is coming up on 25 years now. I am retired military and our journey through cancer was harder than anything I ever did in the military, including three deployments to war zones. As difficult as it is, there is still hope, stay positive. Look for ways to find and share joy with your family, even amidst the hardship of cancer treatment. We would go out on a lunch date before cancer treatments, so that we looked forward to the day rather than dreading it, and the positive largely countered the negative. We realized that most of life’s problems and challenges are really small potatoes- what is most important are the people around you, sharing joy with them, and making sure they know how much you love them.

If you cant beat'em then ban'em. I sent my letter yesterday.

I LOVE that you published this! I 💯% agree. This is exactly what is going on with this crap. Glad to hear that your wife is getting thru this. 🖤

Praying for your wife and your family. May she have a speedy recovery.

We should all swear to never buy a Skydio if they successfully boot DJI. I can’t afford to have a $4,000 paper weight nor afford to replace my M3E. I had a loaner Skydio from a company that used it for home inspections. Fully automated scared the hell out of me watching it blast around. The body got so hot after flying you almost couldn’t touch it. I’ll never buy a Skydio!!! Even if I did like their products, I would never support the company after their unethical corporate warfare business practices have been revealed. They are already affecting DJI sales because of this threat. I recently bought an Autel Evo 2 dual. I wanted the M3T but didn’t want to end up with $10,000 of paperweights and the end of my drone business. You are 💯 correct connecting the dots on this.

No brother you are dead on. Sound the alarm as loud as you can please

Hey Russ, first and foremost before I get to DJI, I'm soooooo happy to hear your wife is doing well, I know she's not out of the woods yet, but knowing she has that kind of fight in her, along with you and the kids awesome support, it warms my heart and makes me confident that she's gonna make cancer sorry it ever messed with her!! Stay strong my friend!! So I left most of this comment on your last video on this subject, but I've been having issues with my comments not posting or disappearing, so on longer ones I copy and save them just in case, so I'm going to paste most of it, withe a few changes to address this video......... Retired firefighter here, started our drone program at Fire Dept a little while before I retired (few years early due to ptsd), I started a small business doing drone work, and all my photo drones are DJI, I have a Mavic 1 Pro, Mavic 2EA Thermal, F550 and S-1000, and since retiring I've become obsessed with foreign affairs and geopolitics, so...................... No, you are not wrong or off base, I did not know about this Bartlett guy, but I had heard about Stefanik's bill H.R. 2864. So here is the deal, while there's no doubt Skydio is all over this like a found Snickers bar at fat camp, but that is not the full story. China is in big trouble, not going to go into too much but the writing is on the wall, the working class that made them so successful the last 3 decades are almost all retired, they're population and birth rates have plummeted more than any other country in recorded history, several economic crashes are inevitable and a president that has no clue any of this is happening. They're domestic consumerism won't be anywhere near enough to keep up the GDP they've been used to and everything they make as goods depends on imported products to make, and they have no capitol to speak of, everything is borrowed basically. This means exports are the ONLY thing they have to try and save them, and to do that they need to flood the global trade market and make as much money as possible, problem is, that spikes inflation for other countries that are part of global trade, so the U.S., U.K, and a few other western countries don't want that. In fact just last week the U.S. and the U.K put MAJOR tariffs on a bunch of Chinese goods and products, and it's going to get worse, global economics experts were saying China was going to completely collapse by 2030, many of them are now saying possibly in the next 3-5yrs. So I don't know if Skydio is just being ruthless to be ruthless, or if they see the writing on the wall and are just jumping on an injured enemy and taking advantage of the situation while they can. The most important thing for drone production, at least as far as global commerce, are semiconductors, aka the chips for the hardware. There's 3 categories of chips...10nm to 90nm, that would be your smart appliances, alexa, basic cell phones, smart TVs, flight controllers and gps for drones. 90nm < are your dumb "smart chips", kids toys, basic household appliances, commercial heavy equipment, etc. 10nm > are your high end chips....Iphones, tablets, guidance systems for military weapons, high end medical equipment, etc.. China is only capable of producing the 10nm - 90nm chips on any kind of large scale, and it is large, they supply about 70% of the worlds middle grade chips, but they depend on over 4000 non Chinese companies to supply them with enough raw materials to do that. To answer your question, yes we can do that at home, and it's in the process of happening. With the writing on the wall for China, and the fact that the U.S. and U.K are pulling away from globalization and being the worlds police, if we're gonna want middle and high end chips, we'll have to do it here at home. Taiwan is the only country in the world that can provide the most important part of the high end chips, and they're building a factory in Arizona I believe, as far as the middle grade chips, there's infrastructure and factories being built as we speak all over in the Southwest, to be able to meet our chip needs sooner than later. So the moral of the story is, whether it be Skydio and govt bans, or DJI collapsing as China collapses, unless an investor from another country buys the whole operation, I think we need to just plan on a future without DJI, or at least any new DJI, and just work with what we already have...lol. Take care, happy flying!!

It’s all about the money they see coming in from DJI. The amount of products (3/4) of the market shows they are doing it right. Writing in new bills to stop a company that has every right to make and sell products that actually work and work better then the competition is just ridiculous.

Corruption has been in our country and the world for a long time.

You're so spot on with all of this. It all make me ill. Fear Uncertainty and Doubt, but using it to drive greed. Also - what is "our network"?

I will completely quit using drones before I buy a skydio drone. God bless your wife my man. She sounds like a warrior and she will squash this cancer 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

I have loved getting into the drone community. Thank you for your videos. I lost my mom to breast cancer last night. So I know what you are going through. Prayers for you and your wife man. 🎀🎗️

Russ, as always a great vid. My wife was just diagnosed last week with breast cancer. Were both 67 and have been married for 48 yrs. Thanks for sharing your family news. We go see the Dr for the first meeting this week. So lets hope and pray for each others family. Thanks for sharing.

So very tired of our corrupt government.

Russ - Just started binge-watching your videos, starting with "FAA Announces Drone Remote ID Proposal" from 4 years ago -- you know, back when we all were thinking the FAA (not Brendan Groves and Joe Bartlett) was gunning for our hobby. A lot as changed in 4 years! Anyway, just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all you do to educate and inform all of us drone jockeys. Oh, and great looking family photo!

I’m so sorry your family has been hit with this blow, but very happy to hear that your wife completed chemo with such strength and positivity. I pray that the surgery goes equally well and that you all can return to normal life soon. Thank you for researching these DJI ban attempts and keeping us informed. Prayers for you all!

Prayers for you and your wife for a full recovery.❤

What a gtreat video! I stumbled upon your channel by accident. That being said, WOW I really enjoyed the insight you gave in regard to the DJI drone ban. Also, I appreciate your thoughtfullness to include your watchers into a glimpse of your family's fight. I pray that God lays a healing hand on you and yours and brings you through whatever challenges you may endure. I am humbled by your love for your family and your viewers. In my future Amazon purchases, I will be honored to use your code in my effort to assist you. Love and prayers to all! Drone on!

This was known the moment Skydio left the prosumer market in favor of government contracts. I have been writing my congressman which is like talking to a brick wall…pointless. Typical example of government picking the winners and losers in the business world. We used to have a competitive and innovative free market. All we have now is a regulated slow death of progress…regressivism… nearly every aspect of our republic is degrading into political interest $$$$$$.

Prayers with you. We navigated breast cancer ourselves and I respect your attitude. Stay strong and thanks for the update.

Many Prayers and well wishes for you and you family Russ! Stay Strong!

Praying for your wife and family. She's at absolutely the best place for treatment. My wife is a patient at the Mayo Jacksonville, and they're incredible. Thanks for all you do! I've learned so much from your videos.

Same happened with Huawei and yet after all these years Huawei makes incredible phones even after all possible bans. It's pitty that Americans can't use Huawei, same might happen with DJI.

You’re absolutely right and on target my friend. Always, follow the money. God bless your wife and family and provide strength thru this difficult time.

I gave up my drones a long time ago, first skydio2 then my dji minis. Just collecting dust now. It's sad but I think it ain't going to get any better. Prayers for your family, brother 🙏

I think I speak for everyone here. Thank you for your time and your work in our hobby and careers!! THANK YOU!!!

Dear Rus, Thankyou for sharing with us of the fortitude, determination, downright guts and love throughout this ordeal your wonderful wife is going through. In sharing so from the heart, this will be encouraging and helping so many here. Am praying for Godly Wisdom for the medical team, His Peace and inexplicable Joy, enveloping arms of Love for each of you through all of this. Rus you and your family are truly Blessed with your amazing wife and mum. 💞🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 God Bless

Thanks for sharing the info and your opinions. Continuing to keep your wife and family in prayer! Wow to your superwoman!!!!! Blessings to you all! Stay strong, LOVE and SUPPORT each other always!

I’m part of the 2nd amendment community and I joined the Drone community 3yrs ago. I think these two communities have a common enemy because they deal with the same nonsense

If it looks like a Dog, Smells like a Dog, Acts like a Dog.. Its a Dog.. Hate to see our legislative system working like this.... Very happy to hear you and your Wife are through 1 stage of the process and thank you for the update! Continuing to pray for you and your family! I know what you mean about worrying! My mother always tells me, Proverbs 24:10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.... Trust in God because he has it in his hands brother!

I think what he's saying is true because why would this country have 51 Chinatown and no issues out of those towns on spying or leaking information. But when it comes to a drone. You want people to what you say without any kind of facts. I also agree that we should build better quality drones here DJI drones if we want to crush the competition instead of throwing money around to these companies that cannot compete with a company like DJI

Prayers for your wife and you going through this tough time!

Not even Taiwan, which is under direct threat from China on a daily basis, has moved to limit or ban DJI drones.

Looks like some pretty solid investigative journalism to me . . . Nice work. Russ, very moving update on your wife and her battle. Actually your whole family’s battle. Prayers and good vibes going out to you all. Hang in there!

All the best to your wife's recovery.

Prayers continue for your wife, family, and yourself Russ. God bless you all. x10

Wow. Heart goes out to you and your family. Huge pile of positive thoughts coming your way. 👍

Sadly, corruption and favoritism has gone so far out of control. It is amazing that the voter to put up with it this is just an example..

Russ, your videos are the best... love how you always keep it real. Prayers to your family during these challenging times. Her fortitude and attitude will carry here through this.... she's got this.

I'm reaching out to my representative. I already sent an email. But after this memorial weekend I'm gonna call them

You do an amazing job on this channel, thank you. Hope your wife is on her way to good health. Your family and this industry are in a better place with you in it !

And prayers for your family - My mother went through BC a few years ago. It's rough, but she's still kicking. Hope your wife fully beats it.

First off, prayers for your wife and family for comfort and healing. I think you have hit the nail on the head on the subject of the attempt to ban dji. Thank you for all the information that you bring to us.

Russ - I’m new to the hobby and watching your videos have been so helpful. I purchased my first drone a few months ago - a DJI mini 3 and having a blast. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

The government is just making up lies about DJI. DJI is a great help that government doesn’t understand. And I hope your wife gets better.

Russ, thank you for your thoughts and research. Yes, we all need to educate our legislators and the public. Thank you for the updates on your wife and family's battle with cancer. My continued prayers for her upcoming surgery and your travels. I pray the surgery is successful and her complete recovery.

Prayers of strength to your wife and family. My mother is a breast cancer survivor, so I know what you’re going through from an emotional standpoint. Stay positive, and use your wife’s resolve, like you said. Keeping up the phenomenal work!

The most important part first. I am sending you and your family my prayers and wanted to say your wife is very strong and an inspiration. Stay strong! She will beat this! I am well versed in all of this and you are spot on with the connection(s). This is why more people need to connect to the Drone Advocacy Alliance and reach out to their Congressional representatives. I think watching what investments some members of Congress have is also worth paying attention to since this would force funding to some specific companies.

I'm involved with US Drone Soccer Stefaniks ridiculous proposal would kill all drone related STEM projects happening in schools for sure. It's been an uphill battle trying to get this into schools over the past few years and we've finally stated to gain attention from big names. I really hope they don't destroy everything these volunteers have built, and kids have worked so hard for.....

You and your family are in my prayers. life issues like this make the DJI situation a tiny blip on life's radar. stay strong

Blessings brother, to you, family and especially your wife. Please keep us informed. We need that good news of her recovery.

Russ, Prayers going out for your Wife you and your Family! Were here if you need anything Russ! Don't be afraid to ask! May God Bless!

It is an absolute pipe dream to think every DJI product is going to be grandfathered in, no way, no how.

"Convenient Coincidences!" I agree with you. My utmost respect to your family. Your wife seems brave and ready to hit the issue with treatment without delay. In the medical field, I see a lot of reluctance. She seems ready-to-rock to get this over with and get back-to-normal with the beautiful family you two have created.

Prayers for your wife and your family. And thank you for being a voice to help us navigate the complexity of this topic.

Prayers and best wishes to you and your family!

You’re not out of line Russ! You’ve nailed it and landed that plane perfectly! I will always encourage everyone I know in the commercial drone business to steer clear of Skydio, I encourage others to do the same! The fact that the new bill being touted suggests making drones more expensive for first responders tells you where her and Skydio’s priorities are. God bless your family Russ!

I’m a cancer survivor going on 24 years now. Praying for your wife and family going through this at this time. You are correct about the family support during this time. Along with God’s love and the support and encouragement from family it goes a long ways for the love one going through this time.

I’m glad she’s doing better my prayers thoughts with you, your wife and your family🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 god bless you all

You are a formidable presence advocating for us drone users. More importantly, God Bless your wife, you, your family. May her healing be swift and complete.

Thanks for your very informative video. Keep up the great work. I didn’t k one about your wife’s struggles, which you also share with her. I will pray for you and your family to get through this enormous struggle. You have my respect and admiration. Your wife and kids are blessed to have a husband&father like you.

Excellent analysis. Thanks for the thoroughness...and best wishes with your family matters!

Prayers for you and your family Russ.

This DJI issue has been very worrisome to drone fliers like me having 6 of their drones (not too mention 4 additional Phantoms early on). And when you add in the Stefanik connection the absurdity of this all becomes clearer as she is clearly out of focus. Thanks for the info update. Best to you and your family ahead.

Your wife will be fine…. I also was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer and I’m going into the sixth year with no problems. My advice that I’ve given anyone asked me is ……. retain a positive attitude as I believe attitude really reflects your thoughts and most of all your destiny. Thank you so much for the commentary on RU-vid as always, great job and yes three good words yes yes yes … you are absolutely correct again, thank you. Allan Gackstetter United States, Air Force.

I know the gut punch and my prayers are with your wife, you and your family. God Bless

Thank you!!!!! And prayers lifted for your wife and you, along with the rest of your family.

Thanks for discussing this on your channel. I was talking to my friend about this just last weekend and found it completely bizarre.

The Mayo Clinic is right up there amongst the very best !!! You are in a great place with great people!!

You are spot on! TAKE COVER!

well.... prayers to your family... Fighting cancer with my wife for the past couple of years.. It started as breast cancer but she wouldnt go and get check out... So it had spread to her whole body and brain. So what would have been stage 2 jumped to a 4. With prayers/&treatment she has been getting better... Its a very rough thing to go through.

Russ, I hope and pray that your wife does well through treatment and surgery, I know how devastating a diagnosis of cancer can be for a family and for the patient. I wish you guys the best and hope everything works out for the best I’ve been watching your channel for a couple years now and you always have great information on a personal level. Thank you for all you do.

Good informational video. I'm in West Texas but went to college in Rochester and my ex-wife worked at Rochester Methodist. Sending prayers.

My wife and I will continue to keep you and your family in our prayers. Thank you so much for all you do for our drone world!

Thank you for your updates and perspective on the ongoing DJI ban debacle. I'm also very pleased to hear the encouraging report on your wife's journey to health. May you and your family enjoy a long period of peace from now on. All the best, - Robert

Thank you for your well researched information. Also, thank you for sharing your family’s unfortunate journey through your wife’s breast cancer. We experienced the same thing about 15 years ago. Chemo, radiation, and surgery. It’s a long road. My wife survived, and is doing well. It leaves scars for sure, both mental and physical. But keep the faith. You obviously have a strong family, and that will help her beyond measure.

I live in Ohio and we have a few drone shops. That sell specifically DJI. I asked them why are they not bringing awareness too this, the response was "they've been banning these for 10 years now and it won't happen". It's like really!!!! Tik Tok ban passed along with new tarrifs! Ugh this is so frustrating!

Thank you so much for the Info. We are going thru the exact same think here as well my wife got to surgery on the 31st. Positive vibes are definitely being sent your way

All I want to know is can I buy a DJI drone for my moto vlogging? I use DJI for my other cameras. Will the ban block me using the DJI drone? Also, stay strong and supportive for your wife and family. I will think about her and wish her all the best in this journey.

Thank you for the educational update, I will reach out to the Drone Advocacy Alliance! Thank you And praying for you and your wife and your family brother, you guys hang in there.

We love you, Ross and your family. God bless you and all of our prayers will be with you. God bless you and thank you for all you do for the drone community.

Russ, prayers for healing for your wife and for strength for you and your family as you support her through her surgery. God bless

It’s obviously they don’t like competition. I love my blue drone while I’m mountain biking but they don’t even offer them to us for recreation either . Leave DJI as a second option

Thank you for all you do sir! Wishing your family nothing but blessings🙏🙏🙏

FYI in New Zealand most larger commercial drones are locally designed and made, and are usually designed for specific applications like farming, fishing, etc. For general commercial work, DJI is of course popular. For consumer drones, other than cheap toys, the market is pretty overwhelmingly DJI. Sure, there are others, but DJI seem to have the best features and best prices. Hope your wife pulls through OK. Best wishes to you and your family.

Thank you again for your thoughts on DJI issues. I am too afraid to fly my mini 3 pro with all of the negativity out there. Anyway, I want to wish your wife a fast and comfortable recovery from her surgery. Emotionally, she will need your support in so many ways. Love and best wishes and God bless you all.

It is just not right. Miss using authority. You are not over responding to this. I totally agree with you!!! Corruption !!!!!!

Most importantly, I offer my very best wishes for your wife's speedy recovery from this horrific medical condition. Also thanks for your take on the DJI ban situation.

Thanks for this. I watched a channel called Drone Wars which shamelessly makes insinuations against DJI and then in a second video promotes Skydio. It’s really bad. Lastly, I hope with all our blessings your wife will pull through and come out with a smile. Here’s a cheer to brave lady!

My wife was diagnosed April 2023 with breast cancer also. I too have gained a whole new level of admiration for my wife as sge leaned into the Lord like never before. Your whole family is in our prayers as she contiue her journey of treatment and healing.

Watch out for Mayo, they like to pad the bills. Whatever they have told you about billing get it in writing and get it from every single physician involved.

Another great vid on this extremely important subject. Where would we be without you? Much less informed, that's for sure. Now, about your wife: mine has had breast cancer twice, so I know what you and yours are going through. But a couple of observations. First, and this is for everybody facing this, the initial blow when you find out is the worst. But once you have time to digest it, and see what exaclty the course of action is, it really gets less daunting and you can be much more helpful to the person going through it. Next, every patient is different and it's up to you to discover exactly what they need. In my case, she didn't need a constantly concerned husband buzzing around but rather the friend she could rely on and would keep her laughing. As much as we want to help, this is their battle and you need to give them what they need to fight it, not what you THINK they might need. Your wife sounds a lot like mine as she kept working through it and was incredibly tough when it was time to face it head-on. Such strenghth and poise (we both did better than we deserve, eh? That's the key! ). Finally, don't ever take for granted the work your medical team does, because they deal with people who are literally scared of dying and they take thier hand and guide them around all the land mines and rocks (and trees, to reach the drone mindset). They are truly angels on this earth. So give your spousa a hug for me, and take one yourself. You have a very large family you've never met.

Missed the memo man. Prayers for your wife and family. Thanks for all you do.