Per the Associated Press, China’s Commerce Ministry on Wednesday said it would attach export controls to drones that could be converted and deployed on the battlefield, as well as certain equipment, such as infrared lasers.

At the same time, the country will lift unspecified temporary restrictions on certain consumer drones. About a year ago, China imposed export controls on both civilian and military drones that could be used for “non-peaceful purposes.”

The changes will take effect on September 1.

Western countries have been angling for greater restrictions on China, which is the world’s largest exporter of consumer drones, but sanctions and export controls have not entirely quelled concerns.

For example, DJI, the country’s largest drone manufacturer, suspended direct sales to Russia and Ukraine, but the company’s aircraft are still reaching the battlefield. In response, the U.S. has sanctioned individual Chinese companies suspected of supplying Russia with drones via third-party networks and countries, such as through Iran.

U.S. lawmakers have been particularly harsh on Chinese drone manufacturers, comparing DJI to TikTok and pushing for an array of restrictive bills.

One measure, the American Security Drone Act, was even included in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), barring procurement of Chinese drones by federal agencies.

Another bill, the Countering CCP Drones Act, aims to add DJI, Autel, and other Chinese manufacturers to the Federal Communication Commission’s covered list, which would effectively end all new sales to the U.S. at both the federal and consumer levels. Some U.S senators are working to get the legislation added to next year’s NDAA.

The anti-China bills come amid FBI and Department of Homeland Security assessments that the drones could pose a cybersecurity threat, coupled with allegations that the aircraft are using their cameras to spy on Americans and transmit data back to China.

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Conspicuously missing from the Senate’s fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (FY25 NDAA), though, is an amendment that would effectively ban new Chinese drone models from flying in U.S. skies.

The Countering CCP Drones Act made it into the House version of the FY25 NDAA, which passed in June with a vote of 217-199 and was largely backed by Republicans. But when contemplating its addition to the Senate legislation, lawmakers reportedly dropped the measure after hearing from over 6,000 public safety agencies that opposed the measure.

The bill is not dead yet, however. Last week, Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced an amendment to the FY25 NDAA, cosponsored by Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), that puts the Countering CCP Drones Act back on the table in committee discussions.

Even if the amendment is rejected in the Senate, it could resurface in reconciliations between the Senate and House due to its inclusion in the latter’s version of the NDAA.

The Countering CCP Drones Act is the culmination of U.S. government efforts to restrict Chinese-manufactured drones from dominating the country’s drone industry. Lawmakers have also accused the Chinese Communist Party of using the aircraft to spy on Americans, citing its ties to state-owned entities. At present, there is no conclusive evidence to verify the claims, and manufacturers such as DJI have pushed back on the allegations.

Chinese drones have been blacklisted by the Department of Defense, Department of Commerce, Department of the Treasury, and other federal agencies. The states too have taken aim at the aircraft, with Arkansas and Scott’s home state of Florida implementing the most sweeping bans.

One significant drone-related provision, the bipartisan American Security Drone Act, made it into last year’s NDAA. That measure prohibits U.S. federal agencies and federally funded programs from procuring drones manufactured in China or Russia.

Adding to the fervor, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security released a report detailing the threat of Chinese drones shortly after the NDAA was signed into law.

The Countering CCP Drones Act that will be contemplated by the Senate targets two manufacturers in particular, DJI and Autel. Those firms, and any subsidiaries, partners, or affiliates, would be added to the Federal Communications Commission’s covered list—essentially a list of companies with which the U.S. government refuses to do business.

The companies’ addition to the covered list would not impact DJI and Autel drones already being flown by hobbyists or private companies, for example. However, it would prevent the FCC from authorizing new equipment and prohibit newly sold drones from using U.S. communications infrastructure, effectively banning all sales in the country.

The legislation was first introduced in 2022 by Scott and Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) in the Senate and by Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) in the House.

After failing to move it forward, Stefanik in 2023 reintroduced the bill in the House, pushing successfully for its inclusion in the House NDAA released in June. That month, the measure was also reintroduced in the Senate but did not receive enough support to be added to that chamber’s version of the bill.

DJI drones in particular are widely deployed by U.S. law enforcement and public safety agencies, who opposed the restrictions because other models are typically more expensive and less effective. Police departments in states that have not banned Chinese drones are continuing to buy them in droves.

Their efforts may be for naught, though, if the Senate is receptive to Scott’s amendment. Even if senators reject it, the measure’s inclusion in the House version of the NDAA could give it new life in the reconciliation process.

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The FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) this week released a report highlighting the threats posed by Chinese manufacturers of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS)—including DJI, which accounts for an estimated 7 in 10 global sales of consumer drones.

The report, titled “Cybersecurity Guidance: Chinese-Manufactured UAS,” holds no legal standing but recommends critical infrastructure and cybersecurity safeguards to American firms at the state, local, tribal, and territorial levels. Its publication comes after 16 lawmakers wrote to CISA Director Jen Easterly in March, requesting an investigation and report on DJI’s U.S. activity—and the security risks it may raise.

“Without mitigations in place, the widespread deployment of Chinese-manufactured UAS in our nation’s key sectors is a national security concern, and it carries the risk of unauthorized access to systems and data,” said Bryan Vorndran, assistant director of the FBI’s cyber division. “The FBI and our CISA partners have issued UAS guidance in order to help safeguard our critical infrastructure and reduce the risk for all of us.”

The FBI and CISA contend People’s Republic of China (PRC) laws expand the government’s legal grounds to access and control data held by Chinese firms. Chinese-made UAS are frequently used in U.S. critical infrastructure operations, which could expose sensitive information to the PRC, the agencies claim.

The report further lays out the vulnerabilities and consequences for U.S. drone firms operating without the proper cybersecurity protocols. The fear is that widely used strategies are inadequate, giving China access to key data that could support its aims—and decimate U.S. national and economic security.

“Our nation’s critical infrastructure sectors, such as energy, chemical, and communications, are increasingly relying on UAS for various missions that ultimately reduce operating costs and improve staff safety,” said Dr. David Mussington, executive assistant director for infrastructure security at CISA. “However, the use of Chinese-manufactured UAS risks exposing sensitive information that jeopardizes U.S. national security, economic security, and public health and safety.”

The report comes amid a wave of bans targeting Chinese drone manufacturers. U.S. lawmakers have referred to the aircraft as “TikTok with wings,” in reference to the alleged spying taking place on the popular, China-owned social media platform.

Despite China’s decision to curb drone exports amid escalating tension in Russia and Ukraine, lawmakers are still wary of DJI and others. One provision made it into the recently approved defense policy bill, banning the procurement and use of China- and Russia-made drones at the federal level. Another bill, introduced by Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), proposes restrictions at state and local levels.

“The new CISA report makes clear that Communist Chinese drones present a legitimate national security risk to our critical infrastructure and must be banned from the U.S.,” Stefanik and Gallagher said in a joint statement on Wednesday. “The [Chinese Communist Party] has subsidized drone companies such as DJI and Autel in order to destroy American competition and spy on America’s critical infrastructure sites. We must ban CCP-backed spy drones from America and work to bolster the U.S. drone industry.”

Like the lawmakers, the report does not provide hard evidence of espionage. Rather, it outlines the conditions in China and the U.S. that could allow the PRC to acquire sensitive data.

Stefanik and Gallagher were not alone in their praise. The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), a global UAS industry trade group, also applauded the report, challenging Congress to end China’s “monopolistic control” of the U.S. market in favor of domestic manufacturers.

“China’s dominance of the global drone market poses a multitude of challenges for the U.S., and the CISA and FBI warning affirms the threat PRC drones present to our national security,” said Michael Robbins, chief advocacy officer of AUVSI. “As CISA and the FBI noted in their memo [Wednesday], in the interest of national security, organizations collecting sensitive information, including critical infrastructure owners and operators, must shift away from unsecure PRC drones and reliance on foreign supply chains.”

The report’s release comes less than one week after DJI launched global sales of its first delivery drone, unveiled in August. Some observers worry the aircraft—which is more powerful than the company’s consumer drones—could be modified for war, as has been the case in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Threat and Mitigation

According to the FBI and CISA, any UAS can pose cybersecurity risks. But China’s laws give the country’s government expansive legal grounds to control data held by Chinese firms, they warn.

“The use of Chinese-manufactured UAS in critical infrastructure operations risks exposing sensitive information to PRC authorities, jeopardizing U.S. national security, economic security, and public health and safety,” the agencies wrote.

A 2017 law, for example, requires Chinese companies to cooperate with state intelligence services and share data collected domestically and abroad. These include firms identified by the U.S. as “Chinese military companies,” such as DJI.

The PRC’s 2021 Data Security Law expanded government control over companies and data within China, with strict penalties for noncompliance. Data collected under the policy is essential to China’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy, the FBI and CISA said. The strategy aims to usurp the United States’ strategic advantage by providing access to advanced technology and expertise.

Another 2021 law requires Chinese firms to disclose cyber vulnerabilities discovered in their systems to the PRC before sharing them publicly or overseas. This, the agencies maintain, may provide the opportunity for China to exploit system flaws before they are widely known.

The FBI and CISA argue that each UAS adds a node that could be the target of a cyberattack. These could take the form of data transfer and collection via internet-connected devices such as cellphones, patching or firmware updates, or even downloads through other systems in the network, such as docking stations.

The attacks, according to the agencies, could expose U.S. intellectual property to Chinese companies, reveal details and vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure, or lead to theft or sabotage. This could allow the PRC to undermine the competitive advantage of American firms or disrupt key U.S. services, for example.

To mitigate these threats, the FBI and CISA recommend U.S. public and private companies procure only UAS that adhere to CISA’s secure-by-design principles. These call for drones to be built in a way that protects against malicious cyberattacks. The agencies also encouraged firms to consult the Department of Defense’s Blue UAS Cleared List, which lists drones that comply with U.S. federal cybersecurity policies.

Beyond those recommendations, the report suggests using multifactor authentication or isolated networks to limit breaches, or contain them to one part of the organization. Firms should also research their manufacturers and supply chain providers, as well as the laws to which they are subjected. Software should be updated regularly, and data should be encrypted and deleted from the UAS once transferred and stored.

The Outlook

It’s important to note that the FBI and CISA guidance is just that: guidance. The report won’t have any direct effect on U.S. policy regarding Chinese drone manufacturers. But it could hurt the opinions of lawmakers and operators on DJI and other foreign manufacturers.

In the U.S., there is already a sizable faction of lawmakers and citizens who fear spying by Chinese drones, as evidenced by the myriad proposals to ban the aircraft. Companies are also somewhat split. Some share the above concerns. Most, though, continue to use the drones because they are often cheaper than American-made alternatives, which has kept DJI’s market share robust.

Detractors of the proposed bans worry that restricting Chinese drones is hasty and shortsighted.  The argument is that U.S. customers will be forced to buy more expensive, domestically produced UAS, which could price some of them out. Switching to American-made aircraft would require training on new systems. It could also hamper the quality of the tech—DJI drones are considered by many to be the best available.

In short, the U.S. faces a dilemma. If the threats from Chinese-made UAS are real, lawmakers have a duty to protect the American public. But either way, banning the drones will likely create a few unhappy customers. The government will need to decide if the tradeoffs are worth it.

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The NDAA includes language that would prohibit federal agencies and federally funded programs from purchasing or using drones manufactured in countries that are viewed as threats to U.S. national security: namely, China and Russia. It’s now a signature from President Joe Biden away from becoming law.

While the legislation did not name specific companies, the restrictions would take aim at China’s DJI—the largest consumer drone company in the world by market share—and Autel, which isn’t far behind. According to Drone Industry Insights, DJI owns 73 percent of the U.S. market.

The drone-related provisions in the NDAA come from the American Security Drone Act (ASDA) of 2023: one of several protectionist bills introduced to shield American skies from the supposed threat of Chinese and Russian drone surveillance. Lawmakers have characterized the aircraft as “TikTok with wings,” alluding to allegations that the Chinese social media platform spies on its users.

The bipartisan legislation was first introduced in the Senate in February and was added to the NDAA in July. An identical House version of the bill was introduced in November.

The NDAA’s passage was cheered by Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.), one of architects behind the Senate ASDA bill, and Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), an original cosponsor of the House bill.

“Getting this bill passed in this year’s NDAA is a massive win for our national security and the safety of Florida families,” said Scott. “Communist China has been known to spy on us, using companies like drone maker DJI, who are obligated by law to report back to the evil regime, to carry out its information collection missions…The U.S. will now no longer spend taxpayer dollars to let Communist China spy on us through their drones.”

At present, there is no conclusive evidence that the Chinese government or Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is using drones from DJI or other manufacturers to spy on American citizens or assets. However, lawmakers continue to decry the potential for sensitive information to be beamed back to China. They also worry the drones are being used for other nefarious purposes.

For example, allegations that DJI drones are being used by the Chinese government to surveil Uyghur muslims prompted the Department of Defense to dub it a “Chinese military company,” a characterization the firm swiftly denied. However, despite China’s restriction of drone exports, DJI technology has been discovered in drones on the battlefield in Russia and Ukraine and the Middle East.

Lawmakers’ concerns are shared by some within the drone industry. The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), for example, lauded the NDAA’s inclusion of ASDA language, urging the Biden administration to sign it into law quickly.

“Prohibiting federal agencies from purchasing or operating non-secure drones, especially those produced by Chinese firms, is a necessary step in protecting our nation from cyber risks, espionage, and sabotage,” said Michael Robbins, chief advocacy officer of AUVSI. “Rational, tailored country-of-origin drone restrictions like those within ASDA are critical to protecting U.S. national security…American reliance on foreign adversaries for drone technology must end.”

While lawmakers on both sides of the aisle appear to support the ASDA language, detractors argue that country-of-origin bans are simply unnecessary. Some contend that the legislation props up technologically inferior, domestic drones at the expense of models from foreign manufacturers such as DJI, which are considered by many to be the best available.

“There is legislation pending in Congress today that addresses a national security situation that has been created out of thin air,” Steve Sherman, a former Iowa House candidate, wrote for RealClearPolicy. “Furthermore, the legislation is protectionist and an attempt to shield inferior products from competition abroad. Congress does not have the time to tackle mythical national security threats when there are real ones that go unaddressed every day.”

Like it or not, however, the ASDA is poised to become law in the not-so-distant future. And it could have a significant impact on the U.S. drone market.

What’s in the Bill?

Scott and Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced the original ASDA legislation in February, garnering cosponsors from both parties.

At a high level, the proposed bill called for a ban on federal procurement and operation of foreign, commercial off-the-shelf drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufactured or assembled in “covered” countries, or those the U.S. views as hostile. China—and entities thought to be under its control—are on the list. The bill also proposed prohibiting state and local governments from procuring covered tech using federal funding.

In July, Scott and Warner celebrated the bill’s addition to the NDAA, which put it on the radar of others on Capitol Hill. The language can be found under Title XVIII Subtitle B of the published text of the final NDAA, titled “Drone Security.”

Digging deeper, the legislation directs the Federal Acquisition Security Council and the Department of Transportation to develop and update a list of banned aircraft and components. Two years after passage, federal departments would be prohibited from using them.

In addition, all federal agencies would be required to collect data on their existing inventories of banned technology, which the government could track “at a classified level.” And within nine months, the U.S. Comptroller General would need to submit a report on the number of restricted drones procured by the government. Another required report would examine covered drone supply chains.

But there are several proposed exemptions to the restrictions.

The Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, State, and Transportation, FAA, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and a few other agencies could still procure covered drones if they’re absolutely necessary for their missions. The first three, for example, could acquire banned technology if it’s in the U.S. “national interest” and would be used for research or counterterrorism purposes. Agencies would also be able to apply for waivers.

Notably, the ASDA language would not apply to any U.S. “intelligence activities.” State, local, or territorial law enforcement and emergency service agencies using non-federal dollars to procure banned tech would also be exempt. However, a few of them have taken matters into their own hands by introducing state-level bans on DJI and other drones, which are very popular among public safety agencies.

What It Means

The ASDA language only targets foreign drone use and procurement at the federal level, which means—for now—that DJI hobbyists will be unaffected. But that could change.

The U.S. has a long-standing aversion to Chinese drones. Its first success in weeding out the technology came in 2019 with the passage of the 2020 NDAA. That legislation prohibited the Department of Defense from acquiring and using drones manufactured in covered countries for military use, and the Department of Energy from doing so for defense activities.

Since then, DJI and other Chinese firms have been placed on the Department of Commerce’s Entity List, blacklisted by the Treasury Department, and even targeted via executive order. But many of these are considered “de facto” bans, holding little sway over actual government activities.

The ASDA language in the NDAA would change that. And if lawmakers are feeling emboldened, they could push for another piece of legislation that proposes more sweeping restrictions. The Countering CCP Drones Act, introduced in April by Gallagher and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), could extend bans on Chinese drones to hobbyists, which in DJI’s case is its most popular segment.

The bill calls for DJI and others to be added to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) covered list, preventing their tech from using FCC infrastructure. And with the FAA’s Remote ID rule taking effect March 16, almost all drones will be required to communicate using that infrastructure—which means even recreational drones could be grounded. Those rules would also apply to DJI’s recently unveiled delivery drone.

There has been little movement on the legislation since it was introduced. But with continued lobbying from American drone firms—and the impending expiration of federal counter-drone authority on February 3—lawmakers may be motivated to snuff out the perceived threat quickly.

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Welcome to FLYING’s Black Friday drone discount guide, your source for the best uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) technology available at cut price. We rounded up the biggest and best deals from manufacturers such as DJI, Autel, and Holy Stone to help match you with the perfect drone for your price point and preferred activity, as well as a few drone pilot training courses available at a discount.

Without further ado, let’s dig into the deals. But before you make your purchase: Make sure the drone is ready for the FAA’s Remote ID rule, which takes effect in March, by visiting the agency’s Declaration of Compliance website.

Deals on DJI Drones

No company produces more consumer drones than China’s DJI. Unsurprisingly, the manufacturer is getting in on the Black Friday action with several major discounts on flagship products. We’ll start with deals on the company’s website, which run through Monday.

Best Value: DJI Avata Pro-View Combo ($999)

The Avata is a relatively new arrival to DJI’s catalog, and at a 30 percent discount off its usual $1,428 price tag, now is as good a time as any to try it out.

Considered one of the top camera drones on the market, the first-person view (FPV) UAV comes with intuitive motion control and video stabilization for shooting 4K super-wide footage. Weighing just less than 1 pound, the model is lightweight and portable for filming on the go.

Users can watch the flight live from the drone’s perspective—allowing them to get a better vantage point for video or photography—through a pair of goggles with dual 1080p micro-OLED screens, which are included in the Pro-View Combo. Video is transmitted to the pilot in 100 frames per second (fps) quality.

The bundle comes with the drone, pair of goggles, joystick controller, batteries, power adapter, and more. DJI is also offering the Avata Explorer Combo, which comes with an upgraded version of the Pro-View bundle’s goggles, for 30 percent off ($889).

Best for New Flyers: DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo ($699)

Now available at an 18 percent discount for $699, the Mini 3 Fly More Combo is perfect for beginners. 

The Mini 3 is one of DJI’s most popular and user-friendly models, ideal for hobbyists still getting used to flying. As its name implies, the drone is small—it weighs just more than half a pound, making it one of the most portable models out there.

But it packs a punch: The Mini 3 is DJI’s longest lasting camera drone, with a flight time of 51 minutes. It also transmits video over distances as far as 6 miles and can fly in winds up to 20 knots.

The Fly More Combo includes the drone, remote controller, batteries, chargers, and other accessories and spare parts. Customers can use the UAV to shoot 4K high dynamic range (HDR) video, which appears live on the remote controller’s 5.5-inch high-definition display.

For a slightly cheaper alternative, shoppers can instead opt for DJI’s regular Mini 3 bundle for $609, normally $699. It comes with the drone and controller but fewer accessories. The Fly More Combo is also being offered for the Mini 2 SE, on sale for $449 at a 12 percent discount. That model has a shorter flight time and lower video quality but otherwise returns many of the same features as the Mini 3.

Best for Sport: DJI FPV Combo ($899)

Like the Avata, DJI’s FPV drone gives users an immersive experience, providing them with goggles to wear while they fly. But this model is geared more toward recreational flyers than photographers and cinematographers. At $899, it’s on sale for 10 percent off its usual price.

Experienced pilots are the target market for the FPV Combo—skilled flyers can race the drone or take it out for a joyride. While the UAV is in the sky, they view the action through a 150-degree field of vision, transmitted to the goggles in 4K video from as far as 6 miles away.

Recently, DJI introduced a hybrid flight mode for the FPV drone called S Mode. Switching to this configuration allows the user to combine manual flight with simplified controls from previous DJI models. The model also comes with an emergency brake and hover system, which allows it to stop it in its tracks with the push of a button. Other safety features include return-to-home capability and auxiliary bottom light.

Similar to the Avata and Mini 3, the FPV Combo comes with an assortment of accessories and parts, including goggles and a remote controller.

Other DJI Deals

Beyond drones and drone bundles, DJI is offering deals on accessories and other products. 

The company’s second-generation goggles, for example, are 20 percent off, while the Osmo Action 3 camera standard combo is available at a 15 percent discount. The manufacturer’s Air 2S Fly More Combo is also 20 percent off, though the bundle is listed as out of stock on its website.

In addition, savvy shoppers can find a plethora of DJI deals on other retailers’ sites. Bundles and individual drones can be bought at a discount from Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and other familiar big box brands.

Non-DJI Deals

DJI dominates the consumer UAV market. But it’s not the only manufacturer producing acclaimed drone technology—or offering it at a discount. Here are a few more companies getting in the Black Friday spirit.

Best Value: Autel Robotics Evo Lite Premium Bundle ($949)

DJI’s largest Chinese rival, Autel Robotics, is hosting its own Black Friday sale, slashing some prices by as much as 40 percent through November 30. The best deal of the bunch might be on the Evo Lite Premium Bundle, which normally sells for $1,499 but is available for just $949, around a one-third reduction in price.

The Evo Lite is a four-axis gimbal design built for vertical video shooting, with a 50-megapixel camera, 0.8-inch image sensor, and the ability to capture 4K HDR or 60 fps footage, even at night. It can fly for as long as 40 minutes and transmit clear video up to 7.4 miles away.

For photographers on the go, the Evo Lite is a solid choice. The drone’s arms and propellers fold into a tight package for easy travel. And in rugged or challenging environments, the model uses three-way obstacle avoidance to dodge obstructions in front of, behind, and below it.

If that doesn’t suit your fancy, Autel is also offering deals on several Evo II, Evo Nano, and Evo Max models.

Best for Beginners: Holy Stone HS720E GPS Drone ($180)

Holy Stone is best known for designing drones for novice flyers, and the company has several models available at a discount on Amazon Prime. 

The best deal, though, is arguably on its HS720E GPS Drone—shoppers can save $220 using an on-page coupon. The user-friendly design comes with an electronic image stabilization camera that shoots in 4K, with a 130-degree field of view. 

The HS720E can fly for up to 46 minutes, and pilots have a range of simple commands at their disposal, such as Follow Me, Point of Interest, and Smart Return to Home. In addition, features such as Altitude Hold, Headless Mode, and Optical Flow simplify the flying experience.

Other Holy Stone models on sale for the holidays include the HS280, HS430, and HS710, as well as the H260, which is designed to be simple enough for a child to fly.

Best Value Per Pound: HoverAir X1 ($329)

Manufacturer Zero Zero’s HoverAir X1 is lighter than most smartphones and even tinier than the DJI Mini series—and it’s on sale for $329 through Nov. 28.

The pocket-sized drone takes off from the palm of the user’s hand with the push of a button, flying entirely on its own. There is no controller—instead, the user can select from an array of intelligent flight commands, including hover, follow, orbit, zoom out, and bird’s eye.

In addition to being incredibly portable, the fully enclosed design is durable and elastic. That helps it avoid damage to the frame or injuries to onlookers below in the case of a crash.

The X1 shoots 2.7K video at 30 fps, as well as 1080p HDR video. Three layers of stabilizing technology and an onboard positioning system prevent shaky footage and allow the drone to fly indoors.

While customers can receive the X1 at a 15 percent discount on the official HoverAir store, Amazon Prime members can get $100 off the normal list price.

Here are a few other deals that caught our eye:

• Exo Drones Blackhawk 3 Pro: $100 off at Best Buy
• Potensic Atom 4K 3-Axis Gimbal Drone: $80 off on Amazon
• Sanrock U52 with 1080p HD camera: 31 percent off on Amazon

Drone Pilot Courses and Workshops

This season’s Black Friday deals cover more than just drone hardware.

Pilots don’t need FAA approval to fly recreationally, so long as they follow the agency’s guidelines for recreational flyers and community-based organizations. But to fly commercially, for business or otherwise, a Part 107 remote pilot certificate is required.

The process is relatively straightforward: According to the FAA, less than 1 percent of the 4,500 applicants seeking Part 107 remote pilot permissions every month are rejected. 

But for those who want to ensure they pass with flying colors the first time around—or stay knowledgeable about the rules years later—there are several training courses available at a discount.

Aviation Supplies and Academics (ASA), for example, is offering several remote pilot guidebooks at a discount for the holidays, including the second edition of The Complete Remote Pilot. Here are a few Black Friday-specific offers:

Pilot Institute Drone Courses

The Pilot Institute has rolled out its annual Black Friday discounts, and there are a few courses being offered for less than half the typical price.

The big ones are its Part 107 commercial license training and Drone Business Made Easy course, available at discounts of 57 percent and more than 80 percent, respectively. Shoppers can save even more by bundling the two for $139 rather than the usual $449—that’s close to 70 percent off.

And for those still learning the ropes of drone piloting, the institute’s Drone Flying 101 guide is on sale for just $19—it typically costs $100.

Interested in getting the most out of one of the camera drones above? The Pilot Institute has you covered there too with its drone photo and video master class and real estate photo and video course, each 60 percent off. And for those looking to make a career out of flying drones, a guide to Part 107 waivers is available for $50, one-third the usual price.

Drone Launch Academy Courses

Looking for an alternative Part 107 course at a discount? Through Cyber Monday (November 27), Drone Launch Academy is offering its test prep program for $99.50. The course was already a great value at $199, but now it’s half off—and comes with four free months of a Drone Launch Connect Membership.

For an even lower price point, the academy is also offering 50 percent off Part 107 test prep gifts. These include flashcards or a study guide ebook for $19.50 each, and a study guide audiobook for $24.50.

Beyond those deals, all of the academy’s non-Part 107 courses and workshops are also available at half price. These cover topics such as mapping and modeling, aerial videography, real estate, and building a drone business from scratch.

Drone Pilot Ground School Part 107 Test Prep

Time is running out for this one—the Drone Pilot Ground School’s “Fly-Day” sale ends Friday, so now is the time to take advantage of the school’s discounted Part 107 test prep courses, which are considered some of the best out there.

The academy is offering three different levels, each $107 off in a nod to the FAA regulation. Its self-study program is now available for $192, while a guided study costs $232. A guided study with flight training runs for $418.

And the best part about all this? Drone Pilot Ground School has a “pass-or-don’t-pay” policy, so customers don’t need to break the bank on a program that doesn’t work for them—even if it’s at a discount.

That just about covers the biggest Black Friday deals and discounts on drone technology and resources, but if you’ve read this far, you’re probably new to flying drones. So, we’ll leave you with a few models aimed at new flyers and children:

• Potensic A20 Mini Drone: 29 percent off on Amazon
• Contixo F19 with 1080p camera: 42 percent off at Walmart
• DEERC D20 Mini Drone: 50 percent off on Amazon

With that, happy shopping—and don’t forget to check on that pesky Remote ID compliance!

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