DJI Boosts NODE as Advocate for Drone Enthusiasts in Response to Regs

DJI is assisting in the start up a grassroots effort to provide an organization for drone enthusiasts and recreational users that will advocate for their interests and concerns. The formation of the organization, called NODE (Network of Drone Enthusiasts), appears to be prompted by the recent Canadian UAS regulations put in place for recreational drones. In a letter to the drone community, DJI writes, “These rules could prohibit drones from being used for education, art, and film making, even in your own backyard, and even when you are flying safely.”

The letter goes on to state:

“a new grassroots group dedicated to advocating for the interests of responsible drone pilots across the United States and Canada. NODE gives affiliated drone organizations a united voice to collaborate with legislators and regulators on developing reasonable and effective drone regulations that encourage drone use while protecting public safety.”

You can sing up for NODE here. They also have a Facebook page and Twitter account for keeping up on the latest news of the organization. As of 3/22 the Facebook page has 1,575 likes and 1,857 followers. Their Twitter account has over 600 followers.

The web site calls out a number of campaigns that are underway. For example, there is an effort to oppose a West Virginia Senate Bill 9 that would restrict the ability of recreational users to fly. The bill has passed the West Virginia Senate and is now pending before the West Virginia House Judiciary Committee. NODE is urging users to “contact the members of this committee and ask them to VOTE NO when they consider this bill.”

Here is the full text of the DJI letter.

Dear Creator,

The last few years have been especially exciting for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. Today, drones are generating new opportunities around the world for business, government, nonprofit, educational and recreational use. Drones also assist first responders, make hazardous jobs safer, let people take stunning photos and inspire our children to get involved with science and technology.

However, regulators in Canada have recently imposed recreational flight restrictions that threaten the future of this growing industry. Some of the rules include prohibiting drone flights:

Closer than 75 meters from buildings, structures, vehicles, animals and people
Within 9 kilometers of any type of airport, without any provision for airport permission
At night

These rules could prohibit drones from being used for education, art, and film making, even in your own backyard, and even when you are flying safely.

This is why it’s important that your elected officials hear how drones are safe, fun and educational. And responsible drone pilots like you are the best people to deliver that message.

To that end, we helped start the Network of Drone Enthusiasts (NODE), a new grassroots group dedicated to advocating for the interests of responsible drone pilots across the United States and Canada. NODE gives affiliated drone organizations a united voice to collaborate with legislators and regulators on developing reasonable and effective drone regulations that encourage drone use while protecting public safety.

A modest investment of your time will be invaluable in protecting your rights and the rights of fellow drone owners and pilots.

Join the Network of Drone Enthusiasts today by:

• Signing up here on the website. It only takes 30 seconds!
• Following NODE’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for the latest news.
• Spreading the word about NODE, with friends and fellow enthusiasts across the country.

All drone pilots and fans, from do-it-yourself drone kit owners to commercial operators, are welcome to join this grassroots movement. NODE’s website will make it easy for concerned pilots to get involved and ensure they can work with their elected officials and talk about the benefits of drones and their admirable safety record.

Together, we can ensure that public safety is a priority and protect the rights of drone owners and pilots. Thanks again for your willingness to stand up and be counted.

Sincerely,

DJI