Consumer Drone Manufacturers Create Own Lobby Group

DJI, 3DR, Parrot and GoPro have broken away from the Small UAV Coalition to launch their own drone advocacy group, The Drone Manufacturers Alliance,  to lobby for “policies that promote innovation and safety, and create a practical and responsible regulatory framework.”

The Small UAV Coalition, which launched with participation from DJI, 3DR, Amazon Prime Air and others interested in the drone ecosystem, has been one of the main lobbying groups for drone manufacturers since it launched in 2014.

Now, however, the logos of DJI, 3DR, Parrot and GoPro are nowhere to be found on the Small UAV Coalition’s member page (which still includes the likes of Google[x], Amazon Prime Air, AirMap, Intel and others).

“There are significant economic and social benefits to drone operations in the U.S., and industry must work with policymakers to ensure a safe environment for flying,” the members of the new alliance said in a statement today. “The Drone Manufacturers Alliance believes a carefully balanced regulatory framework requires input from all stakeholders and must recognize the value and necessity of continued technological innovation. By highlighting innovation and emphasizing education, we intend to work with policymakers to ensure drones continue to be safely integrated into the national airspace.”