How to submit an Unlocking License Request to DJI | Step by Step
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- Опубліковано 8 жов 2024
- In this video I walk you through each step to submit an Unlocking License Request to DJI so that you can fly in Geo Authorization Zones. DJI previously allowed owners to self-unlock their drones but that is no longer the case.
I cover what the new process requires, how to fill out each digital form, and how to copy the unlocking license to your drone so you can fly at the time and place of your choosing.
Get started at DJI's fly safe web portal: DJI.com/Flysafe
Thanks Rich - I appreciated your helpful video. And yes, I completely agree with you. Airspace authorizations should only be controlled by the FAA, certainly not by drone manufacturers!
Thanks for the kind feedback, Andrew! Hopefully this won't become a trend among other drone manufacturers.
Thanks for your response Rich.. I finally got access. I went back on today and again filled out the fields and submitted my signed letter of request. When the box for verification code popped up, I decided to just put my phone number in and submit ir. I was immediately sent the code number. I then deleted my phone number and entered the code number in the box, clicked on the submit button and the “gates opened”! Just want to say, your presentation has been the best and current one out their. Thanks for being thoughtful for your fellow droners. I was able to help a couple friends in Nashville and sent them to your UA-cam videos.
That's great, Joe, congrats! And thanks for that awesome feedback. I really appreciate it sir!
Thanks for the video. I think all DJI should do is provide a slot in their software, so once I have LAANC, it automatically unlocks the drone to fly. We shouldn’t have to get FAA approval then DJI approval for the same thing.
That would be a brilliant solution, you should suggest that to them in their forums! That covers them from any liability and it reduces the steps we, as pilots, have to take to unlock geo zones. Good idea.
Thank youI We couldn't agree more that the manufacturer has no business in knowing what we are doing!
Hi Mark, I'm glad you think so my friend. Hopefully other manufacturers won't follow DJI's lead on this.
Thanks for this video Rich. Question I have is how long did it take for DJI to approve my information after I submitted the letter of request to unlock to move on to the next part of the process?
Good question, so far (for me) everything has been near instant. But the principle of the thing still bothers me. The fact that they could throw a monkey-wrench into my plans, and even that I have to take these extra steps, is enough to have me looking into other options.
Great, short, to the point and helpful video. Thank you.
Thank you my friend! I'm glad it was useful.
Thank you for the presentation. On my DJI Smart Controller I cannot see my unlocked zones which were approved. I tried to reload an older authorization but to no avail the new ones did not populate. I agree that there is a lot of "learn as I go" here and its not straight forward. The FAA says go fly in a class B airspace, but this DJI unlocking procedure is vexing. My question is what to do when the "refresh" unlocking license list doesn't refresh your DJI approved unlocking licenses? Email them? I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer but I am not a spoon or a fork. It should be more intuitive and reliable for us 107 folks. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Greg, I ran into that same problem... try logging out and back in to your DJI account from your controller. Here's what I did when I ran into that exact same problem.
ua-cam.com/video/tckwdNI7nSw/v-deo.html
I agree with you! This new change definitely makes things more difficult.
Definitely!
Hi Rich, thank you for your video. Here's my problem, I got the license transferred to my smart controller (Go4 app), I could see it as approved, but couldn't transfer it to the list of 'approved licenses', and couldn't see the button to transfer it to my Mavic 2 pro, any thoughts? Thanks, Robert
Hi Robert, I've had that happen to me before too. The only thing I've done in the past to get the license on the drone are the steps I describe at 4:52 in this video. That has always gotten the license on the drone for me when I fly it.
If that doesn't work, could you record what you're seeing in the app?
This happened to me too. The solution was to delete the app and re-download it. However, it has since disappeared again, and deleting the app and re-downloading it is not working this time. I am back to emailing DJI back and forth. So far no solution. I wonder if they have disabled this feature without communicating it to their customers and service team.
Thank you thank you thank you for this information! 100% agree that DJI should not have any control over whether or not our aircraft can take off within a certain zone. If as the pilot we secured all information( LAANC approval, etc) then why do we need another hoop to jump through? I understand DJI wanting to ensure all pilots are cooperating with the FAA and appropriate laws, however I have had two separate missions where I drove all the way to the site just to sit in my car for 30 minutes trying to unlock the zone. I have the updated RC and it can never seem to get internet connection while I am onsite. I have had to abandon both missions and include photos to explain that even though I did everything correct as a Part 107 pilot, the drone itself will not take off. Both of these missions have been extremely close to airports and had the proper approval from LAANC as well at ATC to fly at only 100 ft AGL. However due to DJI GeoFencing my drone could never take off. Extremely frustrating like you said. Great video!
Wow, yes, exactly... this requirement to unlock authorization zones is not only an inconvenience it can actually harm business. Super frustrating. I've looked into other drone manufacturers and unfortunately, as far as features at the price point, it's hard to beat DJI's offerings. As soon as I find one kind of close, I'm going to try it out.
Thanks for watching, btw, and thanks for the kind feedback... I appreciate it!
@@WildWonderfulWeekends I appreciate you so much for the helpful tips and great video. Hoping DJI will get rid of geofencing in the United States like they have in Europe and other continents. However, with drones gaining more popularity as the years pass, I feel DJI might get more strict but here's to hoping they don't! Look forward to more of your content 👍
@@DoriiMariie Thanks so much, very kind of you my friend. By the way, I checked out your channel and subscribed. You have some really great footage on there. I look forward to seeing more of your work too!
I hope things relax a bit too. In my opinion drones are over regulated, especially the Nano and the Mini. But I would say it's unlikely.
Safe flying! ;)
@@WildWonderfulWeekends Wow thank you so much for the kind words and for the subscription! Really love the drone community on UA-cam and how we all support one another while also pursuing our passions. Just subscribed to your channel & can't wait to see more of your flights and content!
Safe flying out to you as well! Hope the weathers been treating you nicely :)
@@DoriiMariie I agree, the drone community here is pretty awesome. And thank YOU for the subscription too!
I'm looking forward to warmer days with more green on the mountains. ;) I have several kayaking trips planned this season and I'm looking forward to taking my Mini along. Here's to pleasant weather for your flying as well!
Excellent indeed! I didn’t realize this until I was on vacation in the Caribbean and had to do with. Ughh had to pay for cell data, maneuver this on my phone, etc.. what a hassle. Any idea how far advance this can be done? I prefer not to scramble again next time around
Thanks for watching! I had a similar experience while trying to shoot some real estate in SC and wound up being delayed. I'm not sure what the time limit is, as far as how far out you can schedule an unlocking but I personally scheduled out as far as one month.
Safe flying my friend!
Absolutely agree with you. The FAA controls airspace not a drone manufacturer. This absolutely needs to change because now the manufacturer has more control if you can fly than the FAA
I am also a licensed aircraft pilot and that would be like Cessna or Piper can decide whether or not I can take off my aircraft….totally ridiculous.
Exactly right. I've spoken to a few other drone pilots and I'm surprised at how unbothered most of them are by this.
I completely agree with you on the DJI "interference" on a legally owned drone. Like if I sell someone a firearm and then tell the owner he needs my approval before he can use it in certain places. It is an infringement that seems rather random and baseless.
Absolutely, that's it.
Well done and I agree. The key being how can do a paid job and know that you can complete it.
Exactly. Thanks for checking out my video!
Does the approved request only appear on the day you requested it? For example, I put in the request to fly tomorrow morning. Will it not show up until tomorrow? I have received the unlock approval notifications as well as LAANC but I only see an old license request from last year.
The unlocking license should be available on your drone immediately BUT I have encountered this same issue. Watch the end of the video, particularly around time mark 4:50 where I show what I do to get my unlocking license list to update on my drone. I hope this helps, safe flying my friend!
Additionally, great video. Good instructions and I agree with you. As long as we have LAANC authorization, what should DJI care about where we fly? But I find it odd that I have obtained LAANC authorization many times, but never had to unlock the geofence before. Is that new also?
Thanks, much appreciated! And good luck on updating your account info on DJI.
Hello Rich, thanks for the video. One question: What kind of official letter you need to send to DJI (the one u need to upload)? Is it your own statement that drones are being used for commercial purposes or u need a document from somebody? I'm gonna need to unlock restricted zone above airport, because the event I'm filming is on the actual airport. So do I need to ask airport manager to give me signed document stating they are allowing me to fly or I can just type my own?
Hi David... the letter I submitted simply said that I was indeed a certified UAV operator and that I provide professional drone services. I put that on a document with my company's letterhead and submitted it to them.
In the fly safe app it's asking me for my DJI account number. Can you help me with this issue please? I've been pulling my hair out trying to look this up. The video helped alot. I'm just have the location of my account number and can't seem to locate.
Hi Carmelo, I was trying to duplicate that problem via the FlySafe web portal and I am unable to do so. I am only prompted for my Email and Password. Are you using the web portal or an app?
i bought 1 used agricultural plane from china domestic...can i use it in viet nam?
Hello Minh, unfortunately I do not know the answer to your question. I'm only familiar with drone laws in the USA. Sorry I couldn't be more help, my friend. Good luck to you!
I agree, at most a single release of liability contract is the most that should be required. Having to agree on every single flight is cumbersome. Besides DJI did not provide a statement upon sale of the equipment that any restrictions could hinder the purchaser's ability to use the equipment.
Exactly, good points.
Some good information. Only covered commercial. Thin mention of what needs to be in the file other than letterhead, which in the case of non-commercial (i.e. personal) is not helpful.
Good opportunity for you to make a video for the non-commercial side of submitting unlocking requests.
i did this process but i do not see the flight on the dji app for the last step. it is not there?
When did they implement this new process?
I'm not sure, exactly, but I was able to self unlock well into July. Then in early December I tried to self unlock and it was no longer possible.
I was flying from the very first DJI drones that you had to build yourself. Reason is People that did not give a shit about any form of restrictions or rules or even common sens. We almost got a total ban. and DJI got 99% of the heat. Thats why I think the other manufacturers "fly" under the radar. This is a curse and a blessing. But main thing should be if you have a specific certificate you should hand it in and this get lifted. It is a workaround as when you get a job you can pre submit. But I'm frustrated as I cant fly at my home even with the permits from the airport that is only given verbally. written in extreme cases for big jobs
Yes the DJI Authorization zones are a real pain. I fly a Matrice 210 and Mavic 2 Enterprise for work and after all this expense i still get grounded and have to jump through a lot of hoops to fly. LAANC gives me clearance in 30 seconds but not DJI. Because of these issues i added a Autel Evo 11, problem solved.
Yes sir, it is a real pain. I believe I'm going to explore other options as well.
You should look at the New Autel Evo 11 Pro V2 as it supports their new smart controller. Unfortunately mine is a older V1 and the few controllers that they made sold out quick.
@@rob6049 Thanks, I've been watching a couple videos on YT and looking at the feature set. It definitely looks attractive.
thanks for the help. Great video btw
Thanks for watching, much appreciated!!
Thank you short and direct
The site is finally mobile friendly!
I recently bought a used Avata to fly indoors but I still have to go through this BS which I consider stupid.
Amen, that is ridiculous.
After pressing sync on the DJI app I don't have a button that says import to aircraft. Anyone else have this problem?
A couple quick questions... are you using DJI Go 4? And are you certain you entered your flight controller # correctly on the DJI web portal? I've seen people get that wrong, or enter their drone serial # instead of the flight controller #.
@@WildWonderfulWeekends I double-checked my Flight controller SN and it's correct, and yes I'm using DJI Go 4
@@WildWonderfulWeekends I just reset the app and logged out and re-signed in again. I ended up seeing the button and it works. Thanks for the help Rich
This doesn't always work. OUt in the field often an extra step is prompted that requires internet, but I'm often in the internet dead zone. This is frustrating.
Very frustrating indeed. I guess I've been lucky so far with unlocking, I haven't had to take any extra steps in the field. Thanks for letting me know, I will keep it in mind.
respect friend thanks rich
Thanks for checking out the video, I'm glad it was useful!
I am following your instructions but I find that I am already registered as a "Personal" account and I want to change it to "Commercial". I had the page once but then went to print out my letterhead and lost the page to change the status. Now I can't find it again. It is just clicking a link or two, but I just can't find it. Can you help?
Sure thing... follow these steps and it should take you to where you need to be. Oh, and these instructions are for a computer web browser, it may be slightly different on a mobile device.
1. Visit DJI.com/Flysafe
2. Scroll down and click Unlock a Zone
3. If you aren't already signed in, do so now
4. You should be taken to the page where your previous unlock requests are listed or you can request new unlocking licenses. In the upper, left corner of the screen you should see, "Unlock Request" and "User Center"... click "User Center"
5. Your account info will be displayed. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click "Modify"
Unfortunately, it's most likely CYA. I'm sure DJI would like to wash their hands of these requirements, but the lawyers got involved and probably government too because they know that can't really enforce these restrictions with manpower. Just a hunch. It's tempting to point to other activities that are far more dangerous that have far less regulations, but I don't like giving them any heads up on what to regulate next but... The fact that I have to get permission to fly indoors just because I'm in a restricted zone is flat out obnoxious and an overreach. Just remember, "safety" is always the ruse they will use to restrict your freedom and that's no different here.
Well said, I believe you're right on all your points. I do wonder how other manufacturers get by without imposing the same restrictions (Skydio and Autel, for instance).
i have an issue, i cant received an code send by sms
Hi Gregoury, are you receiving an error or is it just not coming through? Also, where are you located?
Is this method still valid?
Hi Dan, yes it is still valid.
OMG__1000 THANKS
Thanks! I'm glad it was useful my friend.
This is why i switched to Autel for 107 flying!!!
ive been approved via app to unlock geo zone but the license application wont come up on my rc controller to sync to aircraft even with internet
Hi Joey, which drone are you using and are you using DJI Go 4?
I’m using DJI mini 3 pro with rc controller and have licence approved via DJI fly app
@@joeybailey9628 Thanks Joey, I'll try it with my M3P tomorrow and the DJI Fly app and see what I can find out.
Good video thanks...
Thanks, Mario! Happy flying my friend.
I followed your instructions on using the website to unlock a zone, but I can't get past the requirements to upload documents, this is for a blue or grey zone, is this fairly new, or because I'm doing this an individual and not a business? is anybody eslse having this issue?
That's interesting, I'm not sure why that might be the case. I'm going to have the "opportunity" to unlock a blue zone in 2 weeks. I'll let you know if I encounter that problem and if I find a way around it.
@@WildWonderfulWeekends as it turned out, I was able to do a self-unlock on-site. When I tried to take off, I was given the option to request authorization. I requested, they texted me an unlock code, asked me if I knew what I was doing and was half-awake and I was able take off!
I'll have to try doing it ahead of time again and see if I get anywhere
I feel like there’s a middle ground where your laanc approval syncs with your devices automatically based on pilots license
That would be ideal. Hopefully folks will make these suggestions to DJI and they'll eventually be implemented.
Thanks🙏
Thanks Marcus, I'm glad it was useful!
It makes no sense that DJI thinks it can give a say as to whether or not you can fly in an area if you already have FAA authorization via LAANC. My guess is that they implemented this in an attempt to prevent recreational drone operators, who may not have a good understanding of where they can fly, or those who are irresponsible, from being able to fly wherever they want. Which unfortunately affects those who are licensed. I think there should just be an automatic integration between LAANC and DJIs software so its updated in real time instead.
That would be super helpful for sure.
I FOLLOWED ALL THE DIRECTIONS BUT I CANT GET THE IMPORT TO AIRCRAFT TO POP UP. WHAT NOW?
Hi Randy... are you using the DJI GO app?
@@WildWonderfulWeekends yes go 4 app. I have LAANC Approval and DJI approval but nothing comes up under the unlock when I’m in the go 4 app
thanks help
Very welcome, my friend!
it shows err coe 13010 from drone
Interesting... I would reach out to DJI tech support with that error code. They're very responsive, you should get an answer quickly. Good luck, my friend!
I'm not a pilot how do I unlock geo zones and get license.
DJI is asking me for license and permits just to fly around my house this is stupid I gonna return this trash and build my own drone and fly it anywhere
I know what you mean, my friend. I'm no fan of this overreach either. BUT, you should be able to register as a non-business and still unlock authorization zones. I just resent that we have to in the first place.
@@WildWonderfulWeekends
I'm screwed I live close to Washington DC and here a none Bussines registration is useless you got pass a test and get a license otherwise you would never fly in this area
@@maurice4680 Wow, yeah, that's a tough area to be a drone pilot. When I took my part 107 exam I got a couple questions about using sectional charts and area was DC. It looked like a crazy mess.
@@WildWonderfulWeekends
I returned my drone and got my money back I ain't wasting my time and breaking my head for a test
@@maurice4680 I understand, I returned an Avata for similar reasons (clunky implementation of RID and the regulation that says you need a 2nd person with you when you fly as a VO, which nobody seems to do but the FAA could still technically fine you for). I hate it worked out that way my friend, IMO these things are a bit over regulated. Take care!
Hah, I'll wait for the NFZ hack rather than deal with all this BS.
Drone hacks is 40 bucks and let's the drone be free like autel... I suggest people spend the 40 bucks bc this is nonsense it doesn't even alert anyone it just has to do with u
That's interesting, I'm gonna look into it.
DJI drove me into the arms of Autel with this foolishness.
I can relate... I'm looking at Skydio's offerings.
U need to be Chinese military to receive attitude unlock. They locked it for others and now they are banned. GJ
It is ridiculous, right?
Very thorough, thank you,. However, although I've gone through every step successfully there is a new option, apparently, that requires me to upload proof of permission:
"Upload the required documents for unlocking the selected GEO Zone Provide all required materials, including but not limited to any flight authorization permits, licenses, or agreements with local aviation authorities or airports. If the documents are not written in English or Chinese, submit a translated copy in English or Chinese along with the original copy The attachment should be no larger than 5 MB and in one of the following formats: .png, .jpg, .jpeg, or .pdf"
I'm guessing the workaround this, in my case, is to create an LLC for something similar to yours or perhaps "Wedding Photographer" (which actually might soon be the case).
Wow, thanks for letting me know! I haven't had to unlock an authorization zone in a while so I had no idea a new step was added. I'm going to check it out.
DJI makes a good product, but the company is a bit of a pain.