Can I Fly the DJI Neo in the United States?

The DJI Neo is a lightweight selfie drone that is great for beginners starting out or those who want a portable flying camera. But can you fly the DJI Neo in the United States? Find out what features you can legally use and what the FAA regulations are behind them.

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0:00 Introduction
2:23 What are the regulations for flying a drone without a controller in the U.S.?
4:26 Can You Fly the DJI Neo in the United States?

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[uavcoach]

Have you tried out the DJI Neo yet or do you want to?

[jackdobbyn]

Too many rules and regulations that have been put in place by those that don’t follow rules and regulations. Fly it and have fun, screw the government.

[pishedbloke]

I would have the Neo connected to a RC or phone no matter what anyway. I flew my Neo off a bridge a couple of weeks ago in "Dronie" mode and I forgot you aren't supposed to fly it off a "cliff" or running water. Needless to say it just lost the plot and started descending into the river. I whipped out my phone and opened the DJI Fly app, took a few heart stopping seconds to connect via WIFI and I switched to manual to fly it back into my palm. LOL My daughter caught it on video too!

[gmd]

Firstly thanks (or behalf of my U.S. friend for producing this video. These rules and regulations are interesting to me. Scrap the legality, the practicality is farore clear.
I have had a DJI Neo here in Australia for 2 weeks now and have flown in no phone, phone (DJI Fly) and H/H controller (connected to DJI Fly).
In no-phone mode (where there is no "override" on automation the drone won't fly any higher than 6 or 10m (rocket) and in most other modes is only a few metres away. Apart from "follow-me" mode most of the automated sequences don't exceed 30-35 secs.
Again, if one drops the legality and looks at the risk/practicality - the DJI Neo is pretty harmless in auto mode.

[MIA_DaDe]

Another excellent, very informative post. I look forward to any Neo review video UAV may produce. Thank you!

[radamesortiz]

I ordered my when it was launched. Did not know all that that you just explained. Thanks for the video.

[Raycinjaycin]

Does anybody else know that the same federal government that is over regulating these drones has approved autonomous class 8 tractor trailers weighing 80, 000lbs to drive on the highways? Seems kind of pointless to worry about such a small drone when they’re willing to authorize something so large that has much more potential for damage/loss of life to be autonomous. Makes perfect sense!

[John-dvju]

2:40 I’m pretty sure the neo can be controlled through your phone. If it ever was flying on its own, technically you still have direct control if you have your phone on you.

[grumpeedaryl]

What about LAANC in controlled airspace? Excludinf FRIAs, when flying in controlled airspace, a UAS whether selfie (NEO), whoop, or park flier would still require LAANC even if when flying in your back yard or property.

[charlemiami]

In order fly NEO as Part 107 Certified need to compliant with : Registration, RID also for CAT 1 add strobe light 👍

[michaelandreas]

The Neo is obviously intended for recreational use, since it doesn't include Remote ID. Perhaps "remaining in control" is accomplished by the design that it will land on an extended palm.

[grumpeedaryl]

Also if in controlled airspace, you'll have to obtain ATC authorization (LAANC Approval) prior to the flight event

[PsychoticBovine]

The irony is that the Dji Neo bundle sold in the US doesn't come with the controller. The bundles overseas and in Canada are sold with the controller. I have a Neo on order, and I don't fall under part 107, since I am not using it in a commercial venture. I ordered the controller separately since the "narcissistic modes" hold no interest to me.

[finkmj]

Good clarification and explaination. Thanks!

[sfuguy]

Thanks for the video...I ordered the NEO to use next week when I visit Nashville from Canada.
I guess, I should have ordered the "fly more combo" 😁😁

[newday]

I will be using the neo to inspect roofs for my home inspection business. It is absolutely absurd to need a license for this. However, im getting my license because i don't want to pay $250, 000 in fines to make a loving.
Anyway, I've got a question about "rid"? Does my neo have to have rid, remote id, for me to be able to inspect residential roofs?
Thanks for any help

[newday]

How do i get rid for my neo? Does it already have it? Im planning on inspecting roofs of my client's homes.

[GorillamansGarage]

Same old issue... Do I have to wear my seatbelt? .. Do I have to stop at a stop sign? Can I drink a beer is I'm only 12 years old? 🤣👍😱

[Rocketryman]

A great Help! Thanks. Would have started with the end information first. Respect to you.

[wradford]

I just got back from touring in the US with my Neo.
But drones were banned in all the cool spots I wanted to get footage at. Like Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and some regional parks I visited.