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HoverAir Versa Dodges FCC Foreign Drone Ban
19 Aug
Summary
- HoverAir Versa is the first consumer drone certified by the FCC post-ban.
- Its modular design, separating the camera from RF transmitters, bypassed restrictions.
- The Versa drone is lightweight, avoiding FAA registration and Remote ID requirements.
In a notable shift, the HoverAir Versa has secured FCC certification, marking the first consumer drone to achieve this since the agency's foreign drone ban. This approval was made possible by the Versa's unique modular design. The handheld vlogging camera component does not require its own FCC ID, as the flight kit accessory contains no RF transmitters.
This strategy allowed the Versa and its remote control to be listed in the FCC database, while the flight kit operates via a direct connection to the camera module. This development is a significant departure from the FCC's recent stance on foreign drones.
Weighing just 230g when assembled, the Versa also bypasses FAA registration and Remote ID requirements for recreational pilots. Commercial users, however, will need to add an external Remote ID transmitter. The Versa camera itself boasts 4K60 recording, a Type 1/1.3 image sensor, and an OLED touchscreen, though its claimed dynamic range of 17.5 stops should be viewed with skepticism.
The HoverAir Versa is currently available on Indiegogo with tiered pricing for the camera-only version, the FlyMore Combo, and the Creator Combo, with early bird discounts offered.
