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DJI AirSense

DJI AirSense is an alert system that uses ADS-B technology to give drone pilots enhanced situational awareness and help them make responsible decisions while flying. This feature gathers flight data sent automatically from nearby aircraft with ADS-B transmitters, analyzing it to detect potential collision risks and alert users well in advance through the DJI mobile app.

ADS-B Technology

See Nearby Aircraft in Real Time

ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) uses satellite and radio signals to identify aircraft locations and share that data in real time. This technology has been widely used in aviation for years in the United States, Canada, Australia, India, and Europe, and has become an increasingly important part of the aviation safety ecosystem.

Out vs. In

ADS-B technology has two key components: The first is ADS-B Out, which can be installed in traditional aircraft to determine and broadcast flight information such as flight path, speed, and altitude. The second is ADS-B In, which receives information broadcast from ADS-B Out transmitters. DJI drones with AirSense only use ADS-B In, which means they are able to see nearby traditional aircraft without congesting the airwaves by adding additional transmissions.

You can learn more about this technology by visiting the Federal Aviation Administration’s ADS-B FAQ page.

Will AirSense detect every airplane nearby?
DJI AirSense is a tool for alerting users of nearby aircraft with ADS-B Out installed, but it does have some technical limitations. AirSense receives information broadcast from 1090ES (RTCA DO-260B) and UAT (RTCA DO-282B), but for aircraft with malfunctioning transmitters, or no ADS-B Out, AirSense cannot receive broadcast messages and will be unable to send out warnings. AirSense may also be unable to receive ADS-B information when there are large structures or obstacles between the DJI aircraft and the passenger aircraft, or if the DJI aircraft cannot accurately determine its own location during flight.

It should be noted that ADS-B Out transmissions are not only broadcast from passenger aircraft, they can also come from air traffic control and ground stations, who collect and broadcast ADS-B information to give nearby aircraft the clearest understanding of the surrounding airspace. While DJI AirSense is a powerful tool that can increase flight safety, operators are ultimately responsible for flying with caution and keenly observing their surroundings during flight.
We highly recommend operators descend to an appropriate flight altitude and move well out of the way as soon as they are alerted to any approaching passenger aircraft that could pose a conflict. However, AirSense will not take control of the drone.
No. DJI AirSense does not use ADS-B Out, which means it won’t broadcast any flight information. DJI also does not collect or share any information related to AirSense with outside parties.
No. AirSense only uses ADS-B In, not ADS-B Out. This means a drone equipped with AirSense can receive information from other aircraft but is not capable of broadcasting information out.
In the United States, ADS-B technology is currently used by many passenger aircraft, and will become mandatory in controlled airspace in 2020 as a result of Federal Regulations 14 CFR § 91.225 and 14 CFR § 91.227. At that point, the majority of passenger aircraft in the United States will be equipped with ADS-B Out. This technology is also popular in Canada, Australia, India, and Europe, and is becoming increasingly popular around the globe. For a detailed list of countries with ADS-B Out mandates or proposals, you can visit this page from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.