DJI, 3DR, Parrot and GoPro joined forces in an advocacy group that wants to prioritize the interests of consumer drones owners.
The companies are the top four players in the consumer photography drone sector, and creating the lobby group could consolidate their position.
The four enterprises formed the Drone Manufacturers Alliance, a group that aims to roll out consumer policies, especially ones that "promote innovation and safety, and create a practical and responsible regulatory framework."
Previously, the four tech firms were part of the Small UAV Coalition.
At its debut in 2014, the organization featured names such as DJI, Amazon Prime Air, and 3DR and established itself as one of the important lobbying groups for drone manufacturers.
DJI, 3DR, Parrot and GoPro left the Coalition and observant readers can see that the logos of the four companies were removed from the official Small UAV Coalition webpage.
Looking at the divisive interests of the big and small drone manufacturing companies, it is easy to see why DJI, 3DR, Parrot and GoPro parted ways with the likes of Amazon, Intel and Google.
The latter group aims to revolutionize transportation and and place its bets on delivery services that need drones for commercial activities. In comparison, both Parrot and DJI focus on the consumer segment, as they build video/photography oriented UAVs.
DJI has a good track record of cooperation with the FAA, as the company backed the agency's new registration program. The FAA initiative started after the number of accidents caused by privately owned drones increased last year.
Reading between the lines of the Drone Manufacturers Alliance's statement, we can assume where the efforts of the organization will be focused. Based on an educated guess, the Alliance will lobby for looser restrictions on pro photographers and aerial hobbyists, while making sure that zero incidents happen due to poor drone piloting.
"Significant economic and social benefits [come from] drone operations in the U.S.," the Alliance points out. The organization notes that it will serve the interests of a myriad different clients, from civilian to governmental.
A tight partnership between the manufacturing industry and the policy makers is key to securing a safe air space, both for the enterprise and customer sector.
The increasing number of accidents involving drones forces the FAA to pay closer attention to the regulations behind owning and operating UAVs.
