HoverAir Versa’s US Ambitions Grounded: FCC Halts Modular Drone Shipments
Just days after its highly anticipated Indiegogo debut, the HoverAir Versa, an innovative modular drone designed to transform from a baby steadycam into a flying device, has had its US aspirations abruptly clipped. What many hoped would be a clever workaround to the escalating US drone ban appears to have been swiftly shut down by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), leaving early backers and enthusiasts in a state of uncertainty.
The ‘Camera with Wings’ Loophole That Wasn’t
The HoverAir Versa, a product of Chinese company Zero Zero Robotics, initially gained attention for its unique design: a compact camera unit that could be augmented with snap-on propeller wings, effectively turning it into a drone. The company seemingly attempted to navigate the stringent US drone regulations by securing FCC approval for the device as a “camera” on August 9th. Zero Zero Robotics argued that its camera unit should not be subject to the FCC’s Covered List for drones, as the company itself wasn’t on the list for cameras.
However, this distinction proved insufficient. While the company might not be on the camera-specific ban list, the FCC’s regulations automatically place all companies on the Covered List for drones and their critical components. Crucially, the FCC explicitly defines cameras as one such component when integrated into a drone system.
FCC’s Swift Intervention and Authorization Revocation
The FCC’s response was decisive. Within three days of the Versa’s Indiegogo launch, US orders for the full “Flight Kit” (the drone components) were halted. HoverAir initially cited “logistics updates” as the reason for only shipping the camera portion to US customers. However, the reality appears far more severe: the FCC’s database no longer contains any entry for the HoverAir Versa, strongly indicating that its authorization grant has been pulled entirely.
This revocation means that not only is the “Flight Kit” accessory barred from import, marketing, and sale in the United States, but the camera portion itself may also be deemed illegal without proper FCC authorization. The initial camera-only approval seems to have been insufficient to cover its intended use as a drone component.
Backers Left in Limbo
The immediate impact is on US customers who eagerly backed the project. HoverAir’s Indiegogo page now reflects the change, with the “Flight Kit” no longer a selectable option for those browsing from the US. While the camera portion can still be ordered, a backer in the comments section reported an inability to ship to their US address, even for the camera. For Canadian users, however, the full Flight Kit combos remain available, highlighting the US-specific nature of the ban.
This situation echoes a previous incident in December, where HoverAir’s waterproof Aqua drone failed to obtain certification, leading to months of delayed communication with backers about shipping rather than transparently addressing the regulatory hurdles. As of now, HoverAir has not responded to requests for comment regarding the Versa’s status or potential refunds for affected US customers.
A Broader Context: The Ongoing Drone Ban
The HoverAir Versa’s grounding serves as a stark reminder of the US government’s increasingly strict stance on drones, particularly those from Chinese manufacturers. This incident falls under the umbrella of the broader “DJI ban,” which aims to restrict the sale and use of drones and critical drone components from companies deemed a national security risk. The FCC, while often tight-lipped on specific cases, is clearly vigilant in enforcing these regulations, leaving little room for perceived loopholes or creative interpretations of product categories.
For US gadget enthusiasts, the dream of a transforming modular drone from HoverAir Versa remains just that – a dream, at least for the foreseeable future.
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