DJI Suspends Operator’s Certificate Following Incident Involving Agricultural Drone Lift

DJI Revokes Agricultural Drone Pilot Certificate After Safety Violation

In a recent incident in Fengjie County, Chongqing, an agricultural drone was misused to lift a person over 10 meters off the ground. The operator, identified only as Zheng, had his Agricultural UAV Pilot Certificate revoked by DJI on March 19, 2026. This action was taken following DJI’s internal inspection process, which revealed the violation. Zheng is now barred from reapplying for the certificate for one year. The announcement was made by Dazhou Innovation Agricultural UAV Technology Co., Ltd., DJI’s affiliated certification body in China, and was first reported by NEWUAS.

Details of the Incident

In December 2025, Zheng utilized an agricultural drone to hoist a person up a hillside in a citrus orchard. DJI cited Article 62, Point 8 of China’s State Council Interim Regulations on UAV Flight Management as the basis for revoking Zheng’s certificate. The company also issued a public warning to all agricultural drone pilots and students, outlining prohibited uses such as:

• Flying over crowds
• Lifting people
• Using spraying equipment to harm others

Regulatory Framework and Enforcement

According to China’s State Council Interim Regulations on UAV Flight Management, agricultural drones are designated solely for agricultural purposes, including farming, forestry, animal husbandry, and fisheries. The regulations explicitly state that any operator who uses an agricultural UAV in a manner that endangers public safety can have their certificate revoked. DJI emphasizes this warning in its training courses for agricultural pilots.

Zheng’s actions clearly violated these regulations, as lifting a person with a drone designed for liquid payloads poses significant safety risks. DJI’s proactive identification of the violation indicates that the company is monitoring the use of its certified operators rather than relying solely on third-party complaints.

Risks Associated with Agricultural Drones

Agricultural UAVs, such as those in the DJI Agras series, are engineered for specific tasks involving liquid payloads. The design considers factors like weight balance and rotor load distribution, which are not compatible with carrying human passengers. The risks associated with improper use of these drones are evident, as demonstrated by a similar incident in Brazil where an individual attempted to ride a DJI agricultural drone.

DJI’s announcement highlighted two categories of prohibited behavior: actions that endanger public safety and those that endanger personal safety. The latter includes using agricultural UAVs to lift people or deploy spraying equipment against individuals.

DJI’s Role in Certification and Regulation

DJI occupies a unique position in China, as it not only manufactures agricultural drones but also administers the certification system for agricultural UAV pilots. This authority allows DJI to investigate violations and revoke certificates in accordance with state regulations. The formal announcement regarding Zheng’s case was signed by Dazhou Innovation Agricultural UAV Technology Co., Ltd., marking it as an official enforcement action.

In contrast, the enforcement mechanisms in the United States differ significantly, with the FAA holding exclusive authority over drone pilot certification. Recent FAA reports indicate that drone pilots have faced substantial fines and revocations for safety violations, underscoring a global trend toward stricter enforcement of drone regulations.

Growing Adoption of Agricultural Drones and Associated Risks

China leads the world in the deployment of agricultural drones, with a 2025 study from Michigan State University highlighting their transformative impact on farming practices. The DJI Agras line, including the newly launched T100, T70P, and T25P, is central to this technological shift. However, as the number of operators increases, so do the risks associated with improper use, as evidenced by the recent incident in Fengjie County.

DJI’s public announcement regarding the revocation of Zheng’s certificate serves as a warning to the broader community of drone pilots and students, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety regulations.

As agricultural drone use continues to expand globally, DJI’s commitment to enforcing its certification program will be crucial in ensuring safe operations and maintaining regulatory compliance.