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<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>16 January 2025</em></span></p>
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<p>While still facing governmental threats to ban the company's drones in the U.S. due to security concerns, the latest geofencing system (GEO) update to <a href="https://www.dji.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI</strong></span></a> firmware now classifies No-Fly Zones as Enhanced Warning Zones.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The change puts the responsibility on drone pilots to acknowledge and obey FAA restricted airspace, rather than have their drones automatically disabled by GPS-controlled "fences" when nearing no-fly areas. Furthermore, the safety warning can be bypassed by the drone pilot.</p>
<p>Of course, this week's <span style="color: #ba372a;"><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/blog/small-drone-smashes-into-super-scooper-aircraft-over-palisades-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>drone collision</strong></a></span> of an unauthorized DJI UAV with a firefighting Super Scooper may put into question whether some drone pilots are capable of following the rules. Drone media site <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://dronexl.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DroneXL</a></strong></span> even when so far as to say:&nbsp;&ldquo;The [Los Angeles] incident highlights a critical weakness in the current drone regulatory framework&mdash;the challenge of enforcing compliance with flight restrictions during emergency operations. While manufacturers like DJI implement technological solutions such as geofencing, the effectiveness of these measures ultimately depends on operator compliance. The Drone Industry must continue to innovate in developing foolproof safety systems while regulators work to enhance enforcement capabilities and penalties for violations.&rdquo;</p>
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<p class="u-speakableText-p1"><em><strong>Above photo of the DJI drone that collided with an L.A. County Super Scooper is courtesy of the FBI.</strong></em></p>
<div class="" data-ad-callout="Advertisement"><span style="color: #34495e;">DJI introduced geofencing into its drones in 2013, but now sees the safety feature as redundant.&nbsp;</span></div>
<p>"The FAA has introduced <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a class="c-regularLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="(opens in a new window)" href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Remote ID</a></strong></span> requirements, which means that drones flown in the US must broadcast the equivalent of a 'license plate' for drones," said the company in a statement. "This requirement went into effect in early 2024, providing authorities with the tools needed to enforce existing rules."</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI's Official Blog on the GEO Change</strong></span></h5>
<p>Perhaps anticipating the obivous security and compliance questions, DJI posted a comprehensive explanation on its official blog. We have provided the DJI content in its entirety below...</p>
<p>"Earlier this week, we <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://viewpoints.dji.com/blog/geo-system-update?hsLang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced an update</a></strong></span> to the DJI geofencing system (GEO) in which prior DJI geofencing datasets in most of our consumer and enterprise drone products in the United States (U.S.) will be replaced with official Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data," said the blogpost.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"We first introduced the GEO system in 2013, at a time when consumer drones were still a relatively novel technology and formal drone flight rules and regulations were sparse. This voluntary initiative helped foster responsible flight practices and provided valuable user education. Having been in place for over a decade, we understand why there are mixed sentiments surrounding this change.</p>
<p>"However, some concerning reactions circulating online are either categorically false or seek to politicize this update given the current geopolitical climate. We want to take this opportunity to dispute the misinformation and set the record straight.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ba372a;">FACT 1: Politics does not drive safety decisions at DJI.</span>&nbsp;</strong>For over a decade, DJI has led the drone industry in safety, making&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://viewpoints.dji.com/blog/raising-standards-an-update-on-djis-elevating-safety-drone-safety-plan?hsLang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">several unprecedented commitments and investments</a></strong></span>&nbsp;to integrate advanced safety systems into our drones - often ahead of regulatory requirements and without being prompted by competitors. To suggest that this update is linked to the current political environment in the U.S. is not only false but also dangerous. Politicizing safety serves no one.&nbsp;We encourage discussions and comments to remain focused on technological facts and evidence. To understand the true reasons behind this update, read on.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>FACT 2: Aviation regulators around the world&mdash;including the FAA&mdash;have advanced the principle of operator responsibility. This GEO update aligns with and respects this principle.</strong></span>&nbsp;Similar updates to the GEO system<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.dji.com/gr/newsroom/news/dji-updates-to-its-geo-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;began in the European Union (EU) last year</a></strong></span>, with no evidence of increased risk. We had planned to roll this update in the U.S. months ago but delayed the implementation to ensure the update would work properly. To add, over a decade has passed since DJI introduced the GEO system and regulators have not chosen to mandate geofencing, instead opting for solutions like&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Remote ID</a></strong></span>&nbsp;(which requires drones to broadcast the equivalent of a "license plate"),&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/laanc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LAANC</a></strong></span>&nbsp;(automated drone flight approvals in controlled airspace near airports) and community-based training.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ba372a;">FACT 3: The GEO system has always been an educational - not an enforcement - tool. The GEO system has also not been removed; warning zones and in-app alerts remain in place to continue educating pilots on safe flight operations.</span>&nbsp;</strong>This change gives back control to operators and provides them the information they need to fly safely.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>DJI remains committed to promoting safe and responsible flight practices and will continue its community education efforts, reminding pilots to always ensure their flights are conducted safely and in accordance with all local laws and regulations.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>FACT 4: In addition to aligning with the FAA&rsquo;s operator responsibility-led principles, the update to &ldquo;Enhanced Warning Zones&rdquo; provides two operator benefits:&nbsp;</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Reduced operational delays for pilots.</strong></span>&nbsp;<span style="color: #34495e;">The previous "No Fly Zones" (NFZs) often placed an unnecessary burden on operators. While a user could receive instantaneous approval through&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.faa.gov/uas/programs_partnerships/data_exchange">LAANC</a></strong></span>&nbsp;to fly, they were still required to submit an application to DJI and wait for manual review and an unlocking license. This process could result in missed opportunities, delayed operations, or unnecessary waiting times. This was especially challenging for commercial operators, drone businesses - and most critically - public safety agencies performing lifesaving work, where delays are simply unacceptable.</span><br /><br /></li>
<li aria-level="1"><strong><span style="color: #ba372a;">Improved consistency with official FAA data</span>.</strong>&nbsp;<span style="color: #34495e;">Previously, the global geofencing system relied on ICAO Annex 14 configurations for airspace around airports, which did not always align with official FAA data. This mismatch caused confusion among operators unsure about where it was safe to fly. By displaying official FAA data, this update ensures operators can view airspace as the FAA intends, clearly understanding where they can and cannot fly.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>"We hope this explanation clarifies the real reasons behind the update to the GEO system: an opportunity to align with regulatory principles, empower customers with greater control, and provide them with accurate, official information to confidently operate their drones within safe and permitted airspace."</p>
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DJI Removes No-Fly Zones

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>14 January 2025</em></span></p>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Reflecting the growing momentum of its advanced AI-sensing radar solutions,&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><u><a id="OWAc6a68230-4020-42c4-6185-0451ac256251" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="http://www.matrixspace.com/" href="http://www.matrixspace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">MatrixSpace</a></u></strong></span>&nbsp;has appointed <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-boyd-3137653/&nbsp;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wes Boyd</a></strong></span> as Vice President and General Manager of Radar Systems. He will lead radar system products and operations to accelerate the company&rsquo;s growth domestically and internationally. &nbsp;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Wes joins MatrixSpace from a 24-year career at Skyworks Solutions, a leading global RF Semiconductor company where he was Vice President of Connectivity. He brings a consistent track record of building new product businesses and growing them to large scale in complex RF products.</div>
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<div>MatrixSpace is a leader in AI-enabled sensing solutions. Products combine cutting-edge radar sensors, other sensor types, and AI edge processing to sense, detect, and classify objects in any outdoor situation.</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Quote from Greg Waters, CEO MatrixSpace</strong></span></h5>
<div>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re proud to add the talent and experience of Wes Boyd to an already formidable leadership team. This year begins a sharp growth trajectory for MatrixSpace, and we have the bench strength across multiple disciplines to deliver it strongly.&rdquo;</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Quote from Wes Boyd, Vice President and General Manager of Radar Systems, MatrixSpace</strong></span></h5>
<div>&ldquo;MatrixSpace is setting new standards in advanced radar innovations, addressing a range of use cases previously thought impossible. This makes it an exciting time to join the team and play a significant role in helping to take it to the next level of growth and innovation.&rdquo;</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>About MatrixSpace</strong></span></h5>
<div>MatrixSpace products allow customers to detect more and decide faster, in any type of outdoor environment. Our AI sensing can go anywhere, no cloud required.&nbsp;</div>
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MatrixSpace Appoints Radar System Business Unit Lead

<p><span style="color: #34495e;"><strong><em>Above photo courtesy Joby Aviation</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>13 January 2025</em></span></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.delta.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Delta Air Lines</strong></span></a> is betting big on air taxis&mdash;and the future of flight&mdash;given its partnership with <a href="https://www.jobyaviation.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Joby Aviation</strong></span></a> to develop an all-electric vertical take-off aircraft (eVTOL).</p>
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<div id="google_ads_iframe_/4145/fbn/desk/art/media/lb2_0__container__"><span style="color: #34495e;">At CES 2025, Delta CEO Ed Bastian unveiled the basic plan for the airline's home-to-airport air taxi service.</span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #34495e;">"You'll start to see them in the sky in the next couple of years," he said. "Joby have gone through all the certification processes. The FAA, by the way, has been a huge supporter of bringing that mobility service to the sky, because they realize the issue is what's on the ground and all the congestion that's that's down there. So, our ability to work with Joby really impressed with the technology. I think they are the leader in the space."&nbsp;</span></div>
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<div class="m"><span style="color: #34495e;">Throughout a years-long testing phase, Joby has been working with the FAA to certify its eVTOL for commercial use. As of press time, the company reports it has completed three out of five stages for air taxi certification with the FAA.</span></div>
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<div><span style="color: #34495e;">Bastian also shared some thoughts regarding how air taxis could reduce travel times and conventional land-traffic congestion.</span></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="color: #34495e;">"You can take a Joby from, say, Westchester County in New York, and land at JFK," he visualized. "That would take approximately two hours on the road. In an air taxi, you can do it in 15 minutes and be right inside a Delta SkyMiles club. Your next stop is inside your plane."</span></div>
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<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Learn More</strong></span></h5>
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Delta Air Lines Partners with Joby Aviation to Make Air Taxis

Trending News

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>13 January 2025</em></span></p>
<p><a href="https://skymagic.show/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Skymagic</strong></span></a> has truly upped the drone-show game with its stunning laser drones, which were developed along with <a href="https://www.lightelectric.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Light Electric</strong></span></a>.</p>
<p>The new tech dropped at&nbsp;a the <a href="https://www.grucci.com/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Fireworks by Grucci </strong></span></a>New Year&rsquo;s Eve show at Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. In a fleet of 1,400 conventional LED drones, 47 of the new laser drones were added to the production.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/s2jqIM2QCu2f8sWfd09nUYGwp5BEgPkU7avCWdXH.png" alt="" width="315" height="257" /></p>
<p>In a message on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/patrick-o-mahony-2b04126_lazers-drones-eventprofs-activity-7282305012150464512-WrA7?utm_source=social_share_sheet&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop_web" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>LinkedIn</strong></span></a>, Skymagic cofounder and director Patrick O'Mahony shared: "The Laser Drone is here. On 31 December 2024 at Ras Al Khaimah Skymagic Drone Shows took to the sky with our new Laser Drone. This new swarm drone developed by Skymagic in collaboration with Light Electric is a major technical revolution in the use of swarm drones to tell stories in the night&rsquo;s sky."</p>
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<p>Previewed during a discussion at SWSW 2023, the laser drones are now ready for primetime in 2025 and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<div class="text-body-medium break-words" data-generated-suggestion-target="urn:li:fsu_profileActionDelegate:-1108296204"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/patrick-o-mahony-2b04126_lazers-drones-eventprofs-activity-7282305012150464512-WrA7?utm_source=social_share_sheet&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop_web" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Click here to see a short video of the laser drone on LinkedIn</strong></span></a>.</div>
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Skymagic Astounds with Pioneering Laser Drones

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>10 January 2025</em></span></p>
<div><strong><span style="color: #ba372a;"><u><a id="OWA4b7ea881-8851-aea5-b0a1-4985ecfb7806" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="https://aero.und.edu/" href="https://aero.und.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">The John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences</a></u></span>&nbsp;</strong>(UND Aerospace) has entered a one-year partnership with <a href="https://vigilantaerospace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Vigilant Aerospace Systems</strong></span></a>&nbsp;to utilize the company&rsquo;s drone safety software and airspace management system <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a href="https://vigilantaerospace.com/products-services-overview/flighthorizon-commander/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FlightHorizon</a>.</strong></span> A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed late last year to formalize the agreement.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>As part of the agreement, Vigilant Aerospace will provide training for UND Aerospace students and faculty, with full integration of FlightHorizon into the program&rsquo;s operations and research expected by summer. Further, the initiative aligns with UND Aerospace&rsquo;s commitment to advancing UAS traffic management (UTM) and C-UAS measures, areas increasingly relevant in light of recent drone sightings near critical infrastructure in New Jersey.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>FlightHorizon utilizes NASA-patented technology to provide detect-and-avoid (DAA) alerts during BVLOS operations. By integrating multiple sensors, machine learning and data sources, the software delivers real-time situational awareness to allow operators to proactively identify nearby aircraft and avoid potential collisions through visual and auditory alerts.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>This collaboration comes as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prepares to release new rules for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations and demonstrates UND Aerospace&rsquo;s commitment to working with industry leaders to safely operate and equip students with the skills to lead in the rapidly evolving UAS field.</div>
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<div><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/onBBU8MHiaLDJT7PaPS5Wr6RKVLj9aVrd2f3QMzW.jpg" alt="" width="148" height="177" /></div>
<div><strong>Paul Snyder</strong></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><u><a id="OWAe98fac03-cf35-7ccc-302b-74556f067991" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="https://campus.und.edu/directory/paul.snyder" href="https://campus.und.edu/directory/paul.snyder" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Paul Snyder</a></u></strong></span>, director of&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><u><a id="OWA828b9bed-557c-3c29-878d-b12ea1dca356" class="x_OWAAutoLink" style="color: #ba372a;" title="https://und.edu/programs/unmanned-aircraft-system-operations-bs-aero/index.html" href="https://und.edu/programs/unmanned-aircraft-system-operations-bs-aero/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">UND&rsquo;s UAS program</a></u></strong></span>&nbsp;said the technology complements UND Aerospace&rsquo;s existing suite of counter autonomy and UAS (C-UAS) tools, including 360-degree day/night cameras and radar systems made by the US-based company DeTect Inc.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;The software that Vigilant Aerospace provides can easily integrate with the hardware that we&rsquo;re using and will create a common operating picture that enables us to fuse hardware and data from DeTect radars and other sensors into one screen,&rdquo; Snyder said.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The MOU also includes a joint effort to submit FlightHorizon to the FAA&rsquo;s Near-Term Approval Process for UTM services and pursue funding opportunities for C-UAS and UTM technologies.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;UND Aerospace educates some of the nation&rsquo;s most competitive aviation and UAS students and is one of the most accomplished and best equipped research centers for autonomous aviation in the country,&rdquo; said Kraettli L. Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace. &ldquo;We are excited to be entering into this new collaboration to support their operational and educational missions and advance the industry overall.&rdquo;</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>According to Snyder, the one-year agreement sets the stage for a mutually beneficial partnership.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>&ldquo;Our hope is that we can grow together within this ever-changing field of UAS and autonomous technology. Vigilant Aerospace can continue to expand their product&rsquo;s capability, and we can continue to be on the cutting edge of education, training and research.&rdquo;</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>About UND Aerospace</strong></span></h5>
<div class="x_elementToProof">UND Aerospace is a world-renowned center for aerospace learning, nationally acclaimed for our achievements in collegiate aviation education, atmospheric research, space studies, and earth system science and policy research. With more than 500 faculty and staff members, 2,100+ students from around the world, and myriad programs and projects, the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is setting the pace for the future of flight.</div>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>About Vigilant Aerospace Systems</strong></span></h5>
<div>Vigilant Aerospace is the leading developer of multi-sensor detect-and-avoid and airspace management software for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS or drones). We enable safe and scalable autonomous flight, beyond visual line of sight. Customers include NASA, the FAA, the U.S. Department of Defense and a variety of drone development programs.</div>

UND Aerospace partners with Vigilant Aerospace Systems

<p><strong><span style="color: #34495e;">[Above photo courtesy of L.A. County Fire Dept.]</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>10 January 2025</em></span></p>
<p>The FAA reported yesterday it is investigating an unauthorized drone that crashed into the wing of an L.A. County Super Scooper firefighting aircraft over the Palisades fire.</p>
<p>Happily, the fire department aircraft was able to land safely.</p>
<p>"Aerial looky-loos" seeking to capture stunning footage of the Los Angeles fires are dangerously impeding the efforts of firefighters and other first responders. The FAA has issued the following reminder:&nbsp;&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands. Additionally, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 against any drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement or emergency response operations."</p>
<p>Sadly, someone has already caused an incident over the Palisades fire, damaging and grounding the aforementioned Super Scooper when it is obviously needed to bring the fight to the fires.</p>
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<div id="google_ads_iframe_/21787098806/web.latimes/california/story_inline_1_0__container__">Despite FAA and FBI warnings, drone pilots are capturing and sharing photos of fire devastation via social media.</div>
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<div id="google_ads_iframe_/21787098806/web.latimes/california/story_inline_2_1__container__">While drone pilots can apply for waivers to fly in restricted airspace, the FAA has not granted any.</div>
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<div>"Due to the number of manned firefighting aircraft in the airspace, we are currently not able to accommodate drone flights with the TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction)," said an FAA spokesperson.</div>
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<div>The FAA also announced the TFR near the wildfires has been extended until January 23.</div>
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<div>To our <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>The Droning Company</strong></span> community&mdash;Please stay out of the affected airspace and let firefighters do their job safely and unimpeded. This tragic fire needs to be contained by professionals&mdash;not documented by unauthorized social-media content providers.&nbsp;</div>
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Small Drone Smashes into Super Scooper Aircraft Over Palisades fire

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>10 January 2025</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/OImUURVXnsELMUf3Yy4zOQCfxHRD0OPQeadwZ8d2.jpg" alt="" width="111" height="108" /></em></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>By <a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/adrian-pueyo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adrian Pueyo</a></strong></span></p>
<p class="p1">If you told me during my childhood that I would get to fly drones and travel, I would probably get excited but I still wouldn&rsquo;t believe you as I thought I had a very different path in life. I would probably laugh it off if anyone told me I would be starting my own company. I always had a passion for aviation, video games, and I had the goals to travel and fly as often as I could.</p>
<p class="p1">As a child I would constantly get my hands on anything RC or anything to do with planes and aviation. I would constantly play <em>Galaga</em> or <em>Gradius III,</em> and eventually I would try to sneak some time in on my grandfather&rsquo;s Microsoft <em>Flight Simulator</em>. I would also constantly window shop at Radio Shack and daydream about what I could play or get my hands on.</p>
<p class="p1">Eventually I got my hands on those small RC helicopters and hand-thrown foam planes that you could get at the flea market, and as one can imagine, they would break just as quickly as I got them. This would then lead to a repeated cycle of me buying these every chance I would get and then having a pile of broken components with no real means or ways to fix them. My parents thought these were a distraction to my studies at the time and so this was a hobby I would pursue quietly.</p>
<p class="p1">I was born to Peruvian immigrants who came out to the United States to give me a better life and they had the expectations that I would learn and study to do something in pre-law, pre-med, or pre-rich. It was in their minds that I would be a professional and that anything with video games or playing with my RC toys was a distraction and it was difficult for them to see the returns on these skills.</p>
<p class="p1">After high school I then joined the workforce with some clear goals in mind&mdash;get my own RC equipment, get my own camera drone, and learn to fly so I could travel the world. I went to college and attended with no real focus in mind and then I held a variety of jobs with no real progress towards my goals. I eventually decided to join the military as I then knew that would get me to travel and then I could also buy my own equipment.</p>
<p class="p1">I joined the Marines in 2016 and then served at a Marine Air Base for my military service. I bought my own RC equipment and then I bought some drones from Walmart and started practicing. I wanted to buy DJI at the time, but then owning a drone on base became problematic so I would stick to the drones I had at the time. I also looked at flight lessons at the time but decided to save it for after the military.</p>
<p class="p1">After the military I then began my pursuit for my private pilot certificate, and with a fresh start out of the militar,y I thought I could do it all. This was in January 2020, and as we remember a few months later, the pandemic lockdowns began.</p>
<p class="p1">Fortunately, aviation was a critical skill and flight schools shortly reopened after the initial lockdowns. During lockdown, I then got my hands on a used Mavic Air and practiced flying recreationally and getting my skills as a remote pilot to de-stress and unwind after my lessons flying Piper Archers. I would also watch other pilots and drone pilots on youtube and their experiences during downtime on my night shifts as a security guard for the Riverside Regional Transit Agency.</p>
<p class="p1">I was constantly burning the candle at every end. I would work as a Flight Dispatcher for the college whenever I could, I would fly during the afternoons, and work as a security guard at night. I would squeeze in drones any chance I could get.</p>
<p class="p1">It wasn&rsquo;t until 2021, where one of my best friends from college taught me about how he was making money using drones and how he obtained his Part 107. I was in full testing mode when I learned about the Part 107, so I wanted to wait to get it until after I completed my Private Pilot Certificate. After I got my Private Pilot Certificate I then began studying for my Part 107 concurrently with starting my lessons for Instrument flight. I then learned that as an existing Part 61 pilot that one could get their Part 107 by taking an online training course through the FAA Safety Team website. It was a lengthy course, but it felt like the shortest course I ever took, and I then took the completed course to my current CFI who then endorsed me. I then received my Part 107 in the mail a few weeks after and then the true journey began.</p>
<p class="p1">I worked with my friend while in college and learned how to apply the Phantom 4 Pro to many different types of work and learned how it was used in construction. I then began my deepdive into its many other applications that one could use the orthomosaics for and how to get the most out of one drone. I also bought an EXO Ranger for fun and learned about the differences and limitations between drones and what I could accomplish with each one.</p>
<p class="p1">My friend and I were also members of the drone club at my college and it was all over in the blink of an eye. I graduated from California Baptist University with a Bachelor&rsquo;s in Aviation Flight in 2022, and then got my job as a Flight Dispatcher at REACH Air Medical right after.</p>
<p class="p1">At that point, I didn&rsquo;t really know how to turn the dial down, as I kept finding ways to make money by taking on jobs through pilot networks and going door to door in my free time. I also ended up pursuing my Master&rsquo;s in Commercial Aviation from Delta State University that same year. I then began to get my own first contracts in construction and I found myself in a similar pattern at the Bachelor&rsquo;s level. I worked Dispatch at night, drones during the day, and I would then study during any downtime and would research on how to form my own LLC and what drones/equipment to use in order to get more work and how to make operations safer/more efficient.</p>
<p class="p1">After months of working as a subcontractor and getting gigs, my son was born and during parental leave I then formed my own LLC. I then continued to get more contracts and more work, which finally led me to reaching a breaking point. I could no longer balance a double work life and family life. I was on a ranch job, mapping to help create GEO zones for a harness. During the scenic and peaceful work I dreaded returning to the office and thought enough was enough.</p>
<p class="p1">I handed in my notice on April Fool&rsquo;s Day (without realizing what day I had actually handed my resignation in) and then worked my final days asI began my transition to becoming a full time business owner and operator.</p>
<p class="p1">I took the leap of faith in my drone business in 2024, and have continually made small successes. I now aim to be Sacramento&rsquo;s Drone Guy, and have continued to network and make my name known around the Sacramento Region. My family now sees me pursuing my passions and they ask about what jobs have I taken or what new places have I seen due to my work.</p>
<p class="p1">I now get to work with some of the best people and learn from others who are like minded, as well as get more involved in the world of drones and technology. I still fly Cessnas and the occasional Piper Archer from time to time. I am now pursuing a GIS certificate, as well, so I can better understand how to better apply drone technology. If there is one thing I have learned in my journey so far, it is that the more I learn, it is that I realize how much I don&rsquo;t know.</p>
<h5 class="p1"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Learn More</strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><iframe style="width: 668px; height: 376px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bPvFnuBnX5o?si=2DBmU7i51FbRQlt5" width="668" height="376" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><iframe style="width: 665px; height: 374px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gm57uRtuykQ?si=-1BPMYJ0AoU58n_Y" width="665" height="374" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></strong></span></p>

Pilot Story: Adrian Pueyo

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>09 January 2025</em></span></p>
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<p class="title"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.dji.com/media-center/announcements/matrice-4-series" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>From DJI.com Media Center</strong></a></span></p>
<div class="subtitle"><a href="https://www.dji.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI</strong></span></a>, the global leader in civil drones and creative camera technology, today introduces the <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI Matrice 4 Series</strong></span> as the company&rsquo;s new compact flagship enterprise drone series. Launching with the Matrice 4T and Matrice 4E, these new intelligent multi-sensor compact drones feature advanced capabilities such as smart detection and laser range finder measurement. With an AI computing platform and significantly enhanced sensing capabilities, flight operations with these drones will be even safer and more reliable than ever before.</div>
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<p>&ldquo;With the Matrice 4 Series, DJI is ushering in a new era of intelligent aerial operations. In equipping our industry-leading enterprise drones with AI, search and rescue teams can save lives faster,&rdquo; said Christina Zhang, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at DJI. &ldquo;Moreover, the intelligent features in the Matrice 4 Series will be raised to a new level, enabling enterprise drones to better address the escalating operational demands in different complex scenarios.&rdquo;</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Multiple Intelligent Sensors for Detailed Night or Day Visuals and Precision Mapping&nbsp;</strong></span></h5>
<p>The DJI Matrice 4 Series features a medium tele camera and a tele camera. With the optical 70mm medium telephoto lens (1/1.3 CMOS, 48MP, f/2.8), screws and cracks can be identified in medium-range inspections for power lines and bridges from a distance of 10 meters. For longer-range inspections, the 168mm telephoto lens (1/1.5 CMOS, 48 MP, f/2.8) can capture incredible details from up to 250 meters away.&nbsp;Additionally, the&nbsp;laser&nbsp;range&nbsp;finder can measure distances from 1,800 meters away.</p>
<p>The<strong>&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;">DJI Matrice 4T</span></strong>&nbsp;can serve various industries, from emergency response and public safety to energy management. The infrared thermal camera supports High-Res Mode up to 1280x1024 pixels, while the NIR auxiliary light can illuminate distances 100 meters away. Other notable modules include a 24mm wide-angle lens (1/1.3 CMOS, 48MP, f/1.7) and an IR-Cut Filter for clear visuals day and night.</p>
<p>The&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI Matrice 4E</strong></span><span dir="LTR">&nbsp;is designed&nbsp;</span>for surveying, mapping, construction, and inspections. High-speed aerial surveying from multiple angles can be done with the 24mm wide-angle lens (4/3 CMOS, 20MP, f/2.8-f/11) with a mechanical shutter. It supports rapid 0.5-second interval shooting in orthophoto and oblique photography modes with mapping flight speeds reaching up to 21 meters per second. With&nbsp;Smart 3D Capture, rough models&nbsp;and precise mapping routes can be generated&nbsp;on the remote controller, allowing&nbsp;for detailed measurements of irregular buildings. It&nbsp;can&nbsp;also display virtual space routes and waypoint photos, enhancing flight safety assessment and coverage area analysis.&nbsp;</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Intelligent Aerial Support for Search and Rescue Missions</strong></span></h5>
<div>
<p class="p" align="justify"><span dir="LTR">The Matrice 4 Series serves as a second pair of eyes during search and rescue missions. Vehicles and vessels can be quickly detected from a distance, even in difficult terrain. The drones can be flown on cruise control, allowing searches to maintain a consistent speed and freeing pilots to multitask. When paired with the DJI Pilot 2 app, the Matrice 4 Series can visualize on a map what ground area has already been observed based on the camera's field of view and without needing an obvious landmark -- helping to ensure no area is missed.</span>&nbsp;Furthermore, new applications for drones can be developed now that DJI offers model training tools and access to onboard computing capabilities to certified third-party developers.</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Excellent Visuals in Complex Environments</strong></span></h5>
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<p align="justify"><span class="p">The Matrice 4 Series makes extensive upgrades to night mode &ndash; a key capability for nighttime wildlife protection efforts and search and rescue missions. With larger apertures and intelligent low-light capabilities, the cameras on the Matrice 4T and Matrice 4E allow for better performance during dusk and nighttime lighting. They also have six high-definition low-light fisheye lenses, significantly enhancing visual low-light positioning, allowing for automatic obstacle avoidance, intelligent rerouting, and safe return in urban low-light environments. In case of fog, haze, or high humidity, Electronic Dehazing can improve the imaging clarity of the Matrice 4 series to match different operational environments and requirements.</span></p>
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<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>New Accessories for Efficiency and Adaptability</strong></span></h5>
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<p align="justify"><span class="p">The Matrice 4 Series upgrades accessories for more efficiency and adaptable operations. The DJI AL1 SpotLight can clearly illuminate subjects even from 100 meters away, supporting both always-on and strobe modes. It also offers enhanced coverage in wide-angle modes. Meanwhile, the DJI AS1 Speaker delivers powerful audio, broadcasting up to 300 meters and reaching 114 decibels at 1 meter.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span class="p">Further elevating operations, the D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station&nbsp;supports drones with centimeter-level positioning accuracy, extending image transmission through signal relays at elevated altitudes and facilitating high-precision data collection in network-free areas.&nbsp;Additionally, it can also be used to mark ground control points.</span></p>
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<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Smarter and Safer Flights for Worry-Free Operations</strong></span></h5>
<p align="justify"><span class="p">DJI's self-developed RTK module comes standard in the Matrice 4 Series, providing comprehensive visibility for enhanced safety. The standard configuration includes a 5-directional vision assist view along with a downward vision. Pilots can take off within 15 seconds during emergencies and update return-to-home points through visual positioning even without GNSS signals. If connected with the Internet, the remote controller can download terrain obstacle details and detailed offline maps. This enables automatic path planning for obstacle avoidance helping pilots navigate at night or through mountainous areas.</span></p>
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<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Industry-Leading Privacy Controls</strong></span></h5>
<p align="justify"><span class="p">DJI places the highest priority on data privacy &ndash; and puts customers in control of their data. Users must opt-in to share photos and videos with DJI, and US-based users no longer have the option to sync their flight logs with DJI servers. For heightened data security needs or those flying sensitive missions, Local Data Mode can be activated to sever the DJI Pilot 2 flight control app's connection with the Internet. This prevents unintentional syncing of photos, videos or flight logs with external servers. Any personal data shared for account registration is further secured with AES-256 encryption. Operators can easily delete any data they have shared through their DJI account or by c</span>ontacting DJI Support. Since 2017, we have regularly submitted our products for third-party security audits and certification, includin<span class="p">g&nbsp;</span><a href="https://terra-1-g.djicdn.com/851d20f7b9f64838a34cd02351370894/trust-center/BOOZ%20ALLEN%20HAMILTON%20-%20UAS%20COE%20AUDIT%20(2020).pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Booz Allen Hamilton</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://security.dji.com/asset/files/2020_09--FTI%20Cybersecurity--Executive%20Summary%20of%20DJI%20Assessment.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span dir="LTR">FTI Consulting</span></a>&nbsp;and<a href="https://www.dji.com/newsroom/news/independent-study-validates-dji-data-security-practices?workspace=b1e5e019-9bcb-40cc-afef-d2c00f0d0741"><span dir="LTR">&nbsp;Kivu Consulting</span></a>.</p>
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<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI Care Enterprise Plus and DJI Warranty Service</strong></span></h5>
<p align="justify"><span class="p">DJI Care Enterprise Plus, alongside the Official Extended Warranty Service, offers a comprehensive protection plan for the DJI Matrice 4 Series, covering a wide array of accidental damages.</span></p>
<p><span class="p">DJI Care Enterprise Plus includes unlimited free repairs within specified coverage limits.&nbsp;Additionally, it features one-time annual Flyaway Coverage, allowing for worry-free operation, as well as shared coverage for maximum&nbsp;protection with a shared limit. The Exclusive Service guarantees prompt assistance from DJI technical experts, further enhancing user support.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span class="p">Moreover, during the service period, the main components of the product remain covered under the official warranty, extending the overall protection for your investment.</span></p>
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DJI Matrice 4 Series Introduced

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>09 January 2025</em></span></p>
<p>The 37-year-old Green Beret who blew up a rented Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump Towers in Las Vegas left an apparent PTSD-fueled manifesto claiming the mysterious drone sightings of the past few months have originated from the Chinese.</p>
<p>In notes and emails discovered by the FBI, Matthew Livelsberger&mdash;who took his own life by gunshot before the Cybertruck exploded&mdash;explained his actions as a "wake-up call" for the United States, as well as stating his distress over fallen comrades and the lives he took in combat.&nbsp;</p>
<p>His writings also made unsubstantiated claims regarding the drone sightings that have bedeviled U.S. infrastructure&mdash;especially in an email he allegedly sent to <em><span class="skimlinks-unlinked">Military.com.</span></em></p>
<p>"What we have been seeing with 'drones' is the operational use of gravitic propulsion systems powered aircraft by most recently China in the east coast, but throughout history, the U.S," said Livelsberger. "The so what is because of the speed and stealth of these unmanned AC. They are the most dangerous threat to national security that has ever existed. They basically have an unlimited payload capacity and can park it over the White House if they wanted. It's checkmate."</p>
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<p>As investigations continue to try to accurately explain the mystery drone appearances, the episodes obviously weighed heavily on Livelsberger's mind, prompting the unproven statements in his manifesto.</p>
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<div class="rPeykc" data-hveid="CAMQAQ" data-ved="2ahUKEwj70sXBvemKAxXGLkQIHcx6O84Qo_EKegQIAxAB"><span data-huuid="3527302979010539586">According to the&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a class="uVhVib" style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Center for PTSD</a></strong></span>,&nbsp;<mark class="QVRyCf">approximately 7 percent</mark> of veterans experience PTSD at some point in their lives. </span><span data-huuid="3527302979010543137">This is slightly higher than the 6% of adults in the general population who experience PTSD.<span class="UV3uM"> At 23 percent, the figure is significantly higher for veterans who utilize VA health care. In addition, veterans account for 20 percent of the suicides in the United States.</span></span></div>
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<h5 class="Gur8Ad"><span style="color: #ba372a;" data-huuid="6609783928155121519"><strong>Veterans Crisis Line</strong></span></h5>
<div class="vM0jzc"><span data-huuid="6609783928155120998">If you feel you are suffering from PTSD, or are in danger of self harm, please call 988, then press "1" to speak with a responder qualified to assist Veterans. </span><span data-huuid="6609783928155120477">You can also text 838255 or chat online with the Veterans Crisis Line.</span></div>
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<h5 class="pw-border-incontent-after"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Learn More</strong></span></h5>
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<div class="pw-border-incontent-after"><iframe style="width: 681px; height: 383px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T3b0T7gjO3I?si=QwPM0LkKETrmPcFX" width="681" height="383" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
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Cybertruck Bomber "Solves" Mystery Drone Sightings

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>06 January 2025</em></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Gwyneth Paltrow may be an oracle of eroding international relationships...</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">The actress' popularization of author Katherine Woodward Thomas' term "conscious uncoupling" can soon be applied to the what appears to be a growing "tech divorce" between China and the United States.</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Well, except when applied to human relationships, "conscious uncoupling" speaks to applying compassion and respect as a romantic partnership ends. The impending U.S. and China uncoupling over drones and other technology, however, appears to quite a bit fraught, and even <em>meaner</em>.</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">America's threat to ban DJI&mdash;and other Chinese manufactured&mdash;drones has continued, despite some governmental ebbs and flows, as well as hope from most of the drone community that DJI's typically affordable and techologically advanced UAVs be marketed in this country unscathed. The nation's first responders, for example, could be significantly compromised if forced to switch from DJI models to more expensive American-made drones.</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Recently, President Joe Biden supported cutting China out of the U.S. drone trade&mdash;a move that obviously wouldn't be enacted (if at all) until president-elect Donald Trump's administration.</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">But China hasn't taken the threat quietly.</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Mere hours after Biden's announcement, Beijing mandated export bans on 28 American corporations, including defense contractors Lockheed Martin and Boeing.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Oh, and China has cited U.S. concerns regarding "national security" as their own reason for the export ban. "Payback is fair play," anyone?</span></p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>You Have a Voice</strong></span></h5>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Whatever your opinions on whether DJI drones actually pose a risk to our national security, the <a href="https://www.bis.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>U.S. Department of Commerce&rsquo;s Bureau of Industry and Security</strong></span></a> is asking for public commentary on a potential ruling to ban Chinese drones. Deadline is March 4, 2025. <a href="https://www.bis.gov/press-release/commerce-issues-advance-notice-proposed-rulemaking-secure-unmanned-aircraft-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO</strong></span></a>.</span></p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Battle of the Drones</strong></span></h5>
<p>While the United States reportedly has the largest combat drone fleet on the globe with 13,000 UAVs at the ready, China's drone tech&mdash;especially in the area of AI and its deployment for warfare&mdash;is seen as not just fierce competition, but also as a threat to the U.S. forces in a confrontation with Beijing over the Indo-Pacific region. <span lang="EN-GB">The U.S. Defense Department has warned that &ldquo;China&rsquo;s development of new unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities for military use is rapidly catching up to the United States&rsquo; own advancements in the technology.&rdquo;</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">In fact, China's MD-19 military drone, recognized as a "ground-breaking" platform that can fly at supersonic speed and land horizontally, shows clearly that Beijing is investing in speedier, brainier, and more battlefield adaptible drones.</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">As for the potential of a U.S. ban on DJI drones, the Chinese foreign ministry has stated the country will "take all necessary measures to firmly defend its legitimate and lawful rights and interests."</span></p>
<p>In addition, China's state media, <em>The Global Times</em>, has commented that "the world economy has already become too deeply integrated for protectionist measures to remove cost-effective products from the market to succeed."</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Learn More</strong></span></h5>
<p><iframe style="width: 681px; height: 383px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/25d8qpXuZB8?si=y_1p87JyJiSRwTAH" width="681" height="383" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>

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