Thermal Drones

Thermal Drone Summary Table

By no means comprehensive, this table compares cost and features 4 drones and three drone camera modules Table developed by Timothy Sullivan (Aloha ʻĀina Drones) and Jared Char (ANRPO, Animal Program Manager). Note that DJI products (columns 1-6) are made in China and are therefore NDAA non-compliant. Skydio is a U.S company; the X10 is on the "UAS Blue-List" and is NDAA compliant.

When do you need to follow National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Compliance for drones?

NDAA Compliance

What is NDAA drone compliance? This regulation primarily restricts the use of drone components manufactured in certain foreign countries, notable China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, due to national security concerns. To be considered compliant, drones must not contain critical components (like flight controllers, cameras, etc.) from these restricted nations, ensuring they are safe for use by government agencies, contractors, and in sensitive operations.

NDAA Exemptions

What are legal pathways to NDAA non-compliance, or other exemptions?

More info

Drone pilots are required to get FAA certifications. To learn more about the current process of obtaining FAA certifications for the use of drones in Natural Resource Management (NRM) settings (e.g., herbicide application, pest treatment, surveying, etc.) see presentation by Roberto Rodriguez III at the 2024 Hawaiʻi Island Weed Forum, which includes a list of certified vendors in the state.

To learn more about how NRM programs are using drones, see overview of Hawaiʻi Drone Hui provided by Dan Jenkins at the 2025 Oʻahu Weed Control and Restoration Workshop.

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