HoverAir’s new $750 Versa camera dodges the FCC’s foreign drone ban by marketing itself as a camera first, drone second. The company argues the Flight Kit’s propellers are merely accessories, not integral components, and submitted only the camera portion for FCC certification. The agency approved the device on August 9, and HoverAir launched it on Indiegogo this week, positioning it as a DJI Pocket-style mini steadycam with snap-on wings.
The loophole hinges on whether the FCC considers the camera a “UAS critical component.” Federal records show the agency outsourced the initial review to a private certifier, but it retains the power to reverse approval within 30 days. HoverAir’s global marketing director insists the company is compliant, noting the Versa meets all applicable regulations for its US configuration.
Regulators may not agree. The FCC’s 2025 ban targets foreign drones and their critical components, and cameras are explicitly listed as such. If the agency determines the Versa’s camera is essential to flight, it could swiftly revoke certification. Until then, US buyers face uncertainty over whether the device will remain legal.
