FCC shoots down HoverAirs modular Versa drone, saying certification was granted erroneously, and adds that it's considering further action

Date:
Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:07:35 +0000

Description:
HoverAir's 2-in-1 pocket gimbal camera and drone looked set to go on sale in the US but the FCC has now said certification was granted 'erroneously'

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter HoverAir launched its new Versa drone on Indiegogo, saying it had FCC approval FCC has since stated that certification was granted 'erroneously' The Versa is the world's first 2-in-1 pocket gimbal camera and drone HoverAir launched the Versa drone on Indiegogo last week, and a few words in the promotional material suggested that the world's first 2-in-1 pocket gimbal camera and drone had a distinct advantage over DJI : "FCC (Federal Communications Commission) certification."

The claim of FFC approval implied that the Versa was set to go on sale in the US, a market which new DJI drones have been fully locked out of since 2025 . World-first features, plus US availability those were two big leg-ups for
the Versa. However, HoverAir's hopes of having that key advantage in terms of market access have quickly been dashed. The FCC contacted TechRadar to tell
us that "certification for this device was granted erroneously and has been set aside by the FCC and removed from our public database". Latest Videos
From TechRadar Watch full video here:

Furthermore, it said the "FCC is considering further action against HoverAir for apparently willfully violating the FCCs Covered List rules."

It's quite the turnaround for HoverAir. The company must have been licking
its lips at the prospect of its innovative innovative 4K drone and pocket gimbal camera having unchallenged access to the US market. Turns out, it's in the same position as DJI after all. You may like HoverAir launches its ingenious pocket gimbal camera and drone and unlike DJI it has FCC approval The FCC is going after companies it suspects are sneaking DJI kit into the US The FCC could start banning DJI drones that have previously been approved

Here's the FCC statement in full:

Importing, marketing, or selling this [HoverAir Versa] device in the United States is a violation of U.S. law, and the FCC has directed HoverAir to cease any such activity immediately. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

"The device in question is on the FCCs Covered List: the Versa camera alone
is a prohibited UAS critical component produced in a foreign country and,
when the Flight Kit is included, the device falls under the ban on UAS produced in a foreign country.

"The certification for this device was granted erroneously and has been set aside by the FCC and removed from our public database. The FCC is considering further action against HoverAir for apparently willfully violating the FCCs Covered List rules.

"Finally, the FCC is sending guidance to all Telecommunications Certification Bodies to strengthen their due diligence of applications to ensure they
comply with their legal obligation not to certify equipment on the FCCs Covered List." What to read next Exclusive: Zero Zero Robotics CEO on inventing the world's first waterproof drone HoverAir Aqua review: a groundbreaking waterproof self-flying drone The DJI Pocket 4P is getting a 'remarkably similar' US alternative soon Image 1 of 4 (Image credit:
HoverAir) (Image credit: HoverAir) (Image credit: HoverAir) (Image credit: HoverAir) Image 1 of 4 View Original Image 2 of 4 View Original Image 3 of 4 View Original Image 4 of 4 View Original More bad news for drone fans in the US Following the self-flying X1 and the waterproof Aqua , HoverAir notched up a trio of world-first drones with the Versa, a 2-in-1 pocket gimbal camera
and drone.

According to its Indiegogo page , the Versa is tipped for a worldwide launch and for October 2026 delivery to backers. However, despite US pricing (starting at $499) remaining on the crowdfunding page, it looks like the
Versa won't be taking to the skies in the US any time soon.

That's a shame for drone fans in the US. Versa's modular design means that
its wings (guard-protected propellors) can be removed in a simple motion, switching the device from a 230g self-flying 4K camera to a 163g pocket
gimbal camera.

Its key features include 4K video up to 60fps, 4K HDR video up to 30fps with 10-bit color depth, 12MP photos (there's no mention of RAW format) and a 1/1.3-inch sensor.

Controller-free aerial selfies are a breeze, thanks to palm take-off and landing, AI subject tracking, auto framing, plus voice and gesture commands.

Furthermore, the Versa is compatible with HoverAir's Beacon device, which debuted with the Aqua, meaning it can pair with a phone for clear audio. It's said to reach speeds up to 36km/h with a Level 5 wind resistance, and have 14-minute flight times, though realistically battery life will be less than that.

As a gimbal camera, the Versa features a rotating OLED haptic screen, which measures 1.64 inches on the diagonal and hits 800 nits of brightness.

We haven't tested the Versa yet, but we'll share our in-depth review soon.
The innovative drone will make its public debut at the IFA consumer electronics show, which takes place in Berlin, Germany, from September 4-8, and you can learn more about it in the YouTube video below. HOVERAir VERSA | This Pocket Camera Can Fly - YouTube Watch On Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Today's best drone deals HoverAir X1 273.62 View See all
prices DJI Neo 2 19 View See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/cameras/drones/exclusive-fcc-shoots-down-hoverairs-m odular-versa-drone-saying-certification-was-granted-erroneously-and-adds-that- its-considering-further-action


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