A tech company is trying a creative strategy to sell its new flying camera in the United States, despite strict government rules on foreign drones.
In December 2025, the US government banned new foreign-made drones over national security concerns. However, Zero Zero Robotics, the maker of HoverAir drones, believes it has found a legal loophole to bypass the ban. Its new $750 product, called the HoverAir Versa, is sold officially as a handheld mini camera. The flying capability comes from an optional accessory: snap-on propeller wings.
Because the propeller wings plug directly into the camera using physical connectors, they do not contain wireless radios. Therefore, the company only submitted the camera unit to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval. On August 9, a certification body approved the camera radio, allowing HoverAir to launch the product on the crowdfunding site Indiegogo.
However, experts say the loophole might not work for long. The US regulations ban not only full foreign drones, but also critical drone parts. The FCC officially considers cameras to be critical components of drones. Additionally, the FCC has the authority to revoke its approval within 30 days if it decides the product violates the ban.
While HoverAir insists its product fully complies with US regulations, buyers should remain cautious. Until the government gives a final confirmation, customers who pre-order the device face the risk that the FCC could still block the flying camera from entering the country.