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

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 promo

<![CDATA[ <article> <ul><li><strong>HoverAir launched its new Versa drone on Indiegogo, saying it had FCC approval</strong></li><li><strong>FCC has since stated that certification was granted 'erroneously'</strong></li><li><strong>The Versa is the world's first 2-in-1 pocket gimbal camera and drone</strong></li></ul><p>HoverAir <a href="https://www.techradar.com/cameras/drones/hoverairs-ingenious-self-flying-drone-can-transform-into-a-pocket-gimbal-camera-and-unlike-dji-it-just-got-fcc-approval">launched the Versa drone</a> 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."</p><p>The claim of FFC approval implied that the Versa would be permitted to be sold in the US, a market which new <a href="https://www.techradar.com/cameras/drones/the-fcc-could-start-banning-dji-drones-that-have-previously-been-approved-and-dji-isnt-happy-about-it">DJI drones have been fully locked out of since 2025</a>. World-first features, plus US availability — those were two big leg-ups for the Versa. </p><p>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". </p><p>Furthermore, it said the "FCC is considering further action against HoverAir for apparently willfully violating the FCC’s Covered List rules."</p><p>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. </p><p>Here's the FCC statement in full:</p><p>“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. </p><p>"The device in question is on the FCC’s 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.</p><p>"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 FCC’s Covered List rules. </p><p>"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 FCC’s Covered List."</p><figure role="gallery"><figure><img src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YYvHu9b5nb7Zq7eJZGcpJK.jpg" alt="HoverAir Versa 2-in-1 drone and pocket gimbal camera in white, as a gimbal camera in person's hand by a dramatic coastline on a sunny day" /><figcaption><small role="credit">HoverAir</small></figcaption></figure><figure><img src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DtBiNxy2CvBX4DEjUfZjDK.jpg" alt="HoverAir Versa 2-in-1 drone and pocket gimbal camera in white, the two components are apart and in person's hands, by a dramatic coastline on a sunny day" /><figcaption><small role="credit">HoverAir</small></figcaption></figure><figure><img src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mNWRJnLQ2ifr7G5qTFhsLK.jpg" alt="HoverAir Versa 2-in-1 drone and pocket gimbal camera in white, taking off from a person's hand" /><figcaption><small role="credit">HoverAir</small></figcaption></figure><figure><img src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RwFQAoRe9UPJCui8v99iGK.jpg" alt="HoverAir Versa 2-in-1 drone and pocket gimbal camera in black, in flight tracking a man on a bike" /><figcaption><small role="credit">HoverAir</small></figcaption></figure></figure><h2 id="more-bad-news-for-drone-fans-in-the-us">More bad news for drone fans in the US</h2><p>Following the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/cameras/drones/hoverair-x1-review-more-fun-than-you-can-shake-a-selfie-stick-at">self-flying X1</a> and the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/cameras/drones/hoverair-aqua-review">waterproof Aqua</a>, HoverAir notched up a trio of world-first drones with the Versa, a 2-in-1 pocket gimbal camera and drone.</p><p>According to its <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/hoverair/versa-this-pocket-camera-can-fly" target="_blank">Indiegogo page</a>, 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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>Controller-free aerial selfies are a breeze, thanks to palm take-off and landing, AI subject tracking, auto framing, plus voice and gesture commands. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/_zOQTuEaaYE" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><div data-widget-type="multimodelreview" data-widget-title="Today's best drone deals" data-model-name="HoverAir X1,DJI Neo 2" class="hawk-root"></div> </article> ]]>