HoverAir has unveiled a waterproof consumer drone designed for carefree aerial selfies over water, but now faces regulatory hurdles that threaten its US launch.
HoverAir, from parent company Zero Zero Robotics, introduced the HoverAir Aqua as the world’s first waterproof selfie drone, promising splash-proof flights over lakes, pools, and oceans without crash fears. The campaign raised over $2 million on Indiegogo from 1,800+ backers, targeting adventure enthusiasts seeking hands-free video capture.
According to a HoverAir representative,
“We’re actively working with regulatory experts and closely monitoring FCC and aviation regulations as they evolve. Our priority is ensuring our products meet all applicable requirements in the markets where we operate and to find the best options for our community.”
The Aqua was crowdfunded with initial shipments planned for December 2025, but delays pushed that to February 2026 amid production challenges common to hardware campaigns. However, a bigger issue emerged: the drone lacks FCC approval, and recent US rules block new authorizations for foreign-made devices, making US imports and sales nearly impossible without exemptions.
The Aqua offers 4K video, autonomous tracking, and full waterproofing for submersion up to 3 meters, with 15-minute flights and beacon control—doubling as a floating camera for water sports. It builds on HoverAir’s X1 series (X1, X1 Pro, X1 ProMax), which remain FCC-approved and sellable in the US, but Aqua’s post-rule filing leaves it uncertified.
HoverAir paused new US orders on its Indiegogo page, citing “sudden regulatory change,” while existing products like the V-Copter Falcon Mini (approved March 2025) are unaffected. The FCC’s expanded “Covered List” in December 2025 targeted unapproved foreign drones broadly—not just DJI—excluding consumer makers like HoverAir from new clearances, despite approvals for some Pentagon-vetted firms.
HoverAir emphasized rapid innovation in compact, self-flying cameras, but the Aqua highlights regulatory risks for crowdfunded tech. Backers await clarity on refunds or alternatives, as the drone—built to conquer water—struggles against US policy barriers.
