Category Archives: Regulatory Matters

FCC U-Turn Allows Software Updates for Foreign Drones and Routers until 2029

The Federal Communications Commission announced on Friday, May 8, through its Office of Engineering and Technology (OET), that it was extending temporary waivers allowing certain foreign-produced drones, drone components, and consumer routers to continue receiving software and firmware updates in the United States. Continue reading

AirData UAV Joins the Commercial Drone Alliance

The U.S. commercial drone industry is at an inflection point. After years of incremental progress, the FAA’s landmark Part 108 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rule is expected to take effect later this year, unlocking a new era of scaled commercial drone operations across delivery, infrastructure inspection, public safety, perimeter protection and beyond. Continue reading

Beijing Bans Drone Sales as Rest of World Buys Chinese Drones

China’s new clampdown on drone sales and even the storage of drone components within the capital of Beijing stands out in a country that effectively built the global market for affordable commercial drones. The unprecedented citywide rules taking effect on May 1 come as authorities tighten drone regulations across the country and enforce flight restrictions more strictly. Continue reading

FAA Allows DoW to use Lasers to Protect Southern Border

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of War (DOW) completed a thorough safety assessment of a high-energy laser counter-drone system. This assessment validated that proper safety controls are in place and that while these systems are at the cutting edge of counter drone technology, they do not pose undue risk to passenger aircraft.
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