Drones and helicopters regularly operate in the same environments. They perform many of the same operations, often at the same time. It can be difficult for both types of pilots to know when the other is operating nearby. Continue reading
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
FAA Proposes Drone Flight Restrictions Over Critical Infrastructure
A decade after the U.S. Congress directed the FAA to protect critical infrastructure from drone threats, the regulator is publishing proposed rules for restricting unmanned aircraft operations in airspace over key facilities. 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
DHS Issues C-UAS Equipment Placement Field Guidance for First Responders
As agencies nationwide prepare for major upcoming events, including the FIFA World Cup and America250, counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) planning has emerged as a critical priority. 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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FCC Seeks to Expand Deployment of US-Made Drones
On April 1, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) and Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) released a Public Notice seeking comment on actions to advance the production, deployment, and export of American unmanned aircraft systems. Continue reading