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Pilot Institute weekly UAS news update thumbnail covering a Colorado drone pilot case, FCC drone import restrictions, and the FAA's Section 2209 rule
Weekly UAS

Drone News: Drone Pilot Faces Charges, Possible Ban on Drone Imports, NPPA Pushes Back on 2209

This week’s Pilot Institute update covers a Colorado drone pilot facing federal charges after grounding wildfire aircraft, a new FCC request for comment that could restrict some military-grade foreign-made drone imports, and the National Press Photographers Association’s warning that the FAA’s Section 2209 rule could create permanent restrictions with no clear way to challenge them.

Fikaxo E1 clone drone used as the cover image for the FCC foreign drone sales ban story
DJI

FCC Proposes Sales Ban On Foreign Thermal, LiDAR, And Docking Drones

The FCC extended Covered List exemptions for trusted drones through January 1, 2028, but in the same move proposed cutting off imports and sales of foreign-made thermal, LiDAR, docking, spraying, swarming, defense-integrated, and 55-pound-plus drones. That combination gives approved U.S.-aligned manufacturers more runway while putting public safety, agriculture, and survey fleets on notice.

BRINC Responder drone lifting off from a docking station
DFR

League City Police To Fly BRINC 911 Drones By December

League City Police Department plans to launch a Drone as First Responder program by December after city council approved a Motorola Solutions pilot agreement built around BRINC aircraft, with the first year free and a six-year contract value of up to $1,759,980 if the city keeps the program.

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