Drone Ban

Every DroneXL story tagged “Drone Ban” — newest first.

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Oct 15

Last updated

Hundreds of illuminated drones form glowing purple clusters in the night sky above the treeline of Central Park in New York, with rows of lit launch pads and spectators in the foreground.

FCC BAN

FCC Labels Drone Light Shows Military-Grade While US Operators Fly Korean And Chinese Fleets

The FCC's swarm rule names drone light shows as military-grade. The US industry flies Korean and Chinese hardware. Comments close September 2.

Haye KestelooAug 22

DJI Air 3 drone behind a red prohibition symbol under a pink BANNED? banner

FAA

The FCC's 'Military-Grade' Drone Definition Is Broad Enough to Catch Your DJI Neo 2

The FCC wants to redefine 'military-grade' drones so broadly it could stop sales of thermal, LiDAR, and dock-equipped models already on the market — including the LiDAR sensor in a 151-gram DJI Neo 2. Pilot Institute's Greg Reverdiau breaks down all seven categories and how to file a comment before September 2.

Greg ReverdiauAug 22

AUVSI President and CEO Michael Robbins on stage at XPONENTIAL Detroit in May 2026, weeks after defending the FCC's expanded Covered List.

ADVOCACY

DSPA Presses AUVSI To Back Operators Over Bans After Robbins Exit

DSPA calls on AUVSI to reset after Michael Robbins' exit: back drone operators, demand evidence, and judge drones on risk, not country of origin.

Haye KestelooAug 20

AUVSI President and CEO Michael Robbins speaking on stage at XPONENTIAL Detroit in May 2026.

LOBBYING

AUVSI's Robbins Exits For SIA As The Drone Ban He Backed Rolls On

Michael Robbins leaves AUVSI September 30 to run the Semiconductor Industry Association, the industry he spent three years telling drone makers to copy.

Haye KestelooAug 18

FCC BAN

FCC Drone Ban Comment Window Closes September 2, Putting LiDAR Drones On The Line

The FCC's proposal to pull previously approved foreign drones covers seven capability categories, not four, and comments close September 2, not September 3.

Haye KestelooAug 16

DJI

DJI Wins Partial Reversal Of Pentagon Blacklist Ruling Over Fully Redacted Evidence

The D.C. Circuit reversed part of DJI's Pentagon blacklist loss, ruling a judge upheld a fully redacted justification without reading the classified record.

Haye KestelooAug 15