FCC Filing

News, deep dives, and analysis — every FCC Filing story, newest first.

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Sep 11

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

Pilot Institute host presenting the week 379 drone news update, with on-screen headlines about a DJI win, new drone tariffs and Chinese drone clearance

DJI

DJI Scores Its Biggest Legal Win in Years, New Drone Tariffs Hit 100%, and the HOVERAir Versa Clears the FCC

Welcome to your weekly UAS news update. We have three stories for you. DJI gets a big win. We have a new drone tariff. And then lastly, we have a Chinese drone maker that is somehow getting FCC clearance. So, let's get to it.

Greg ReverdiauAug 21

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

DOCKET 26-189

Idaho Quadcopter Says The Drone Noose Keeps Tightening. The FCC Notice Answers One Fear

Idaho Quadcopter says tariffs and FCC rules are pushing hobbyists out. The FCC's own notice answers his biggest fear about the drones he already owns.

Haye KestelooAug 16

Pilot Institute host presenting the week 378 drone news update in a pink and blue lit studio, with headlines for DARPA's Lift Challenge, a drone defibrillator rescue, and the NPRM drone ban

Video

DARPA Hands Out Half Prizes, A Drone Saves A Life In Sweden, And The FCC Weighs Banning Your DJI Drone

In this week's US drone news update, I cover the DARPA Lift Challenge results, a drone-delivered defibrillator that saved a man's life in Sweden, and the FCC proposal that could pull already-approved DJI drones like the Mini 5 Pro and Air 3S off the shelves.

Greg ReverdiauAug 14