Search News

While the US government has not yet succeeded in banning Chinese company DJI from selling drones in the US, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is stopping a certain number of DJI UAVs at the border.

The tariffs on Chinese drones might seem like an opportunity for U.S.-based manufacturers to gain market share by narrowing the price gap with competitors like DJI. However, many American drone companies rely on Chinese-made components such as motors, sensors, and rare earth materials.

In conversations with current DJI users performing non-government related work, such as roof inspections, the consensus is that DJI drones are easier to use and have better support than their American counterparts.

New Certificate of Waiver (COW) Process Streamlines Approvals for Public Safety Agencies

During a March 14 visit to Amazon's Prime Air facility in Seattle, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) intent to propose rules expanding drone use for deliveries and other services "in relatively short order". While specifics remain undisclosed, industry stakeholders view this as a critical step toward unlocking scalable commercial applications.

Comments made by new US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during his Senate confirmation hearing indicate the FAA will move forward with a rule-making process to establish regulations for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations

DRONELIFE published this op-ed from Tom Walker, CEO of drone services provider DroneUp.

A bill pending in the Arizona state legislation is proposing to grant immunity from liability from any damages caused by a drone falling from the sky after being shot down or disabled by state and local law enforcement officers near the U.S.-Mexico border.

The National Public Safety UAS Conference, hosted by DRONERESPONDERS at Busch Gardens, Virginia, featured a keynote fireside chat between Tim Arel, Chief Operating Officer of the FAA's Air Traffic Organization, and Chief (Ret.) Charles Werner, Director of DRONERESPONDERS. The discussion underscored the FAA's evolving approach to integrating drones into public safety operations,

At the National Public Safety UAS Conference, hosted by DRONERESPONDERS, a panel of FAA officials provided critical updates on new waivers, regulatory processes, and efforts to improve access to airspace for public safety drone operations.

Lawmakers revisit drone security and counter-UAS policies as the commercial drone industry pushes for updated regulations.

AUVSI report on state legislative activity.

The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) has officially called on the Trump administration to expedite the deregulation process for commercial drones, particularly focusing on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.

This bill would allow law enforcement agencies to use federal grants to purchase and operate drones, expanding access to technology that enhances public safety and emergency response capabilities.

The drone industry is poised for significant changes in 2025. A new U.S. administration, new leadership at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and shifting global conflicts will influence regulations, supply chains, and technological advancements

Commercial Drone Alliance Calls for Regulatory Clarity and Expanded Counter-UAS Authorities

As drone incursions at sporting events surge, stadium operators and law enforcement push for Congressional action on counter-UAS measures.

With the winds of change in D.C. comes opportunity for the drone industry. The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) appears to be positioning itself well to take advantage of these changes

Local, state and federal officials are increasingly calling for changes to current federal law, regarding the ability of facility owners to detect and mitigate unwanted drone incursions. Lawmakers are also demanding that state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement agencies be granted new authority to interrupt the flight of, or even bring down errant drones that pose a threat to critical infrastructure sites or other significant potential targets.

Updated Guidelines Aim to Enhance Safety, Innovation, and Growth in Crewed and Uncrewed Aviation

The FAA has updated its guidelines for the design of vertiport facilities where eVTOL aircraft will be able to take off and land. Changes to the FAA document reflect the agency's desire to harmonize guidance on eVTOL vertiports with its existing heliport design standards.

We applaud the leadership of the Department of Commerce and the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) in taking a key step to strengthen U.S. supply chain security.

The Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) program at Commerce has issued a final ICTS rule, which replaces an interim rule that has been in effect since January 2021. The final rule establishes the procedures our office will use to review particular entities and their ICTS transactions.

Experts Urge Action to Close Gaps in Airspace Awareness and Empower Local Law Enforcement

There are more than one million drones lawfully registered with the FAA in the United States and there are thousands of commercial, hobbyist and law enforcement drones lawfully in the sky on any given day. With the technology landscape evolving, we expect that number to increase over time.

New language in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) gives U.S. agencies one year to assess security risks of Chinese drones, but the clock is ticking—and the outcome remains uncertain.  

The FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference text has been released.  The text includes critical language aimed at addressing potential national security risks posed by Chinese-made drones.

AUVSI and members of our Air Advocacy Committee met with the White House's Office of Management and Budget to urge advancement of the draft Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) safety rule. Matt Sloane, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at SkyfireAI, participated in this week's meeting for organizations focused on public safety / law enforcement / physical security.

If you are considering a drone as a holiday gift, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wants you and your loved ones to understand how to fly it safely.  The FAA is again launching its 12 Days of Drones campaign to educate people about the rules, regulations and best practices of operating a drone.  

Texas public schools could be guarded by drones armed with pepper spray or Tasers under a new bill filed in the Texas Legislature meant to beef up school security. The measure would boost funding for safety upgrades and let schools deploy drones in place of the armed guards that lawmakers required on every campus in response to the Uvalde school shooting.

How drones used for criminal activity are driving bipartisan calls for expanded detection and mitigation powers.

While understanding the basics of established FAA regulatory frameworks is important you don't need to be a regulatory expert to get started. With the right support, anyone can quickly bring drones into their operations.

A draft rule for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, currently under review by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), could unlock the scalability of critical drone applications when passed. Yet, with deadlines looming, industry leaders stress the urgency of publishing the rule before potential political shifts in early 2025.

Navigating Domestic Manufacturing, Chinese Imports, and Integration Programs in a New Era. Trump's previous policies and plans may shed some light on future developments for drones in the U.S.

With the growing number of incidents involving drone flying where and when they shouldn't, local law enforcement agencies and drone security companies are lobbying Congress to pass legislation that would extend the authority to conduct counter-drone measures – currently held by a handful of select federal agencies – to local-level police officials.

Ongoing research will help the FAA develop a consistent framework for assessing and integrating these new technologies, enabling strategic planning and data-driven decision-making for future rulemaking, policy, certification, and operational considerations.

Angela McCullough, Deputy Executive Director of the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office, highlighted the FAA's current achievements and future aspirations in integrating drones into the National Airspace System (NAS).

We applaud the FAA for issuing the regulation in compliance with Congressionally mandated timelines and making changes from the draft rule to the final rule that ensure the U.S. will maintain global leadership in this critical segment of advanced aviation.

Forum will bring together local government leaders to provide timely and strategic advice to the federal government and aviation industry on efforts to integrate advanced air mobility (AAM) like air taxis and drones into U.S. airspace and communities across the country

Industry Leaders React to New Pilot and Operational Standards as the U.S. Takes a Critical Step Toward Scaling eVTOL and AAM Innovations

Powered lift operations include air taxis, cargo delivery and a variety of operations within urban and rural areas.   
The agency today issued a final rule for the qualifications and training that instructors and pilots must have to fly aircraft in this "powered-lift" category, which have characteristics of both airplanes and helicopters.

Reuters reported that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is blocking the import of some DJI drones, citing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).

The intent of this question is meant to promote a healthy conversation within our industry about the existing regulatory approach. There are important distinctions between drones and traditional aircraft like the Boeing 737, where the pace of innovation and the underlying technology are vastly different.

Insights into the broader implications of foreign-made drones, particularly those produced by companies identified as national security risks, and argues for a more robust investment in U.S. drone manufacturing to safeguard the industry and national security.

Since FY 2020, Interior has been revising its policies to restrict the purchase and use of certain foreign-made drones due to potential security risks. Today, Interior is allowed to use them, but generally still isn't allowed to buy more of them.

Although the Countering CCP Drones Act received bipartisan support in the US House, there are many companies, organizations, and industry leaders who oppose the bill. Arguments against the bill include fears that the bill will slow overall growth in the US drone industry and increase costs to companies and public organizations looking to add uncrewed systems to their operations.

AUVSI Submits Comments to the House Armed Services Committee on Strengthening the Defense Industrial Base.
Key Focus on Supporting Autonomous Systems and U.S. Navy Readiness.

Congress Members Send Letter to USDA and CISA: DJI Responds to Growing National Security Concerns

FAA Provides Key Updates on Drone Policy at Commercial UAV Expo 2024

New Regulations Enable Safer and More Reliable Drone Operations in National Airspace