Utilities face challenges in establishing drone programs By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill While the owners of electric utility assets were some of the earliest adopters of drone technology, they are facing new challenges and opportunities – such as the expected adoption of new beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) regulations and government pressures to adapt their drone … [Read more...] about Utilities Prepare for BVLOS While Navigating the Post-DJI Transition
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US Drone Makers Are Building a Different Kind of Factory
Additive Manufacturing Helps Build Flexibility, Scale, and Supply Chain Resilience At AUVSI’s XPONENTIAL 2026 conference in Detroit, one theme surfaced repeatedly across panels and interviews: the future of U.S. drone manufacturing may not look anything like the mass-production model pioneered in China. Instead of trying to recreate enormous factories optimized for millions … [Read more...] about US Drone Makers Are Building a Different Kind of Factory
FCC Updates Covered List, Introduces First Conditional Approvals for Drone Systems
Four systems receive time-limited approvals as a new case-by-case pathway takes shape News and Commentary. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has updated its Covered List to formally incorporate a new category of devices granted Conditional Approval by federal agencies. The March 18, 2026 action marks the first time the FCC has identified specific drone systems … [Read more...] about FCC Updates Covered List, Introduces First Conditional Approvals for Drone Systems
Ukraine’s Drone Industry Is Breaking Its Dependence on Chinese Parts
As Ukraine builds domestic drone components under wartime pressure, the effort offers lessons for manufacturers navigating new supply chain restrictions. Recent reporting in the Kyiv Post and New York Times highlights Ukraine’s effort to reduce reliance on Chinese drone components. While the story is tied to wartime necessity, it raises an important question for the broader … [Read more...] about Ukraine’s Drone Industry Is Breaking Its Dependence on Chinese Parts
From Drones to Helicopters: Robinson, Ascent Build a Scalable Autonomous Rotorcraft Ecosystem
In an exclusive interview with Ascent AeroSystems CEO Paul Fermo: how Robinson and Ascent aim to scale autonomy from small drones to full-size helicopters The rotorcraft industry is entering a new phase as established helicopter manufacturers move deeper into autonomous aviation. A recent announcement revealed a collaboration between Sikorsky and Robinson Helicopter Company to … [Read more...] about From Drones to Helicopters: Robinson, Ascent Build a Scalable Autonomous Rotorcraft Ecosystem
