New rules remove a decades-old restriction on airborne use of the 800 MHz Cellular band. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted on October 29 to remove a longstanding restriction on drone use of the 800 MHz Cellular band. The decision opens 50 megahertz of licensed spectrum for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The new rules allow drones to use the spectrum for … [Read more...] about FCC Opens 50 MHz of Cellular Spectrum for Drone Operations
Policy
New Border Drone Restrictions Raise Questions for Commercial Operators
AUVSI calls for clearer approval procedures as federal agencies expand efforts to counter cartel drones along the U.S.-Mexico border. By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill New federally imposed rules to combat the flights of cartel drones, by restricting UAV operations along a narrow strip of land along the U.S. Mexico border, should be enhanced to allow greater legitimate … [Read more...] about New Border Drone Restrictions Raise Questions for Commercial Operators
FAA Clarifies Drone Authorization Requirements for Airport Emergency Exercises
New guidance explains how airport operators should request airspace access when using drones in emergency response training. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued updated guidance on October 9, 2026, clarifying authorization requirements for drone operations during airport emergency exercises. According to the FAA's On Airport Unmanned Aircraft System Operations … [Read more...] about FAA Clarifies Drone Authorization Requirements for Airport Emergency Exercises
FCC “Military-Grade” Drone Proposal Draws Overwhelming Opposition in Public Comments
Pilot Institute analysis finds 98.6% of readable filings opposed the proposed restrictions as writte Review of 3,824 readable filings finds 3,770 opposed the FCC proposal as written, as commenters raise concerns about economic impact, public safety, agriculture and commercial drone operations The comment period has closed on a Federal Communications Commission proposal that … [Read more...] about FCC “Military-Grade” Drone Proposal Draws Overwhelming Opposition in Public Comments
Scaling Drone Operations Will Require More Than Part 108
FAA officials at Commercial UAV Expo discussed how regulation, information sharing, airspace modernization and security must work together as advanced aviation scales As the FAA works toward a regulatory framework for routine beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations, the challenge goes beyond determining who can fly and under what conditions. At Commercial UAV … [Read more...] about Scaling Drone Operations Will Require More Than Part 108
