New restrictions in California, Arizona, and Alabama highlight differences in state regulations and raise questions about federal airspace authority. By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill As states and local municipalities push to impose regulations to protect event venues from unwanted UAV incursions, drone operators and industry advocates are concerned that the new rules … [Read more...] about New State Drone Laws Create Patchwork of Restrictions, Raising Concerns for Operators
State Legislation
Michigan Awards $1.7 Million for 12 Advanced Air Mobility Projects
The pilots range from drone organ delivery in Ann Arbor to a drone as first responder program in Battle Creek, with most of the projects based in Detroit. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) has selected 12 advanced air mobility projects for $1.7 million in funding. The projects will deploy across the … [Read more...] about Michigan Awards $1.7 Million for 12 Advanced Air Mobility Projects
Northern Plains UAS Test Site Flies Medical and Agricultural BVLOS Demos on Vantis at NASAO
State aviation officials watched live flights at Gorman Field as CVS Health, Kelly Hills Unmanned, SkyfireAI and Thales demonstrated medical logistics and agricultural applications on North Dakota's statewide BVLOS network. The Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) hosted live flight demonstrations on the Vantis UAS system on September 16, 2026. The flights took place at … [Read more...] about Northern Plains UAS Test Site Flies Medical and Agricultural BVLOS Demos on Vantis at NASAO
California Passes 400-Foot Drone Restriction for Concerts, Raising FAA Pre-Emption Questions
AB 2113 would restrict unauthorized drone flights near large outdoor entertainment venues, but aviation attorneys say questions remain over state authority. By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill The California State Assembly has passed a bill that would prohibit the operation of a drone within 400 feet of an outdoor ticketed entertainment event or amusement park, but legal … [Read more...] about California Passes 400-Foot Drone Restriction for Concerts, Raising FAA Pre-Emption Questions
Michigan Drone Lawsuit Challenges Restrictions on Flights Near Police Operations
Michigan man sues sheriff’s department over state’s drone law By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill A Michigan-based freelance journalist has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to have local law enforcement officials not target him for flying his drone near their operations, providing that he is following all federal flight safety regulations and maintaining a safe distance … [Read more...] about Michigan Drone Lawsuit Challenges Restrictions on Flights Near Police Operations
