Critical drone programs and rulemaking at the FAA are slowing or pausing as the government shutdown enters its fourth week, while core flight safety operations continue. FAA Under Pressure as Shutdown Drags On The government shutdown has entered its fourth week, and its impact is spreading across the aviation community. While essential safety functions continue, much of the … [Read more...] about FAA Shutdown Stalls Drone Progress: Waivers, BVLOS Rulemaking, and Modernization Delayed
BVLOS rulemaking
Government Shutdown Casts Shadow Over FAA Operations and Commercial Drone Progress
As of October 6, the federal government shutdown enters its sixth day. For most Americans, the visible effects are still limited, but for the aviation sector—and particularly the drone industry—the timing is significant. Today also marks the close of the public comment period on the Federal Aviation Administration’s long-awaited proposed rule for routine flight beyond visual … [Read more...] about Government Shutdown Casts Shadow Over FAA Operations and Commercial Drone Progress
Ascent AeroSystems Names Paul Fermo as President
Former Navy Aviator to Lead Company Into Next Era of Growth Ascent AeroSystems has announced that Paul Fermo will become the company’s new president on October 1, 2025, as cofounder and CEO Peter Fuchs retires and transitions to an advisory role. The leadership change comes at a pivotal time for the drone industry in the United States, as demand from defense and government … [Read more...] about Ascent AeroSystems Names Paul Fermo as President
Uniting Perspectives: How Part 108 Can Serve the Entire Drone Industry
Part 108 NPRM and the Two Camps of the Drone Industry: Lessons from Commercial UAV Expo 2025 By DRONELIFE Contributing Editor Paul Rossi Last week, I attended my fourth straight Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas, NV. This year’s event was especially notable, not only for the conversations happening on the show floor, but also for what was continuing to develop outside the … [Read more...] about Uniting Perspectives: How Part 108 Can Serve the Entire Drone Industry
Drone Insights from the Biggest Names in Energy and Telecom
UAS in Critical Infrastructure: Lessons from Industry Veterans at Commercial UAV Expo At the Commercial UAV Expo, held in Las Vegas from September 2 – 4, 2025, leaders from across energy, telecom, and utilities gathered to discuss how drones are reshaping critical infrastructure operations. A panel of long-time industry veterans shared their experiences with scaling drone … [Read more...] about Drone Insights from the Biggest Names in Energy and Telecom
