Commercial drones have made their name by observing the world below. Now a new class of missions is moving the aircraft up into the atmosphere itself. The Utah Division of Water Resources is exploring drone-based cloud seeding to replace the crewed aircraft it tested from 2022 to 2025. That puts unmanned aircraft at the meeting point of aviation, meteorology, autonomy and water … [Read more...] about Guest Post: Why Drones May Change How We Operate in the Atmosphere
Dronelife
Headed to Commercial UAV Expo 2026? Keynotes, DRONELIFE, and Friends and Partners to Visit in Las Vegas
Commercial UAV Expo returns September 1–3 as major regulatory changes reshape the U.S. drone market. Here’s what the DRONELIFE team will be watching, plus where to find our friends and partners on the show floor. Commercial UAV Expo returns to Las Vegas September 1–3, bringing more than 3,700 commercial drone professionals and 240-plus exhibitors to Caesars Forum. This year, … [Read more...] about Headed to Commercial UAV Expo 2026? Keynotes, DRONELIFE, and Friends and Partners to Visit in Las Vegas
FAA Deputy Administrator Departure Highlights Leadership Turnover During Critical Aviation Reforms
Chris Rocheleau's exit comes as the FAA continues work on long-term safety and drone integration initiatives. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will see another leadership change as Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau steps down from the agency, according to Reuters. Rocheleau became one of the FAA's most visible leaders following the January 2025 midair collision … [Read more...] about FAA Deputy Administrator Departure Highlights Leadership Turnover During Critical Aviation Reforms
UK Backs Sovereign Drone Ecosystem with £5 Billion Investment
Defence plan reflects growing allied focus on trusted supply chains and domestic drone manufacturing The UK government will invest more than £5 billion in drones and autonomous systems over the remainder of the current Parliament, making one of the largest national commitments to uncrewed technology by a Western ally. The investment is part of the government's new Defence … [Read more...] about UK Backs Sovereign Drone Ecosystem with £5 Billion Investment
New FCC Language Reveals Next Phase of Trusted Drone Policy
Latest FCC notice suggests Conditional Approval is becoming a long-term compliance framework rather than a temporary exemption program The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has added two more uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to its growing list of devices exempt from the agency's Covered List. But the most significant development may not be the addition of two new … [Read more...] about New FCC Language Reveals Next Phase of Trusted Drone Policy
