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<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>07 January 2026</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" title="Lantronix Inc." href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=1idkXP_MNBaDUblvHKLGeene-t3f7XesxZlhXZrkHxVroB3PG-Xjg42deJwsRYvfw2wEWQfngV-UBrFPPMtSMqhYNCQ1zqylc-dGeO0aqIqLMIw_LWCWdWUNa58tx0Dr0AcxufGLd44Re4ywo21kd49APWzMxcr1YmOD0EhLkTSIQPFpMQDFztM7AEQz2cxGSXYISr8NZPfHIM4UA_3aVg==" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lantronix Inc.</a></strong></span> a global leader in compute and connectivity IoT solutions powering Edge AI applications, announced the debut of its new <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" title="SmartEdge.ai&trade;" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=fCbAwTq8eT-HuhtUfR4GYYcQmI7TQnmHB1G7NJIE8jQfCObEwTorEuZ6EgwxUS0y5dk18fQcsuFKKiItmXCmPVdkSgCNPt6IgFJbn6E0eLnEdpJFmIbdZTv5HJA3JNmg9lfYQK1fhpxwUApYSeREpNQGiUHG6sjHl11bcbC9iZ_8fUf6hnvtlT6FCrnkA0h9vbftJGoHyKs6vOdl2zqyNDsXYq2LhET0tFB-cENNVgl2Jff-6TftKLRkhaMTlESD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SmartEdge.ai</a></strong></span>&nbsp;5G-ready Edge AI Gateway and&nbsp;<span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" title="SmartSwitch.ai&trade;" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=fCbAwTq8eT-HuhtUfR4GYVCuYYwyi5_Jw5TwT6kmQ8wzZQtuggc6oEtGH9wc9k68PUwWu7PDDfGT1vw6mcc6HhE4rgFZtkZB3ZtlzK9cgEbJtcNGZoaUy2U7LZRQZJDrfVcstOU8UBl8JiX7M0MMMz5fNZPgWVWqG-KaVIm8LMUUK0r9C3d3w0lz0ANN5gCwCJIcBHb1kGHKAN9PsZHSsa_-V_ziMEJzhILN5I296OtBdfxhHl72NYz5fu0atfy0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SmartSwitch.ai</a></strong></span> PoE+ aggregation switch with onboard AI capabilities. The solutions form an integrated Edge AI surveillance and intelligent connectivity platform designed to enable real-time video analytics, AI-driven insights and scalable power and data aggregation across enterprise and industrial environments.&nbsp;</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>5G Edge AI Platform for Real-Time Surveillance</strong></span></h5>
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<div class="quoteH">Lantronix&rsquo;s SmartEdge.ai Gateway and SmartSwitch.ai Fiber Aggregation Switch form a unified, resilient Edge AI surveillance infrastructure. SmartEdge.ai enables real-time video analytics with integrated 5G wireless connectivity, while SmartSwitch.ai aggregates inputs from multiple PoE switches and IP devices to provide high-bandwidth uplinks for centralized analytics and management. Powered by the Qualcomm QCS6490, the SmartEdge.ai Gateway delivers high-quality video processing and edge inference to distributed environments where latency and reliability are critical.</div>
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<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Key Capabilities</strong></span></h5>
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<li><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Smart Video Insights:</strong></span>&nbsp;Real-time object detection, tracking and vehicle monitoring.</li>
<li><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Security Monitoring:</strong>&nbsp;</span>Intrusion detection via integrated camera feeds.</li>
<li><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Building Automation:</strong></span>&nbsp;Control of access points, lighting, shades, temperature and occupancy.</li>
<li><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Predictive Maintenance:</strong></span>&nbsp;Automated network analysis, event detection and reporting.</li>
<li><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>High-Performance Aggregation:</strong></span>&nbsp;10 1G/10G open SFP+ ports and two 1G/10G RJ45 ports with a 10G/25G SFP28 uplink.</li>
<li><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Autonomous Network Management:</strong>&nbsp;</span>Remote deployment, orchestration and monitoring for reduced operating costs.</li>
</ul>
<p><br />&ldquo;AI-powered intelligence at the edge is reshaping how organizations secure, automate and understand their environments,&rdquo; said Saleel Awsare, CEO of Lantronix. &ldquo;With SmartEdge.ai and SmartSwitch.ai, we&rsquo;re delivering a unified platform that brings advanced video analytics and intelligent connectivity directly to the site data generation. Powered by Qualcomm Technologies&rsquo; high-performance processing, Lantronix is enabling customers to deploy scalable, real-time AI applications that unlock new levels of safety, efficiency and automation.&rdquo;</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Strategic Market Impact</strong></span></h5>
<p>The global video surveillance market is projected to almost double from approximately $73.8 billion in 2024 to approximately $147.7 billion by 2030, driven by IP cameras, cloud VMS and analytics, implying approximately 12 percent CAGR from 2025&ndash;2030. SmartEdge.ai and SmartSwitch.ai position Lantronix at the center of the rapidly expanding market for AI-enabled surveillance, intelligent buildings and distributed edge infrastructure. As organizations shift video analytics and security workloads away from the cloud and toward premises-based edge compute, demand is rising for integrated solutions that combine real-time AI inferencing at the Edge, high-bandwidth connectivity and autonomous device management &mdash; the exact capabilities delivered in Lantronix&rsquo;s new platform.</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Lantronix&rsquo;s SmartEdge.ai + SmartSwitch.ai Platform Unlocks:</strong></span></h5>
<ul type="disc">
<li><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Entry into high-growth AI surveillance and smart-building segments</strong></span>, where real-time analytics, automation and multi-camera environments require powerful on-site compute.</li>
<li><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>New recurring revenue streams</strong></span>&nbsp;driven by multi-site deployments, device orchestration and long-lifecycle industrial systems.</li>
<li><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Strengthened partnerships across the AI ecosystem</strong></span>, including deeper alignment with Qualcomm Technologies&rsquo; high-performance, low-power edge processing platforms.</li>
<li><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Margin expansion opportunities</strong></span>&nbsp;through higher-value compute, analytics and intelligent network products.</li>
</ul>
<p>With a combined hardware and software platform built for scalability, reliability and industrial performance, Lantronix is well positioned to capture market share as enterprises accelerate adoption of edge-based vision AI, security automation and smart infrastructure modernization.</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>About Lantronix</strong></span></h5>
<p>Lantronix Inc. is a global leader in Edge AI and Industrial IoT solutions, delivering intelligent computing, secure connectivity and remote management for mission-critical applications. Serving high-growth markets, including smart cities, enterprise IT and commercial and defense unmanned systems, Lantronix enables customers to optimize operations and accelerate digital transformation. Its comprehensive portfolio of hardware, software and services powers applications from secure video surveillance and intelligent utility infrastructure to resilient out-of-band network management. By bringing intelligence to the network edge, Lantronix helps organizations achieve efficiency, security and a competitive edge in today&rsquo;s AI-driven world.</p>

Lantronix SmartEdge.ai Gateway and SmartSwitch.ai debuts at CES

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>06 January 2026</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/zcgG6XSVWImxZPd2qIKnYNh6RXPb7j7Ud8rV03wB.jpg" alt="" width="105" height="140" /></em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/pilot/matthew-adams" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>By Matt Adams&nbsp;</strong></a></span></p>
<p>I didn&rsquo;t begin my career with the intention of spending my days staring at telemetry data, watching propellers spin, or guiding a small aircraft through the sky with my thumbs. Becoming a drone pilot wasn&rsquo;t a straight line&mdash;it was more like a series of unexpected turns, gut instincts, and one persistent fascination with seeing the world from above. Like most things that stick with you in life, I didn&rsquo;t realize I was becoming a drone pilot until I&rsquo;d already become one.</p>
<p>Thirty-two years ago, I became a police officer. I loved the fact that no two days are the same. Catching bad guys and all the other excitement that came with the job. My supervisors loved the way I did things, which meant they put me where they could get maximum performance from me: nights.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for them I wanted to see the sun again. I took the test and was promoted to detective. Pretty much doing the same things I had been doing, but during the day, in plain clothes. The only drawback was being &ldquo;on-call&rdquo; seven days a month. After a short time, my wife stopped even reaching for the phone after midnight because it was likely for me. Something would have happened and I needed to go to the PD, the jail, or the emergency room. It got worse once I joined SWAT. Joining meant additional call-outs.</p>
<p>Before drones were part of my daily vocabulary, I spent years working on the ground&mdash;literally and metaphorically. Police work required movement, observation, discipline, and a healthy respect for safety. I learned how to manage pressure, how to plan, how to stay calm when things didn&rsquo;t go according to plan. Those skills didn&rsquo;t scream &ldquo;future drone pilot,&rdquo; but later on, they&rsquo;d become the backbone of my flying career.</p>
<p>My first encounter with a drone wasn&rsquo;t elegant. A member of our SWAT team bought a drone. We used it at first as a novelty. Having it circle a building or location, checking an area before we went in, trying to look in windows. None of us at the time and any idea what the future of drones held for law enforcement. To us, it was a cool piece of equipment. Our chief at the time saw it as a tool that was valuable only in certain situations.</p>
<p>I ended up retiring from the PD after 27 years and went to work for our state Attorney General&rsquo;s office as a Special Agent in the Medicaid Fraud unit. We were working remotely due to COVID, and I was desperate to get out of the house as much as possible.</p>
<p>I did what every rational adult would do in that situation. I bought my first drone.</p>
<p>I&rsquo;d like to say I took to it naturally, but the truth is my earliest flights were a mixture of awe and mild panic. Every time I pushed forward on the stick, I felt like I was piloting something both incredibly delicate and immensely powerful. I spent hours in open fields practicing basic maneuvers&mdash;hover, rotate, orbit, figure-eight patterns&mdash;long before I ever pointed a camera at anything worth recording. Something about the process hooked me. It wasn&rsquo;t just flying. It was control, perspective, and creativity stitched together.</p>
<p>I had initially used this drone much the same way we did at the PD. People started asking if I could &ldquo;bring the drone&rdquo; for small projects&mdash;local events, outdoor group photos, odd jobs that needed a view from the sky. I thought of it as a somewhat expensive hobby. It cost me a couple hundred dollars, which isn&rsquo;t cheap but by no means as expensive as the drone I have now. I just wanted to stay legal, safe, and polished while still being creative? Those early experiences sharpened my instincts and taught me how to see differently.</p>
<p>Eventually, I realized I needed to take things seriously if I wanted to transition from &ldquo;guy with a drone&rdquo; to &ldquo;professional drone pilot.&rdquo; That meant certifications, training, and a deeper dive into aviation knowledge. Getting my Part 107 remote pilot license was the turning point. Studying airspace classifications, weather patterns, risk assessments, safety procedures&mdash;it was like pulling back the curtain on an entirely new world. Suddenly, flying a drone wasn&rsquo;t just about capturing cool shots. It was about understanding responsibility, becoming part of a structured aviation ecosystem, and respecting the rules that kept the skies safe.</p>
<p>Passing the exam wasn&rsquo;t the end, it was the beginning. With certification came opportunities&mdash;and expectations. That also means continuing education. Since getting my certification, I&rsquo;ve taken photography and aerial photography classes. Small business classes too. People trusted me with more significant projects. I started taking on work that required advanced planning, precise execution, and sometimes nerves of steel. Commercial filming. Inspection flights where a single mistake could cost thousands of dollars. I learned how to fly in wind, in tight spaces, over water, around structures, and occasionally in situations where improvisation was the only way forward. Every job taught me something new&mdash;about drones, about myself, and about the sky.</p>
<p>One of the unexpected side effects of becoming a drone pilot was learning to see the world like a mapmaker, an architect, and an artist all at once. When you fly regularly, you stop viewing landscapes horizontally. You start thinking about heights, lines, symmetry, terrain, and geometry. You eye power lines suspiciously, waiting for them to reach out and snag your drone. A patch of empty field becomes a canvas for flight. A building becomes a puzzle of edges and angles. Flying rewired my brain in a way I didn&rsquo;t expect.</p>
<p>As technology advanced, so did my passion. Every new generation of drones brought better sensors, smarter navigation, and more possibilities. I embraced each evolution, learning to master manual flight while also understanding how to work with intelligent features and automated systems. The more capable the drones became, the more I felt responsible for pushing myself to become equally skilled. A drone is only as good as the pilot behind it&mdash;something I remind myself of every time I launch.</p>
<p>There&rsquo;s a moment in every flight&mdash;somewhere between takeoff and landing&mdash;when everything goes quiet. You&rsquo;re fully locked in. The world shrinks to the view on your screen and the instinct in your hands. It&rsquo;s focus and freedom at the same time. That&rsquo;s the part that keeps me flying.</p>
<p>Today, being a drone pilot is more than a job for me. It&rsquo;s a craft. A discipline. A way of seeing and understanding the world. It&rsquo;s problem-solving in real time, creativity under pressure, and the constant pursuit of better shots, safer flights, smoother movements, and sharper skills.</p>
<p>When people ask how I became a drone pilot, I tell them it wasn&rsquo;t a single decision. It was a series of steps driven by curiosity, patience, and the thrill of perspective. It was learning from mistakes, chasing improvement, and staying fascinated with the sky. What started as fascination turned into a hobby. The hobby became a discipline. The discipline became a profession.</p>
<p>And the profession? It&rsquo;s still evolving&mdash;just like the technology, just like the world, and just like me. Every flight teaches me something new. Every project opens a new door. Every takeoff reminds me why I started: I wanted to see the world differently.</p>
<p>And now, I get to help others see it that way too.</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Check Out Matt's Work</strong></span></h5>
<p><iframe style="width: 677px; height: 381px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sRuUboVbmkM?si=HLmAuwF0G1kpLe5I" width="677" height="381" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Pilot Story: Matt Adams

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>05 January 2026</em></span></p>
<div class="flex flex-col gap-y-8">
<div class="flex items-center gap-space-3"><span class="text-secondary f-body-2">FCC Chair Brendan Carr and FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson are scheduled for a "fireside chat" at the 2026 <a href="https://www.ces.tech/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>CES convention</strong></span></a> held in the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 8 from 11:00 am to 11:50 am in W232, West Level 2.</span></div>
<div class="flex items-center gap-space-3">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="flex items-center gap-space-3"><span class="text-secondary f-body-2">While the event page promises "candid conversations on how their agencies are navigating the rapidly changing tech landscape," those in the drone community are likely wondering if Carr will share any intel on the de facto "DJI ban" after the FCC added the Chinese drone maker to its Covered List, effective December 22, 2025. <a href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-416839A1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Click here to read the FCC's Fact Sheet.</strong></span></a></span></div>
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<div class="mt-2 leading-tight md:leading-normal text-xl max-w-4xl ">The back and forth between the United States government and DJI has been well documented in articles and videos published here at The Droning Company site. Many drone professionals feel the matter has been poorly researched, and the loss of DJI's advanced technology and affordable pricing to first responders will significantly hinder police and fire departments and other public safety services. Of course, there are also those who feel Chinese drones pose a credible threat to national security.&nbsp;</div>
<div class="mt-2 leading-tight md:leading-normal text-xl max-w-4xl ">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="mt-2 leading-tight md:leading-normal text-xl max-w-4xl ">Given the still-smoldering viewpoints regarding DJI, Carr may decide to let the matter rest entirely at his CES talk, rather than stir up any additional controversy.</div>
<div class="mt-2 leading-tight md:leading-normal text-xl max-w-4xl ">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="mt-2 leading-tight md:leading-normal text-xl max-w-4xl ">We'll monitor the news as it happens and alert The Droning Company community once we now more about "Carr's Commentary."</div>
<div class="mt-2 leading-tight md:leading-normal text-xl max-w-4xl ">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="mt-2 leading-tight md:leading-normal text-xl max-w-4xl "><a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R45699" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>You can read the latest FCC "Structure, Operations, and Budget" report here</strong></span></a>.</div>
<div class="mt-2 leading-tight md:leading-normal text-xl max-w-4xl ">&nbsp;</div>
<h5 class="mt-2 leading-tight md:leading-normal text-xl max-w-4xl "><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Review the Ban News</strong></span></h5>
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Fireside chat with FCC chairman at CES 2026

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>02 January 2026</em></span></p>
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<p>The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces the availability of and requests comments on the draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) related to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) (drone) package delivery operations in the United States.</p>
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<div class="SUPLINF">
<p>The draft PEA evaluates the reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts of UAS (drone) package delivery operations in the United States. The proposed action analyzed in the PEA is for drone operators conducting commercial drone package deliveries under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135.</p>
<p>The draft PEA is submitted for public comment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 4321&nbsp;<em>et seq.</em>&nbsp;); USDOT Order 5610.1D, DOT's Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts; FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures; Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 303); and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. 300101&nbsp;<em>et seq.</em>&nbsp;) on December 1, 2025.</p>
<p>Comments may be submitted in writing to&nbsp;<em>9-FAA-Drone-Environmental@faa.gov.</em>&nbsp;Commenters should reference the draft PEA for drone package delivery in the email subject line when submitting comments. The final PEA for drone package deliveries in the United States will include public comments received during the public comment period and the FAA's responses.</p>
<p>Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, be advised that the entire comment&mdash;including personal identifying information&mdash;may be made publicly available at any time. While a commenter can ask the FAA to withhold from public review any personal identifying information, the FAA cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.</p>
<p>The draft PEA is available to view and download electronically at&nbsp;<em>https://www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/nepa_and_drones/.</em>&nbsp;The documentation is available from any internet access including from computers freely available at public libraries.</p>
<h5 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FAA-2013-0259-4288" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>SHARE YOUR COMMENT</strong></span></a></h5>
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Public Comment Due on Drone Delivery

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>31 December 2025</em></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Many Thanks for Your Support in 2025</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">We're Looking Forward to Even Bigger Things in 2026</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Cheers,</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Staff of The Droning Company</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Happy Droning New Year!

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>30 December 2025</em></span></p>
<p class="gnt_ar_b_p">A 5,000-drone production in Las Vegas&mdash;to date, the largest drone light show in the United States&mdash;transformed the skies over the Strip into the "Upside Down" world of the Netflix hit series, <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><em>Stranger Things</em></strong></span>.</p>
<p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Held on Sunday, December 28, the drone show was titled &ldquo;One Last Adventure: Las Vegas." It was the closing event in a series of celebrations across the globe to commemorate the final season of <em>Stranger Things</em>.</p>
<p class="gnt_ar_b_p">"From interactive installations in Madrid, Spain, to an immersive Hawkins National Laboratory exhibit in Sydney, Australia, each event paid tribute to our favorite gang of monster fighters," stated Netflix. "In Las Vegas, blinking lights paid homage to key characters, props, and scenes from the juggernaut series, including visuals of the WSQK van, the gang bicycling through Hawkins, and Will&rsquo;s triumphant take-down of the Demogorgons."&nbsp;</p>
<p class="gnt_ar_b_p">For fans of the series, the final episode of <em>Stranger Things</em>, "The Rightside Up," is scheduled for release on Wednesday, December 31 at 5 pm (PT) and 8 pm (ET). The previous episodes of Season Five are now streaming on Netflix.</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Click and Face the Strange</strong></span></h5>
<p><iframe style="width: 676px; height: 380px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0I1yQAqsVx0?si=MiDqyktoPA2ATIc6" width="676" height="380" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>

Drones bring "Stranger Things" to Las Vegas

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>29 December 2025</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;">A cool drone show is wonderful, and we've covered lots of them across the globe here at The Droning Company. But when a Chinese tech team produces a drone light show in Chongqing where thousands of UAVs are managed by a single computer system, the application may have more impact than fabulous aerial choreography.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;">In fact, the show&mdash;operated by the Guinness World Record breaking team at <span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><a style="color: #ba372a;" href="https://en.dmduav.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Damoda</a></strong></span>&mdash;could presage how far ahead China is at commanding drone swarms, AI, and, ultimately, use cases for combat.</span></p>
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<p>Tech advances aside, you can watch the drone production below and simply enjoy how it looks. But keep in mind that "fun" could transform into a technological race and potential battlefield dominance&mdash;all from some pretty shapes created by lights ...&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Watch the Show Unfold</strong></span></h5>
<p><iframe style="width: 674px; height: 379px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i-12aEmnzn8?si=dBu3HaoE64Dyjhil" width="674" height="379" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
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WHen is a drone show more than a drone show

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>26 December 2025</em></span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.thedroningcompany.com/news/categories/chris-fravel" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>By Chris "The Drone Geek" Fravel</strong></span></a></p>
<p>The news arrived not with a bang, but with the cold, impersonal finality of a social media post. On December 22, 2025, a day earlier than many in the industry had braced themselves for, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr took to X to announce the formal inclusion of DJI and Autel onto the &ldquo;Covered List.&rdquo; This move, powered by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), was expected&mdash;a culmination of months, if not years, of legislative saber-rattling.</p>
<p><img src="https://media.thedroningcompany.com/images/tincy/6DwXkWB3ETLKp3DoPVx0cBoqcRwEu6zifnUwcojJ.png" alt="" width="679" height="903" /></p>
<p>Yet, a great many of us&mdash;myself included&mdash;were blindsided by the accompanying news: the chilling, sweeping inclusion of <em>all</em> foreign-made drones and critical components. This broad, almost carelessly expansive stroke of a pen leaves the American drone ecosystem reeling, suddenly facing a future where our options are restricted, innovation is stifled, and the global drone supply chain is treated as a geopolitical threat&mdash;even when it involves allied nations. This is more than a ban; it&rsquo;s an overreach that has cast a pall over the future of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in the United States, forcing us all to grapple with a new reality of severe limitation.</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>The Scope of the Ban</strong></span></h5>
<p>The official statement from the FCC paired with Chairman Carr&rsquo;s mid-afternoon post confirmed what we had feared for DJI and Autel&mdash;a ban on future FCC approval and sale in the United States. While this aspect of the news had been widely anticipated, the devil was in the details, or, more accurately, in the scope.</p>
<p>The inclusion of all&nbsp;foreign-made drones and critical components is the clause that landed like a freight train on the community. Such a blanket statement leaves critical questions unanswered and simultaneously closes the door on vast swathes of the global market. It&rsquo;s a statement so&nbsp;broad it suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of the drone industry&rsquo;s globalized nature, or perhaps, a deliberate intention to create a US-centric island of technology with little regard for the economic and innovative consequences. The effective date, starting in 2026, gives a false sense of breathing room, but the die is cast, and the clock is ticking on a market that has thrived on international collaboration and competition.</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Separating Fact from Fear</strong></span></h5>
<p>My intention is not to be a fear-monger, but rather to interpret the facts presented by the FCC's aggressive stance. Before we speculate further on the implications, it is paramount that every drone operator understands a few key things:</p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Your DJI drones are not illegal to fly.</strong> </span>You can still fly anything you currently own. This ban is not a recall, and the FCC will not be deploying a personal Gestapo to confiscate existing equipment. Continue flying, having fun, and earning money with the systems you already possess.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>You will still be able to purchase drones that have received FCC licensing.</strong> </span>This includes any platform already approved for use and sale in the United States, whether released or unreleased at the time of the announcement. This means you can continue to purchase models like the Mavic 4s, Air 3Ss, Mini 5 Pros, and any other systems that have already secured their FCC approval. However, you will not&nbsp;be able to purchase or legally utilize any drones or components from foreign manufacturers that have not been granted this existing approval. The line in the sand is drawn based on the current FCC licensure status.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>DJI is still in your corner.</strong> </span>The company has responded to this latest announcement, making it clear that they intend to maintain a presence in the American market where possible. This includes servicing existing drones and facilitating the purchase of already-approved systems. Their commitment, despite the regulatory assault, provides a measure of stability for current owners.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>The FCC <em>could</em> revoke existing approvals.</strong> </span>This is the most crucial, and perhaps most alarming, point. Earlier this year, the FCC voted to grant itself the power to revoke existing approvals on any device under its jurisdiction. While they have not yet exercised this authority against existing DJI or other foreign-made drones and components, the capability is now a permanent tool in their belt. This unfounded and unwarranted overreach in the current announcement indicates a body very capable of abusing its newfound power. This possibility, though not yet a reality, is a serious threat that the community must be aware of.</p>
<p>The immediate, practical consequence of this policy is a severe restriction on consumer choice and professional supply chains. Effective 2026, the door is closed on all unapproved drones or critical components from companies in foreign countries.</p>
<p>This extends far beyond the prebuilt aircraft from giants like DJI and Autel. It encompasses the entire ecosystem of components that fuel the dynamic FPV and custom UAS markets. We are talking about critical parts like cutting-edge video transmission systems, high-performance receivers, sophisticated transmitters, and advanced flight controllers. If the product is not already FCC-approved, its path to the US market is effectively terminated. This means the latest, most innovative gear will simply bypass the United States, forcing operators to use older, less capable, or domestically produced (and often more expensive) equipment. This fragmentation and isolation will cripple the US drone industry's ability to remain competitive globally.</p>
<p>The idea that the US can simply pivot to solely domestic alternatives ignores the foundational realities of modern manufacturing and innovation.</p>
<h5><strong><span style="color: #ba372a;">My Thoughts: An Un-American Overreach and Dire Implications</span></strong></h5>
<p>This is, quite simply, a dramatic and frankly un-American overreach into the private sector. The inclusion of <em>all</em> foreign-made components blindsided us and betrays a fundamental principle of open, competitive markets. If the language is to be interpreted plainly, even industry innovators like Orqa, Team Blacksheep (TBS), Parrot, and Dronetag&mdash;companies often based in allied nations&mdash;will see their non-approved products banned. The loss of access to their specialized FPV goggles, long-range radio links, and enterprise solutions due to an NDAA-powered ban aimed at specific security concerns is bureaucratic collateral damage of the highest order.The Dire Implications for US Innovation</p>
<p>The consequences for the US drone market are dire. Innovation thrives on competition. By effectively cordoning off the US market, this policy makes the growth of domestic technology significantly more difficult, ironically doing the exact opposite of what it claims to achieve. The universally agreed-upon solution to shifting away from Chinese technology reliance was to develop robust, allied supply chains in partner nations. This policy effectively nukes that idea, isolating the United States and creating an "island of ineptitude" regarding UAS supply and development. The US will be behind the technological curve, unable to easily integrate or benefit from the best-of-breed components from a truly global supply base.</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>The Specter of Revocation and Political Overreach</strong></span></h5>
<p>While I hope it remains untouched, the capability of the FCC to revoke existing licenses is a political Sword of Damocles.</p>
<p>Chairman Carr has previously demonstrated an eagerness to overstep, even in areas like alleged infringement on free speech utilizing the FCC's platform. Why would he not jump at the opportunity to infringe on an area that is not protected by the constitution? We must be prepared for the possibility of a political decision to pull the plug entirely on approved devices. This would not cause our drones to fall out of the sky, but it would make their use illegal, an egregious violation of property rights.Following the Money Trail</p>
<p>It is impossible to analyze this policy without following the money. Corporate lobbying has undeniably fueled this regulatory push. BRINC and Skydio&mdash;domestic drone manufacturers&mdash;have both contributed a substantial amount of money towards lobbying efforts pushing for this ban. This dynamic raises serious ethical questions about whether national security is being weaponized to grant a commercial advantage to specific domestic companies.</p>
<p>Furthermore, the legislation has been largely bipartisan, yet almost exclusively spearheaded and proposed by the Republican party. The political angle deepens with the inclusion of players like Donald Trump, Jr., who owns a significant amount of stake in Unusual Machines<strong> </strong>and is a member of their advisory board, a company that was conspicuously early to the game regarding the development and sale of "NDAA" FPV components. This convergence of regulation, lobbying, and political financial interest casts a severe shadow over the policy's stated public good, suggesting a move towards crony capitalism and the carving up of a national market for the benefit of a few.</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>A Time for Vigilance and Resolve</strong></span></h5>
<p>This is a dark time for the world of drones. The uncertainty surrounding our future as UAS operators in the United States is palpable. The industry appears to be trending toward a concentration of access, where the 'haves' (large domestic defense contractors and their political allies) are leveraging regulation to control the airspace and technology development, to the detriment of the 'have-nots' (the small businesses, independent pilots, and FPV enthusiasts who make up the community).</p>
<p>Despite the hopelessness, I plan on continuing to fly my drones with confidence and resolve. I will exercise caution and be more selective about the conditions and opportunities I pursue, knowing that replacement of my systems may be impossible in the future. But this is not a moment to be scared out of the skies. We have taken a major blow as an industry, but we will not surrender. We must remain vigilant, engage with our representatives, and continue flying, in spite of the political and regulatory headwinds. The fight for open skies and an innovative future for UAS in America is far from over.</p>

FCC Overreach!

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>25 December 2025</em></span></p>
<p>A lot has gone on this year, and we appreciate your support of The Droning Company.</p>
<p>We strive to offer our pilot community education, entertainment, and, most importantly, JOBS!</p>
<p>Let's grow together in 2026!</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>The Staff of the Droning Company</p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong>Happy Holidays!</strong></span></h5>
<p><iframe style="width: 670px; height: 377px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yjQEVsu9jTc?si=psyjXq8xXPPK87Za" width="670" height="377" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>

Happy Holidays!

<p><span style="color: #ba372a;"><em>22 December 2025</em></span></p>
<p>On December 18, President Trump signed law S.1071, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.</p>
<p>In his "Statement By The President" on that date, Trump stated: "The Act will enable the Department of War to carry out my Peace Through Strength agenda, protect the homeland from domestic and foreign threats, and strengthen the defense industrial base...Over the next three years, the United States will host numerous major events that necessitate new authorities to combat emerging security threats. <em>The Act includes the critical SAFER SKIES Act, which provides State and local law enforcement with the authority to protect against unmanned aircraft when they present a threat to the public and creates a new felony offense for a second violation of national defense airspace</em>."</p>
<p>The Safer Skies Act is obviously of most interest to the drone community, as it provides state and local authorities the power to deploy technology to thwart UAV threats at sporting events, concerts, festivals, and other large public gatherings.</p>
<p>The NFL, in particular, has sought the assistance of a law such as S.1071 for at least three years, citing more than 2,000 unlawful drone flights over stadiums during that time. While the FAA temporarily restricts the airspace around a stadium from one hour before and one hour after a game&mdash;the limitations being flights below 3,000 feet and within three miles of the event&mdash;drones often defy the restrictions.</p>
<p>Even more remarkably, thousands of NFL amd Major League Baseball games have been played without local officials on-site with the legal authority to bring down drones. In fact, such actions in the past required federal law enforcement to be on hand to disable <span style="font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #48494a;">unauthorized</span> drones, and only the Super Bowl, World Series, and World Cup final were eligible for such action.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #48494a;">"We thank President Trump and our Congressional champions from both political parties who took decisive action to keep fans safe," said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. "With a rising number of drones flying in restricted airspace, it is critical that state and local law enforcement have the tools to prevent harm. This important step will help protect fans at stadiums across the country."</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #48494a;">Bouyed by bipartisan support, the Safer Skies/National Defense Authorization Act passed the Senate before Trump's signature, and opened the door for state and local officials to receive the same training, as well as the ability to take action, as federal agents who may be on location during massive events.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #48494a;">"As drones become more common, the risk of them causing disruptions or being used for malicious activities at sporting events only grows stronger," stated Senator Gary Peters (D-Michigan). "Law enforcement officials must be able to protect stadiums in their communities from these growing threats&mdash;especially as the United States prepares to host next summer's FIFA World Cup and the upcoming 2028 LA Olympics."</span></p>
<h5><span style="color: #ba372a;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Learn More</span></strong></span></h5>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Georgia',serif; color: #48494a;"><iframe style="width: 676px; height: 380px;" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hj40zgyEtDg?si=vAEBYRPKN3s-F4uU" width="676" height="380" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></span></p>

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