Yearly Archives: 2026


FCC Proposes Rule to Retroactively Ban Thermal Drones

On August 11 the FCC published a proposed rule seeking to ban the import, marketing and sale of of drones equipped with technologies the FCC describes as “weapons of war”. Many in the drone industry, including me, are pushing back, describing the definitions as overly broad. The proposed rule would […]


100% Tariff on Thermal Drones Begins September 3: What Operators Need to Know

On August 13, 2026, the White House announced significant new tariffs on imported drones and drone components. For public safety agencies, search and rescue teams, deer recovery operators, and other organizations that rely on thermal imaging drones, the impact could be substantial. Beginning September 3, 2026, imported drones equipped with thermal […]


Is it safe to buy a DJI drone?

“Are DJI drones banned?” “Is it safe to buy a DJI drone?” “Are other drones affected?” “What will happen to the drone I already have?” I get these questions often enough that I thought it worth writing about. In the last year we’ve seen press releases, news stories and statements […]