The FCC Wants to Hear From Drone Operators: What You Need to Know About the New Proposal and How to Make Your Voice Count

The FCC is asking drone operators, public safety agencies, businesses, and industry professionals to weigh in on a proposal that could affect future access to certain foreign-produced drone technologies used across commercial and public safety operations. If your organization relies on drones for inspections, emergency response, surveying, mapping, agriculture, or other mission -critical work, now is the time to understand what the proposal says, what it could mean for your operations, and how you can submit informed feedback before the September 2, 2026 comment deadline.

If this proposal could affect your operations, now is the time to make your experience part of the public record.

 

Enterprise drone operators rarely have an opportunity to provide input before federal policy decisions are made.

Right now, they do.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking public safety agencies, commercial operators, utilities, engineering firms, agricultural organizations, and other stakeholders to comment on a proposal that could influence future access to certain foreign-produced drone technologies.

If your organization relies on drones for inspections, emergency response, surveying, mapping, agriculture, or other mission-critical work, this is an opportunity to help regulators understand how those systems support your operations before any final decision is made.

Like many regulatory developments, the headlines have created confusion. Some describe the proposal as another "DJI ban." Others suggest existing drone fleets could suddenly become unusable. Neither explanation tells the full story.

The FCC is not asking stakeholders to vote for or against the proposal. It is asking for factual information from the organizations that use these technologies every day. That includes operational impacts, mission requirements, replacement costs, supply chain considerations, and whether practical alternatives exist. Those are the kinds of insights that can help regulators better understand how the FCC's request may influence day-to-day operations. 

This guide explains the current proposal in plain language, separates fact from speculation, identifies the industries and missions that could be affected, and shows you how to submit a meaningful FCC comment based on your organization's own experience. Whether you manage a public safety drone program, oversee utility inspections, support infrastructure projects, or operate an enterprise drone fleet, understanding the proposal is the first step toward making your voice count.

What Is the FCC Drone Proposal?

The FCC drone proposal is a request for public comment on whether the Federal Communications Commission should prohibit the future importation and marketing of certain categories of previously authorized foreign-produced drones and related technologies that the agency considers to have military capabilities or heightened national security implications. The proposal is part of a broader proceeding examining whether additional restrictions are in the public interest and is not a final rule. The FCC is asking for feedback before making a decision.

If adopted as proposed, the restrictions would apply to specific categories of equipment rather than a single manufacturer. The FCC is seeking comments on categories that include:

• Certain thermal imaging drones
• Drones equipped with LiDAR sensors
• Drone docking stations
• Agricultural drones capable of dispensing materials regulated under FAA rules
• Uncrewed aircraft weighing 55 pounds or more
• Swarming drones
• Drones specially designed to integrate defense articles

Many of these technologies are already used every day by enterprise organizations. Fire departments rely on thermal imaging to locate hotspots and missing persons. Surveyors and engineers use LiDAR to produce accurate terrain models. Utilities inspect critical infrastructure with autonomous drone docking systems. Agricultural operators use drones to improve efficiency and reduce worker exposure during crop protection missions.

That is why this proposal has drawn significant attention across the commercial drone industry. It is not simply about one manufacturer or one type of aircraft. It raises broader questions about technologies that support public safety, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and other mission-critical operations.

The FCC is specifically asking stakeholders to provide information that can help evaluate the proposal's potential effects. That includes technical information, operational experience, economic impacts, supply chain considerations, and the availability of practical alternatives. Rather than relying on assumptions, the Commission is seeking evidence from the organizations that use these systems in real-world operations.

For readers who want to review the Commission's proposal directly, the complete notice is available in the Federal Register and includes the full text of the proceeding, the questions the FCC is asking, and instructions for submitting comments before the deadline.

If you're looking for background on previous federal actions involving DJI and how they relate to the current proposal, our Complete Guide to the DJI Drone Ban explains the broader regulatory timeline and provides additional context for agencies and commercial drone programs.

 

What This Proposal Means for Drone Operators

It's understandable that many drone operators are confused. Headlines about drone restrictions often spread quickly, while the details are easy to miss. As a result, many people assume the proposal immediately changes what they can buy, own, or fly.

That isn't what this FCC proceeding does.

Understanding the difference between a proposal and a final rule is important before deciding how it may affect your organization.

What It Means

The current FCC drone proposal means:

• The FCC is gathering public comments before deciding whether to adopt additional restrictions on certain categories of foreign-produced drone technologies.
• The agency wants technical, operational, economic, and public safety information from organizations that could be affected.
• Commercial operators, public safety agencies, businesses, industry groups, and individual drone operators all have an opportunity to provide input during the public comment period.
• The information submitted may help the FCC better understand how the proposal could affect real-world drone operations before any final decision is made.

If your organization relies on enterprise drones for inspections, emergency response, mapping, infrastructure management, agriculture, or other specialized missions, this is your opportunity to explain how these systems support your work and what practical challenges this proceeding could create.

What It Doesn't Mean

Just as important is understanding what this proposal does not do.

At this stage:

• It is not a final FCC rule.
• It is not an immediate ban on foreign-produced drone technologies.
• It does not automatically ground existing drone fleets.
• It does not require organizations to stop flying drones they already own.
• It does not mean every foreign-manufactured drone or component is suddenly prohibited.

These distinctions matter because they help separate today's proposal from what could happen after the FCC reviews public feedback and determines its next steps.

For additional perspective on the proceeding and the types of foreign-produced drone technologies under consideration, see this analysis from Pillsbury Law. 

Proposal vs. Final Rule

The FCC has not reached a final decision. The current public comment period gives stakeholders an opportunity to put operational, technical, and economic realities on the record while the proposal is still under review.

Why the FCC Wants to Hear From Drone Operators

The FCC isn't asking the public to vote on the proposal. It's asking stakeholders to provide information that can help evaluate its potential impact before making a final decision.

When federal agencies develop or revise regulations, they often open a public comment period to gather feedback from the people and organizations most likely to be affected. In this case, that includes commercial drone operators, public safety agencies, infrastructure owners, utility companies, surveyors, agricultural operators, manufacturers, industry organizations, and others who rely on drone technologies in their daily work.

The goal is to better understand how the proposed restrictions could affect real-world operations, public safety, costs, technology adoption, and the availability of suitable alternatives.

Simply put, the FCC is asking questions that only the drone community can answer.

What Information Is the FCC Looking For?

According to the proposal, the FCC is seeking comments on several practical questions, including:

• How could the proposal affect your operations or mission?
• Would this proceeding create new costs for your organization?
• Are there comparable alternatives available today?
• How could the current proposal affect public safety, infrastructure, agriculture, or other critical services?
• What supply chain or procurement challenges could result?
• Are there technical or operational considerations the FCC should understand before making a final decision?

These are not hypothetical questions. They're intended to help the FCC evaluate how the proposal could influence organizations that depend on these technologies every day.

Why Operational Experience Matters

This is where professional drone operators have something valuable to contribute.

A fire department using thermal drones during wildfire response faces different operational challenges than a utility company inspecting transmission lines. Likewise, an engineering firm that relies on LiDAR for infrastructure surveys has different requirements than an agricultural operator using drone technology for crop protection.

Those differences may not be obvious from reading specifications or policy documents alone.

Organizations with firsthand experience can explain how these technologies are used, why specific capabilities matter, and what operational or economic impacts could result if access to those capabilities changes. That kind of information helps regulators better understand how a proposal may affect different industries and use cases.

For many organizations, this is an opportunity to move beyond general opinions and provide practical insights based on actual operations.

Who Should Consider Submitting a Comment?

If your organization relies on enterprise drone technologies as part of its mission, your experience may be relevant to the FCC's review.

This includes organizations such as:

• Fire departments
• Law enforcement agencies
• Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs
• Search and Rescue teams
• Utility companies
• Energy providers
• Infrastructure inspection firms
• Surveying and engineering companies
• Construction companies
• Agricultural operations
• Environmental monitoring organizations
• Commercial drone service providers
• Enterprise drone program managers
• Industry associations
• Manufacturers and technology developers

Each of these groups uses drone technology differently. Sharing those operational perspectives can help provide a more complete picture of how the proposal may affect different sectors.

 

Who Could Be Affected by the Proposal?

The FCC drone proposal is not directed at one manufacturer, one aircraft, or one industry. If adopted, it could affect systems used across a wide range of enterprise and public safety operations.

That doesn't mean every organization will be affected in the same way. The impact depends on your mission, the technologies your team relies on, and whether comparable alternatives are available for your operational requirements.

Below are some of the industries and use cases that could be most relevant to the current proposal.

Public Safety

Drone programs have become an important tool for fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and Search and Rescue teams.

These organizations often rely on capabilities such as thermal imaging, autonomous deployment, and rapid situational awareness to support time-sensitive missions.

Examples include:

• Locating missing persons during search operations
• Identifying hotspots during wildfire response
• Supporting tactical law enforcement operations
• Conducting Drone as First Responder (DFR) missions
• Assessing disaster damage after hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes

If future access to certain technologies changes, agencies may need to evaluate how those changes affect response times, operational planning, procurement strategies, and long-term fleet management.

For a closer look at the public safety implications, read What the FCC Update Means for Police DFR Programs Using DJI in 2026. 

Infrastructure Inspection

Utilities, energy providers, telecommunications companies, and engineering firms use drones to inspect assets that can be difficult, hazardous, or expensive to access.

Common applications include:

• Transmission and distribution lines
• Cell towers
• Bridges
• Pipelines
• Solar farms
• Wind turbines
• Industrial facilities

Many of these inspections rely on specialized sensors such as thermal imaging or LiDAR to identify issues that may not be visible with standard cameras.

Organizations that depend on these workflows may wish to evaluate how the proposal could affect future equipment availability and long-term inspection programs.

Surveying and Mapping

Surveyors, engineers, and geospatial professionals increasingly rely on drone-based LiDAR and photogrammetry to capture accurate topographic data.

These technologies support projects such as:

• Transportation infrastructure
• Land development
• Mining
• Environmental monitoring
• Floodplain analysis
• Construction planning

For organizations that have invested in specialized drone platforms, sensors, software, and training, any future changes affecting equipment availability may influence procurement planning and project timelines.

Agriculture

Modern agricultural operations use drones for much more than aerial imaging.

Depending on the application, drones may assist with:

• Crop health monitoring
• Precision agriculture
• Crop spraying
• Field scouting
• Resource management

The current FCC proposal specifically requests comments on certain agricultural drone categories, making this an area where operators can provide valuable feedback based on real operational experience.

Agricultural operators are often in the best position to explain how these technologies improve efficiency, reduce worker exposure, and support day-to-day farming operations.

Construction and Engineering

Construction firms and engineering companies use drones throughout the lifecycle of a project.

Typical applications include:

• Site documentation
• Earthwork measurements
• Progress monitoring
• Volumetric calculations
• Safety inspections
• As-built documentation

Many organizations have developed established drone workflows around specific aircraft, sensors, and software platforms. Operational feedback can help explain the practical considerations involved in adopting alternative technologies or transitioning existing programs.

How the Impact Could Vary by Industry

A public safety agency responding to emergencies has different operational requirements than a surveying company mapping infrastructure or a utility inspecting transmission lines.

That is one reason the FCC is seeking comments from a broad range of stakeholders. Different industries rely on different drone capabilities, and understanding those operational differences can help inform the regulatory process.

Why Your Comment Matters

If you've never submitted a comment on a federal proposal before, you might wonder whether it's worth the effort.

The short answer is yes, especially if your organization has firsthand experience with the technologies being discussed.

The FCC opened this public comment period because it wants additional information before deciding whether to move forward with the proposal. While technical studies and policy analysis are important, they don't always capture how drone technologies are used in the field. That's where operators, agencies, businesses, and industry professionals can provide valuable perspective.

Your experience can help explain how these systems support critical missions, what operational challenges your organization may face, and what practical considerations regulators should understand before making a final decision.

Real World Experience Provides Valuable Context

No two drone programs operate the same way.

A fire department may depend on thermal imaging to locate hotspots after a wildfire. A utility company may use drone inspections to reduce the need for workers to climb energized structures. A surveying firm may rely on LiDAR to collect accurate topographic data for major infrastructure projects.

Those operational realities don't always appear in policy documents.

Organizations that perform these missions every day are often in the best position to explain:

• Why certain drone capabilities are important to their work
• How those technologies improve safety or efficiency
• What challenges could arise if future access changes
• Whether practical alternatives are currently available
• How long it would take to transition equipment, software, workflows, and training

That kind of firsthand information gives regulators a better understanding of how proposed policies may affect different sectors of the drone industry.

Every Organization Has a Different Story to Tell

The FCC is not looking for identical comments copied from a template.

A stronger submission is one that reflects your organization's own experience.

For example, your comment might explain:

• The types of missions your drones support
• The technologies your team relies on
• The number of aircraft in your fleet
• Investments made in equipment, software, and pilot training
• Operational or financial impacts if future equipment availability changes
• How your community, customers, or organization could be affected

The more specific your examples, the more useful they can be in helping regulators understand how the proposal may affect real-world operations.

Why This Matters Beyond Your Organization

Many enterprise drone programs face similar challenges, but no single organization represents the entire industry.

Public safety agencies, utilities, engineering firms, agricultural operators, and infrastructure companies all use drones differently. Collectively, those experiences provide a broader picture of how drone technologies support essential services across the country.

By sharing factual, experience-based information, operators help ensure that the conversation includes practical operational perspectives alongside legal, technical, and policy considerations.

Regardless of your viewpoint, participating in the public comment process gives your organization an opportunity to contribute to that discussion.

Many organizations have already invested significant time and resources into fleet planning, pilot training, and operational readiness. As discussed in our guide, Are You Prepared for the DJI Ban? What Every Agency Must Finalize Before December 23, regulatory changes can have implications that extend well beyond the aircraft itself. Those same operational considerations are relevant when evaluating the current FCC proposal.

 

What Makes a Helpful FCC Comment?

Submitting a comment doesn't require legal expertise or technical writing experience. In fact, the most valuable comments often come from organizations that simply explain how they use drone technology in the real world.

The FCC is seeking information that helps it understand the practical effects of the proposal. Comments supported by operational experience, technical knowledge, and specific examples are generally more useful than broad statements for or against the Commission's proposal.

If your organization decides to participate, focus on explaining your experience as clearly and factually as possible.

Include Information About Your Organization

Start by providing context about who you are and how your organization uses drones.

For example:

• Your organization or agency
• Your industry or mission
• The types of operations you perform
• How long you've been using drones
• The size of your drone program or fleet, if relevant

This information helps explain the perspective you're bringing to the discussion.

Explain How Drone Technology Supports Your Operations

Rather than listing aircraft models or technical specifications, describe what your drones help you accomplish.

Examples include:

• Conducting Drone as First Responder missions
• Supporting fire and emergency response
• Inspecting power lines or critical infrastructure
• Surveying construction sites
• Mapping large areas with LiDAR
• Monitoring crop health or agricultural operations
• Performing industrial inspections

This gives the FCC a better understanding of how these technologies are used in everyday operations.

Describe the Operational Impact

If the proposal could affect your operations, explain how. 

Questions to consider include:

• Would future equipment availability affect your operations?
• Would existing workflows need to change?
• Would projects or services be delayed?
• Would there be safety implications?
• Would operational efficiency be affected?

Use real examples whenever possible.

Specific operational details are generally more helpful than general statements.

Discuss Costs and Planning Considerations

Enterprise drone programs often represent years of planning and investment.

If relevant, explain factors such as:

• Equipment purchases
• Pilot training and certifications
• Software platforms
• Data management workflows
• Maintenance programs
• Fleet standardization
• Procurement timelines

These details help illustrate that transitioning to different technologies often involves much more than replacing an aircraft.

Address the Availability of Alternatives

One question raised in the FCC proposal is whether practical alternatives exist for the technologies under consideration.

If your organization has evaluated alternative platforms, explain your experience.

For example:

• Were alternatives available?
• Did they meet your operational requirements?
• Were there capability differences?
• Did they require additional training?
• Were there budget or procurement challenges?

The goal isn't to recommend one manufacturer over another. It's to provide factual information about your organization's evaluation process and operational requirements.

Keep Your Comment Respectful and Evidence-Based

The strongest comments are typically those that remain professional and focus on facts.

Instead of relying on emotion, explain:

• What your organization does
• Why the technology matters
• What practical impacts you anticipate
• Any supporting data or examples you can provide

Even if two organizations reach different conclusions, well-supported comments help create a more complete record for the FCC to consider.

Example of an Effective FCC Comment 

The FCC is looking for factual, experience-based feedback rather than form letters or generic opinions. Your comment doesn't need to be long, but it should explain how the proposal relates to your organization's operations.

Here's an example of the type of information that can help provide meaningful context:

Example 1: Public Safety 

Our municipal fire department operates four enterprise drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras to support wildfire response, structure fires, and search and rescue operations. Over the past three years, these systems have helped reduce search times, improve situational awareness, and keep personnel out of hazardous areas.

If future equipment availability changes, transitioning to alternative platforms would involve significant costs for replacement aircraft, pilot training, software integration, and updates to our standard operating procedures. We encourage the FCC to consider how these operational and financial impacts could affect emergency response agencies that depend on these technologies to support public safety.

Example 2: Utility Inspection

Our utility inspection team uses drones to inspect transmission infrastructure across remote service areas. Drone technology reduces the need for crews to climb energized structures and helps identify maintenance issues before they become outages. Any future changes affecting equipment availability would influence procurement planning, training, and inspection schedules.

These examples are for illustration only. Your comment should reflect your own organization's experience, operations, and perspective.

Ready to make your voice heard? The Drone Advocacy Alliance provides additional information and resources to help drone operators understand the proposal and participate in the FCC public comment process. 

 

How to Submit Your FCC Comment

Once you've prepared your comment, submitting it is a straightforward process.

The FCC accepts comments electronically through its Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). Before you begin, it's helpful to have your comment written and ready to upload or paste into the submission form.

The current public comment period closes on September 2, 2026. Comments submitted before the deadline become part of the official public record and may be reviewed as the FCC evaluates the current proposal.

Step 1: Review the Proposal

Before submitting your feedback, take a few minutes to review the official proposal so you understand the questions the FCC is asking.

The FCC's request outlines:

• The technologies under consideration
• Why the FCC is seeking comments
• The specific questions the Commission would like stakeholders to address
• Important filing deadlines

External Link: Federal Register proposal

Step 2: Prepare Your Comment

Before opening the submission form, organize the information you want to include.

A helpful comment typically explains:

• Who you are or who you represent
• How your organization uses drone technology
• The missions your drones support
• How the proposal could affect your operations
• Any operational, technical, or economic considerations
• Whether practical alternatives currently meet your requirements

If possible, support your points with examples based on your organization's real experience.

Step 3: Submit Through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System

When you’re ready to submit, the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) provides two options. Choose the filing method that fits the type of comment you want to submit.

Option 1: Submit a Quick, Text-Only Comment

If you want to type your comment directly into ECFS without uploading a document, use the ECFS Express Filing form.

1. Go to the FCC ECFS Express Filing form.
2. Enter Proceeding Number 26-189 and select “Prohibiting the Importation and Marketing of Certain Foreign-Produced Military-Grade UAS and UAS Critical Components.”
3. Enter the requested contact information, including your name or organization, email address, and address.
4. Type your comment directly into the Brief Comments field.
5. Review the public filing acknowledgement and select the email confirmation option if desired.
6. Continue to the review screen, complete the verification step, review your information, and submit your comment.

Once submitted, your comment becomes part of the FCC’s public record.

Option 2: Submit a Comment With an Attachment

If your organization has prepared a PDF, written statement, technical analysis, supporting data, or other documentation, use the ECFS Standard Filing form.

1. Go to the FCC ECFS Standard Filing form.
2. Enter Proceeding Number 26-189 and select “Prohibiting the Importation and Marketing of Certain Foreign-Produced Military-Grade UAS and UAS Critical Components.”
3. Enter the requested contact information, including your name or organization, email address, and address.
4. Under Type of Filing, select COMMENT.
5. Upload your supporting document or documents and give each file a clear, descriptive name.
6. Review the public filing acknowledgement and select the email confirmation option if desired.
7. Continue to the review screen, complete the verification step, review your filing, and submit.

After submission, your filing and supporting documents become part of the FCC’s public record.

Important: FCC filings are public. Review your comment and any attachments before submitting them and avoid including sensitive, confidential, or unnecessary personal information.

Step 4: Encourage Others in Your Organization to Participate

If multiple people within your organization have different operational responsibilities, they may also have valuable perspectives to share.

For example:

• Drone program managers
• Chief pilots
• Public safety coordinators
• Survey managers
• Utility inspection teams
• Engineering managers
• Agricultural operations leaders

Each role may experience the proposal differently, and those operational perspectives can help provide a more complete picture during the public comment process.

Quick Submission Checklist

Before clicking Submit, make sure you've:

☐ Reviewed the FCC proposal

☐ Explained your organization's mission

☐ Described how drone technology supports your work

☐ Included practical operational examples

☐ Discussed costs or workflow impacts, if applicable

☐ Mentioned the availability (or limitations) of alternatives

☐ Reviewed your comment for clarity and accuracy

☐ Submitted before the September 2, 2026 deadline

Additional Resources

For readers looking for more information about the proposal or the public comment process, these resources may be helpful:

• Federal Register: Read the complete FCC proposal and filing instructions.
• Drone Advocacy Alliance: Learn more about the proposal and industry participation efforts.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a DJI ban?

No. The current FCC drone proposal is not an immediate ban on DJI or any other manufacturer. It is a proposal requesting public comments on whether the FCC should adopt additional restrictions affecting certain categories of foreign produced drone technologies. The FCC is reviewing public feedback before making any final decision.

Can I still fly my existing drone?

Under the current proposal, existing lawfully acquired drone fleets are not being grounded or prohibited from operating. The FCC is requesting comments on potential future restrictions related to the importation and marketing of certain technologies. The proposal itself does not require organizations to stop flying drones they already own.

For additional background, read our DJI Firmware Support Through 2029 guide.

Who should submit a comment?

The FCC is seeking input from organizations and individuals who may be affected by the proposal.

This includes:

• Public safety agencies
• Law enforcement
• Fire departments
• Search and Rescue teams
• Utility companies
• Surveying and engineering firms
• Construction companies
• Agricultural operators
• Infrastructure owners
• Commercial drone service providers
• Enterprise drone program managers
• Manufacturers
• Industry associations

If your organization relies on drone technology to support its operations, your experience may help inform the FCC's review.

Does every comment matter?

The FCC reviews comments submitted during the public comment period as part of the rulemaking process.

While no individual comment determines the outcome, comments supported by operational experience, technical information, economic analysis, or other relevant evidence help create a more complete record for the Commission to evaluate.

What should I include in my comment?

A helpful comment should explain:

• How your organization uses drone technology
• The missions your drones support
• Operational or public safety considerations
• Costs associated with equipment, training, or workflow changes
• Whether comparable alternatives currently meet your operational requirements
• Any additional technical or economic information relevant to your experience

The more specific your examples, the more useful they may be to the FCC.

Can businesses submit comments?

Yes.

The public comment process is open to businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, industry associations, manufacturers, drone operators, and individual members of the public.

Organizations that use advanced drone technology are often well positioned to provide practical operational insights.

Can state and local government agencies participate?

Yes.

State agencies, local governments, public safety departments, utilities, transportation agencies, and other public organizations may submit comments describing how the proposal could affect their operations, procurement planning, and public services.

What happens after the public comment period closes?

After the comment period ends, the FCC reviews the information submitted by stakeholders before determining its next steps.

The Commission may:

• Proceed with the proposal as written
• Modify the current proposal based on the record
• Request additional information
• Decide not to adopt certain provisions

The timing and outcome depend on the FCC's review process.

Where can I read the full proposal?

The complete proposal is available through the Federal Register, which includes the official notice, the questions the FCC is asking, filing deadlines, and links to submit comments.

 

Your Experience Can Help Inform the Conversation

The FCC's proposal is still under review. That means organizations that rely on drone technology still have an opportunity to contribute information that may help inform the agency's evaluation.

For many enterprise operators, this proposal is more than a regulatory update. It raises practical questions about future procurement, technology planning, operational continuity, and mission readiness. Those are issues that public safety agencies, utilities, infrastructure owners, engineering firms, agricultural operators, and commercial drone service providers understand through firsthand experience.

That's why the current public comment period matters.

The FCC is asking stakeholders to provide factual information about how the proposal could affect their operations, costs, technical requirements, and the availability of suitable alternatives. Those real-world perspectives help create a more complete record than policy analysis alone.

Whether your organization believes the proposal would have a significant impact or only a limited one, your experience may help regulators better understand how these technologies are used across different industries and missions.

Participate Thoughtfully

If you decide to submit a comment:

• Base your feedback on your organization's actual experience.
• Be specific about your operational requirements and mission.
• Include practical examples whenever possible.
• Keep your comments professional, respectful, and fact-based.
• Submit your feedback before the public comment deadline.

The goal is not to write the longest comment or make the strongest argument. The goal is to provide information that helps decision makers understand the operational realities behind today's enterprise drone programs.

Continue Following Regulatory Developments

The drone industry continues to evolve as new technologies, regulations, and operational requirements emerge.

Whether your organization supports public safety, utility inspections, infrastructure projects, agriculture, surveying, or commercial drone services, staying informed about regulatory developments is an important part of long-term planning.

DSLRPros will continue monitoring this proceeding and publishing educational resources to help organizations understand what changes, what stays the same, and what those developments could mean for professional drone operations.

For additional background on related federal developments, you may also find these resources helpful:

• A Complete Guide to the DJI Drone Ban
• What the FCC Update Means for Police DFR Programs Using DJI in 2026
• DJI Firmware Support Through 2029
• Top American-Made Drones for 2025: NDAA and Blue UAS Compliant Models

Why Your Voice Matters 

The FCC's proposal is still under review, and the public comment period gives stakeholders an opportunity to contribute information before any final decisions are made.

Whether you support the proposal, oppose it, or simply want regulators to better understand your operational requirements, this is your opportunity to share firsthand experience from the field.

Well-supported comments help create a more complete record of how enterprise drone technologies are used across public safety, infrastructure, utilities, agriculture, engineering, and other mission-critical operations.

If your organization relies on these technologies, take the time to review the proposal, understand the questions the FCC is asking, and consider submitting factual, experience-based feedback before the public comment deadline.

The FCC's final decision will be informed by the information submitted during the public comment process. If relevant operational experience is never submitted, it cannot become part of the public record the Commission reviews. If organizations that rely on these technologies choose not to participate, regulators may have fewer firsthand perspectives on how enterprise drones support mission-critical operations. That's why participating during the public comment period matters. 

Your firsthand experience can help regulators understand how this proposal could affect mission-critical drone operations across the United States. 

Every day, enterprise drone operators make decisions that improve safety, increase efficiency, and support critical operations. This is one opportunity to help decision-makers better understand those realities. 

Policies shape the future of enterprise drone operations. Informed operators help shape better policies.