#FAA

All articles tagged with "FAA"

Innovation

FAA drone rule shift could unlock beyond-line-of-sight operations

Key Takeaways

The FAA is moving toward rules that could expand drone flights beyond visual line of sight.
BVLOS operations are considered crucial for delivery, inspection, agriculture, and emergency-response use cases.
The final impact will depend on how the FAA defines safety and integration requirements.

DT Editorial Team·Jun 15, 2026·via fastcompany.com

FAA reverses course on moving drone no-fly zones around ICE vehicles after civil-liberties backlash

Key Takeaways

A January 2026 rule extended drone no-fly zones to moving DHS vehicles, including unmarked ones.
The policy was challenged after its impact on photography, journalism, and lawful drone use became clear.
Federal officials later rescinded the restriction, marking a civil-liberties win for drone operators and observers.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 29, 2026·via arstechnica.com

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Reliable Robotics has raised $160 million for fully autonomous aircraft.

AI & Robotics

Reliable Robotics Raises $160 Million to Push Automated Aircraft Toward FAA Certification

Key Takeaways

Reliable Robotics has raised $160 million.
The company is developing a Reliable Autonomy System for civilian and military aircraft.
It is continuing to work toward FAA certification.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 23, 2026·via therobotreport.com

FAA softens drone restrictions near ICE vehicles after legal challenge

Key Takeaways

The FAA rescinded a temporary flight restriction that had threatened fines or jail time for some drone flights near ICE vehicles.
A journalist challenged the rule, arguing that unmarked vehicles created impossible-to-know no-fly zones.
The replacement advisory drops explicit penalties but still warns that agencies may interfere with or destroy drones seen as threats.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 18, 2026·via 404media.co

FAA Clears Pentagon Use of Counter-Drone Laser Near the U.S.-Mexico Border After Safety Review

Key Takeaways

The FAA and Pentagon approved use of a high-energy laser counter-drone system near the southern border.
The decision followed safety testing after earlier incidents involving a government drone and disrupted flights.
Officials cite more than 1,000 monthly drone incursions along the border.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 11, 2026·via defensenews.com

FAA Targets Gamers in New Push to Hire Air Traffic Controllers

Key Takeaways

The FAA opens its annual air traffic controller hiring window on April 17.
A new recruitment ad targets gamers by linking gaming skills to controller work.
The agency employed 13,164 controllers at the end of 2025, down 6 percent from 2015.
Flight volumes have increased by about 10 percent to 30.8 million, intensifying staffing pressure.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 11, 2026·via engadget.com

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Korean Air At Los Angeles International Airport

News

The FAA’s gamer recruiting pitch reflects a deeper air traffic staffing problem

Key Takeaways

The FAA is recruiting gamers to apply for air traffic control roles.
The U.S. controller workforce has declined over the past decade.
Training constraints may be a bigger problem than applicant awareness alone.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 11, 2026·via theverge.com

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Trump's Transportation Secretary Promises the 'Future of Aviation' With New eVTOL Program

Culture

U.S. Launches Federal eVTOL Certification Fast-Track Program

Key Takeaways

FAA creating dedicated certification teams for eVTOL applications
New vertiport approval framework addresses key infrastructure gap
Program aims to reduce 5-10 year certification timeline for air taxi manufacturers

DT Editorial Team·Mar 10, 2026·4 min read·via gizmodo.com

FAA Selects Eight Electric Air Taxi Programs Across 26 States

Key Takeaways

Eight proposals selected to test eVTOL aircraft across 26 states
Programs cover urban, suburban, and rural operating environments
Testing will generate data on battery performance, noise, and economics
Early commercial service could begin once regulatory framework is finalized

DT Editorial Team·Mar 10, 2026·4 min read·via techcrunch.com

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Airspace Closure Over Laser Weapon Use A Glaring Example Of Drone Defense Policy Struggles

Military

Laser Weapon Airspace Closure Exposes U.S. Drone Defense Policy Gaps

Key Takeaways

First publicly known directed energy weapon engagement over U.S. soil occurred in El Paso, Texas
FAA closed airspace over the nation's 23rd largest city and warned the Pentagon about future closures
FY 2026 NDAA pilot program authorizes laser and microwave counter-drone testing at 4+ military installations

DT Editorial Team·Feb 14, 2026·2 min read·via twz.com