Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, left, looks on as Federal Aviation Administration administrator Bryan Bedford, right, speaks during a news conference on new drone regulations, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, at the Department of Transportation in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
This regulatory shift comes amid growing concern that the U.S. drone industry lags behind a Chinese sector dominated by firms like DJI, which controls as much as 90 percent of the global commercial drone market.
Critics have warned that investment and development have drifted to China while American rules hold drones grounded.
"From search and rescue and public safety to package delivery, this is a big win for every industry and institution that would benefit from the expanded use of drones," Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., who led the effort to expand commercial drone use in Congress, told Fox News Digital. "Our society isn't ever going to go backwards. Drone use is a reality."
Drones like the one above have been tested by companies like UPS for delivery. (AP)
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The new rule launches a formal public comment period, expected to last about 60 days. Government agencies, drone manufacturers, and public safety partners will review the draft and submit feedback. After review, FAA aims to finalize the BVLOS rule by early 2026, though that timeline depends on the volume of comments and the remaining regulatory work.
It comes at a time when the public remains spooked by commercial flight mishaps. But the new rule would require such drones to be built with collision-avoidance technology that can sense and stay away from aircraft and fly at an altitude of 400 feet or lower.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-cuts-red-tape-commercial-drones-compete-chinas-dominance-market