Flying Robot

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Today, based on an Executive Branch national security determination, the FCC has added foreign-produced UAS (drones) and foreign-produced UAS critical component parts to the FCC’s Covered List on a going forward basis.   President Trump has been clear that his Administration will act to secure our airspace and unleash American drone dominance.   We do so through an action today that does not disrupt the ongoing use or purchase of previously authorized drones and with appropriate avenues for excluding drones that do not pose a risk.   Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, offer the potential to enhance public safety as well as cement America’s leadership in global innovation.  But criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors have intensified their weaponization of these technologies, creating new and serious threats to our homeland.   As detailed below, today’s FCC action does not impact a consumer’s ability to continue using drones they previously purchased or acquired.  Nor does today’s FCC action prevent retailers from continuing to sell, import, or market device models approved earlier this year or previously through the FCC’s equipment authorization process.  Moreover, the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security can make a specific determination to the FCC that a given UAS, class of UAS, or UAS critical component does not pose the relevant risks.    By operation of the FCC’s Covered List rules, the restrictions imposed by today’s decision apply to new device models.

Today, based on an Executive Branch national security determination, the FCC has added foreign-produced UAS (drones) and foreign-produced UAS critical component parts to the FCC’s Covered List on a going forward basis.   President Trump has been clear that his Administration will act to secure our airspace and unleash American drone dominance.   We do so through an action today that does not disrupt the ongoing use or purchase of previously authorized drones and with appropriate avenues for excluding drones that do not pose a risk.   Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, offer the potential to enhance public safety as well as cement America’s leadership in global innovation.  But criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors have intensified their weaponization of these technologies, creating new and serious threats to our homeland.   As detailed below, today’s FCC action does not impact a consumer’s ability to continue using drones they previously purchased or acquired.  Nor does today’s FCC action prevent retailers from continuing to sell, import, or market device models approved earlier this year or previously through the FCC’s equipment authorization process.  Moreover, the Department of War or the Department of Homeland Security can make a specific determination to the FCC that a given UAS, class of UAS, or UAS critical component does not pose the relevant risks.    By operation of the FCC’s Covered List rules, the restrictions imposed by today’s decision apply to new device models.