US drone ban proposal to combat China’s dominance concerns American police, farmers

Greg Reverdiau, an Arizona-based drone trainer, said he saw something highly unusual for politically polarised America when he waded through public comments on a US government proposal to restrict foreign-made drones: a consensus.

Reverdiau, the founder of Pilot Institute, which helps aviators obtain licences, said he reviewed over 3,800 comments submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and estimates that about 98 per cent opposed the proposal or raised concerns about it.

“Those numbers are pretty damning for the FCC as to what they’re trying to propose,” Reverdiau said. “I hope that they’re going to be making changes.”

In July, the FCC outlined a plan prohibiting the continued importation and marketing of previously authorised foreign-produced drones, also known as unmanned aircraft systems, and critical components that meet a new definition of “military-grade”.

The proposal, which the commission said was intended to address national security risks, comes amid a broader US effort to reduce reliance on Chinese drone technology and strengthen domestic supply chains.

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During the six-week public comment period, which ended in early September, a wide range of stakeholders spoke out against the rule, including law enforcement agencies, farmers, utilities and other commercial drone operators. The vast majority urged the federal government to alter, narrow or delay the proposal, warning it could have significant consequences for their operations.