YDQA: Ep 131- "What Did the FCC Actually Do to Drones in December—and What Happens Next?”
In the first episode of 2026, Chris Breedlove is joined by returning guest and legal expert Will Dawson for a deep dive into the FCC’s December 22 public notice and the follow-up amendments that have caused widespread confusion across the drone industry.
This episode breaks down what the FCC actually did, how the Covered List and Blue List work, why DJI and other international manufacturers weren’t impacted the way many expected, and what the January 7 clarification really means for buyers, operators, and businesses moving forward.
They also discuss the bigger picture: where U.S. drone policy is heading, how component bans and import restrictions may evolve, what this means for American drone manufacturing, and how operators should think about making smart equipment investments in 2026 amid ongoing regulatory uncertainty.
If you’ve been trying to make sense of the headlines—or wondering whether now is a safe time to buy drones or drone components—this episode brings much-needed clarity straight from a legal and policy perspective.
Dec 22 FCC Public Notice DA 25-1086: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-25-1086A1.pdf
Jan 7 FCC Public Notice DA 26-22: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-22A1.pdf
Jan 12 DHS Release: New Office to Advance Drone and Counter-Drone Technologies: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/01/12/department-homeland-security-launches-new-office-advance-drone-and-counter-drone
