YDQA: Ep 133- "What’s Really Happening With the FCC Drone Updates After CES 2026?”

In this episode of Your Drone Questions. Answered by Drone Launch Academy, host Chris Breedlove welcomes Eric Richard from Drone Sports Inc. back to the show to unpack the latest FCC developments affecting the drone industry.

Following the FCC’s announcements on December 22 and the follow-up clarification released on January 7, there’s been a lot of confusion, speculation, and concern across the industry. Eric shares firsthand insights from CES 2026, including what he heard directly from FCC representatives, what those updates actually mean in practice, and why the real-world impact may be less immediate than many feared.

The conversation dives into topics like:

• What Eric observed on the CES show floor, including trends in drones, robotics, and autonomous tech
• How the FCC is thinking about security, certification, and long-term timelines
• Why many definitions in the current guidance remain unclear—and why that matters
• What this means for education, commercial drones, and U.S. manufacturing
• How companies are adapting, collaborating, and positioning themselves for the next few years

If you’re trying to make sense of the FCC updates, worried about how they could affect drones in education or business, or just want a grounded, industry-level perspective from someone who was in the room, this episode brings much-needed clarity.

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