Drone & Aerial Photography — 2026-05-08
The U.S. FCC's public comment window on DJI's Covered List challenge closes May 11, making this a critical week for drone industry observers. Meanwhile, the FAA has dropped a long-awaited Section 2209 NPRM, opening a 60-day public comment period on the most consequential drone airspace rulemaking since Remote ID. On the creative side, the 11th Annual DJI SkyPixel competition winners showcase breathtaking aerial artistry from around the globe.
Drone & Aerial Photography — 2026-05-08
Gear News
DJI Fights U.S. Market Exclusion as FCC Deadline Approaches
DJI is urging American drone users to submit public comments before the FCC's May 11 deadline as the company fights its placement on the agency's Covered List — a designation that has effectively blocked new DJI product launches in the United States. According to DroneDJ, more than 460 responses have already been filed ahead of the deadline.
Dronelife reports the public comment window covers the FCC petition challenging DJI's inclusion on the Covered List — and the stakes couldn't be higher. Without a favorable ruling, U.S. buyers will continue to be locked out of any new DJI hardware launches for the foreseeable future.
Regulation Watch
FAA Drops Major Section 2209 NPRM — 60-Day Comment Window Opens
The FAA has finally released its long-delayed Section 2209 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), nine years after a January 2017 congressional deadline. DroneXL describes this as "the most consequential drone airspace rulemaking since the Remote ID final rule in 2021," affecting every Part 107 commercial pilot, public safety agency, and critical infrastructure operator in the U.S. The 60-day public comment period is now underway.
The NPRM addresses operations over people and moving vehicles — an area that has left commercial operators in a regulatory gray zone for nearly a decade. Industry stakeholders and individual pilots are encouraged to submit comments through the official federal rulemaking portal during the 60-day window.
Shot of the Week
DJI SkyPixel 11th Annual Competition Winners Revealed
The winners of the 2025 DJI SkyPixel photo and video competition have been announced, showcasing some of the most spectacular aerial imagery captured from around the world. The contest ran from November 27, 2025 through March 10, 2026, drawing thousands of entries from drone photographers and videographers globally.
Technique spotlight: The winning images this year leaned heavily on abstract geometric patterns, dramatic shadow play at golden hour, and wide-angle landscape compositions that emphasize scale — hallmarks of elite aerial photography. For aspiring competitors, the SkyPixel gallery serves as an exceptional benchmark for composition, light timing, and post-processing restraint.
Note: DJI FCC comment submissions can be filed at the FCC's official Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) before the May 11, 2026 deadline.
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