Blog
INSIGHTS FROM THE FIELD.
The Red Raven UAS Blog is your go-to source for expert insights, industry news, and real-world applications of drone technology. From training tips and mission planning to FAA updates and gear breakdowns, we cover what drone pilots, trainers, and agencies need to know. Whether you’re studying for your Part 107, building out a UAS program, or just staying sharp—this is where information meets impact.
UAS Weekly Briefing — May 29, 2026: The U.S. Drone Industrial Base Surge, the DJI Ban Narrative Cracks, and Matternet Goes Public
Federal money is starting to move toward the U.S. drone industry, DJI's ban debate hits real-world friction, the FCC opens three conditional approval lanes, Matternet goes public, and a Louisiana DA quietly builds one of the smartest small-agency public safety funding models we've seen. Five stories from this week in drones.
UAS Weekly Briefing — May 22, 2026: Ontario's Drone Ban, a $500M Counter-UAS Deal, and Dallas Drone First Responders
Ontario becomes the latest government to ban Chinese-made drones, the Pentagon puts up to $500 million behind drones that hunt drones, and Dallas launches a program where a drone beats the patrol car to your 911 call. Six stories from this week in drones.
UAS Weekly Briefing — May 15, 2026: FAA Calls Operators “Pilots” at XPONENTIAL, World Cup No Drone Zone Campaign Is Official, and the DJI Ban Enters Its Legal Phase
The FAA made a landmark statement at XPONENTIAL 2026, World Cup TFRs are coming for U.S. venues and fan festivals, and the DJI ban has entered its legal battle phase. Nine stories from this week in drones.
UAS Weekly Briefing — May 8, 2026: FAA Targets Critical Infrastructure Airspace, BVLOS Road Map Is Official, and DJI Has Until May 11
The FAA proposed permanent flight restrictions around critical infrastructure, published the first official BVLOS road map, and the FCC’s DJI comment window closes May 11. Here’s everything commercial drone operators and program managers need to know.
Nobody Is Replacing DJI — And the Clock Is Running — UAS Weekly Briefing | April 10, 2026
The drone industry hit a turning point this week. No domestic manufacturer is ready to replace DJI. DJI just retired its most iconic platforms. Amazon's delivery program is facing real community friction. The Air Force deployed autonomous drone perimeter security overseas three weeks after Barksdale. And an Oregon DFR program made a hit-and-run arrest a police chase couldn't close.

