09/01/2026
As of Saturday night, the FCC docket that could have a major impact on the future of the American drone industry had received just that many public comments.
Put that number into perspective: the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) represents roughly 24,000 construction companies.
According to ABC's own 2026 drone usage survey, 97.1% of its members who use drones rely on DJI as their primary platform. And about 20% are using thermal or LiDAR-equipped systems—the very types of technology that could potentially be affected by this rule.
The comment period ends Wednesday. The tariffs take effect Thursday.
When an agency makes a final decision, it works from the record created by the people who actually submitted comments. If the industry doesn't speak up, the record will be shaped by those who did.
And right now, the people who depend on these aircraft for their livelihoods aren't making enough noise.
Submitting a comment doesn't require a legal team or hours of research. Two paragraphs. About ten minutes.
Docket 26-189. Two days left.
Sources: FCC ECFS, PS Docket 26-189 · ABC 2026 Drone Usage Report
https://droneadvocacyalliance.com/fcc-take-action-2/
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