How to File an FCC Comment on PS Docket 26-189 Before September 2, 2026

On July 21, 2026, the FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and the Office of Engineering and Technology released Public Notice DA 26-758, opening PS Docket No. 26-189. The notice was published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2026 at 91 FR 48870 (FR Doc. 2026-15659). Comments are due on or before September 2, 2026.

The proposal would prohibit continued importation and marketing of previously authorized foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components that sit on the FCC Covered List and that the Bureau defines as "military-grade." That definition turns on capability, not brand name: thermal imaging, LiDAR, swarming, spray ("economic poison" under FAA rules), docking stations, aircraft specially designed to incorporate a defense article, or takeoff weight of 55 pounds or more.

Drones you already own would remain legal to fly. The Public Notice states that limiting an existing equipment authorization "would not result in the revocation of an existing authorization" and "would not affect the continued use or operation of devices that consumers already possess." A Matrice 350 already in your hangar is not grounded on September 3.

This is a how-to for filing. For the capability list, exemptions, and timeline, use our FCC 26-189 explainer. This page is general information, not legal advice.

What the Bureau is actually proposing

This is a Bureau-level Public Notice seeking comment under 47 CFR § 2.939(e). It is not a final rule. Foreign-produced UAS have been on the Covered List since December 22, 2025, which already blocks new equipment authorizations. Previously granted authorizations were left in place, which is why those models stayed on U.S. shelves. This proceeding would limit those existing authorizations so covered "military-grade" equipment can no longer be imported or marketed, without revoking the authorization itself.

If adopted, importation and marketing would have to stop 180 days after Federal Register publication of a final decision, not 180 days after the August 3 comment notice. The Bureau asked whether that wind-down is long enough.

The proposal would not reach aircraft you already purchased, domestically produced UAS, equipment currently exempt from the Covered List (Blue UAS Cleared List aircraft, Buy American "domestic end products" under 48 CFR § 25.101(a), Conditional Approvals, and "Toy Drones"), federal-government use or commercial testing, or foreign-produced aircraft outside the seven categories. Confirm current exemptions on the Covered List.

The FCC has not published banned model numbers. The Public Notice defines capabilities. Treat any model list, including ours, as an illustration, not an official determination.

Why a working pilot's comment matters

The Bureau tentatively concluded that economic and supply chain effects would be "relatively minor and contained," then asked the public for data.

If you fly thermal search, LiDAR survey, dock-based inspection, or spray work, or if you own a consumer aircraft that uses a LiDAR module for obstacle sensing, put your numbers in the record. Staff cite specific first-hand accounts. Identical form letters get discounted.

Anyone can file. You do not need a lawyer, a company, or a Part 107 certificate. Recreational flyers are welcome. It takes about ten minutes.

How to file on Tuesday morning

File through the FCC Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), as directed in the Federal Register notice and 47 CFR §§ 1.415 and 1.419. Most individual pilots should use the short Express Comment form. If you have a prepared PDF or cost spreadsheet, use the Standard Filing form and choose filing type "COMMENT."

There is no deep link that opens this docket already filled in. Every ECFS form starts blank.

1. Open the Express form. Keep the explainer open in another tab.
2. Proceeding Number: type 26-189, then click it in the dropdown. Typing alone is not enough. If you do not select the docket from the list that appears, the field does not register and the form rejects the filing. This is the step that stops most first-time filers.
3. Name of Filer. Your own name is fine.
4. Email. Optional. Turn on the confirmation slider if you want a receipt.
5. Address (street, city, state, ZIP). Required. Filings are public record. Your name and address will be searchable. Use a business address if you do not want your home address published.
6. Brief Comments. Write in your own words. A scaffold is below.
7. Check the public-record box, pass the human-verification check, and submit. Save the confirmation number. Search proceeding 26-189 on ECFS within a business day to confirm it posted.

Paper filing is allowed. Addresses are in the Federal Register notice. Electronic filing is the practical path.

What to write

Rewrite this in your own facts. Do not paste it unchanged.

My name is [NAME]. I am a [Part 107 remote pilot / recreational flyer / business owner] in [CITY, STATE]. I am writing about PS Docket No. 26-189.

What I do: [roof inspections, volunteer SAR thermal searches, ag spray on X acres, dock-based night patrols].

Equipment I rely on: [aircraft and payloads]. These appear to fall under the proposed [thermal / LiDAR / docking / spray / 55-lb / swarming] category.

What this proposal would mean for me: [jobs you could not take after a crash; replacement cost in dollars; whether a domestic aircraft does this job today and what you have priced].

On the 180-day wind-down: [enough time or not, and why].

Thank you for considering my comment. [NAME], [CITY, STATE]

The Public Notice asked for fleet counts, replacement cost, whether a domestic alternative exists, whether 180 days is enough, whether the category definitions sweep in equipment that is not remotely military-grade (the question for consumer LiDAR obstacle sensors and civilian thermal cameras), and data on U.S. inventory, units in transit, and aircraft under existing sales agreements.

Be respectful and specific. Dollar figures and model names carry weight. Insults get skimmed. Say what you want the Bureau to do: narrow a category, exclude obstacle-avoidance LiDAR, lengthen the wind-down, or adopt the proposal as written.

Questions: Chris Smeenk, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, (202) 418-1630 or Chris.Smeenk@fcc.gov, as listed in the Federal Register notice.

Primary sources

• Public Notice DA 26-758 (PDF), released July 21, 2026
• Federal Register, 91 FR 48870 (August 3, 2026; FR Doc. 2026-15659)
• ECFS Express Comment form and Standard Filing form
• ECFS (search proceeding 26-189)
• FCC Covered List
• DroneLaws.us FCC 26-189 explainer

DroneLaws.us takes no position for or against this proposal. This is general information about a pending federal proceeding, not legal advice. We are not affiliated with the FCC or the FAA. Verify against the primary sources before you act, and consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation.

Deadline: September 2, 2026. If you are going to file, file this week.