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 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.
5 Signs Your Agency Needs A Drone Program
Most agencies that don't have a drone program aren't opposed to drones — they just don't know where to start. Here are five clear signs your agency is ready, and what building a real program actually looks like.
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.
UAS Weekly Briefing — May 1, 2026: Possible Drone Strike Over San Diego, Skydio’s $3.5B Bet on American Manufacturing, and More
A United Airlines flight reported a possible drone encounter at 4,000 feet. Skydio committed $3.5 billion to U.S. manufacturing. Beijing banned consumer drone sales. DHS released new counter-drone guidance for major events. Plus stolen spray drones, East River cargo delivery, and Ukraine’s most intense month of drone warfare yet.
UAS Weekly Briefing — April 24, 2026: DJI's $1.5 Billion Problem, the Lito Drones Americans Can't Buy, and the FAA's New Fast-Track Enforcement Program
DJI says the FCC ban will cost $1.5 billion and block 25 new products from the U.S. Then they launched two beginner drones Americans can't buy. A mystery brand called Skyrover wants to be DJI's replacement — but its ties to DJI raise more questions than answers. The FAA launched a new fast-track enforcement program called DETER. And the drone job market is shifting toward digital twins and data capture.
UAS Weekly Briefing — April 17, 2026: Foreign Drones Out. Military Drones In.
DJI dropped four products this month — but only three can reach American buyers. Plus Hyfix raises $15M for domestic chips, AeroVironment's MAYHEM 10, a $270M Air Force solar contract, $29B in counter-drone spending, and Part 107 pass rates hit an all-time low. Every layer of the drone ecosystem moved this week.
I Failed the FAA Part 107 Exam — Here's What I Wish I'd Known
Thousands of people fail the FAA Part 107 exam every year — not because it's too hard, but because they prepared the wrong way. Here's what they missed, and exactly what to do before your retake.
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.
Can You Pass the Part 107 Test? Take This Free Practice Test
Most people think they're ready for the FAA Part 107 exam — until they see the actual questions. Take this free 12-question practice test to find out where you really stand before test day.
Weekly Drone Briefing: FCC Drone Dominance, Nuclear Base Swarms & the Future of Autonomous Aviation
The U.S. government declares drone dominance a national priority. Sophisticated swarms penetrate a nuclear base. Traditional aerospace goes autonomous. Here's what operators need to know.
What It Actually Costs to Start a Drone Program (2026)
Most organizations confuse buying a drone with building a program — and their budgets reflect it. Here's what a drone program actually costs in 2026, from starter setups to enterprise-scale operations, including the costs almost everyone misses.
UAS Weekly Briefing — March 27, 2026: DJI's 360° FPV Drone, BRINC's Starlink-Powered First Responder, and Skydio's $52M Army Order
DJI launches the first 8K 360° FPV drone — then sues Insta360 over six patents. BRINC unveils a Starlink-connected 911 response drone. The U.S. Army places a record $52M Skydio order. Plus FAA BVLOS breakthroughs and Bay Area drone delivery expansion.
Drones for Energy & Utilities: The Complete Guide to Building a UAS Inspection Program
Utility companies are replacing helicopters and climbing crews with drone inspection programs — and the business case has never been stronger. This complete guide covers the five core inspection use cases, the build vs. buy decision, platform selection, regulatory requirements including BVLOS and Part 108, training standards, data management workflows, and a phased approach to standing up a program that actually delivers ROI.
UAS Weekly Briefing — March 20, 2026: FAA Launches DiSCVR, FCC Drone Ban Exemptions, and Beginner Drones Hit Record Lows
The FAA just gave law enforcement a way to ID any drone pilot in minutes, the FCC cracked open the import door (but not for DJI), and BVLOS took another step toward reality. Six stories that reshape the landscape — here's what they mean for you.
How Hard Is the FAA Part 107 Test? Here's What to Actually Expect
The FAA Part 107 exam has nothing to do with your ability to fly a drone. That sectional chart that looks like a complete mess right now? By the time you pass, you'll know exactly what every element on it means. Here's what to expect — and how to get there.
Part 107 Test Cost Breakdown: Exam Fee, Course Costs, and Retake Fees
The FAA Part 107 exam costs $175 per attempt, paid to PSI Services — but that's just the starting number. Here's a full breakdown of the exam fee, prep course costs, retake fees, and what you'll actually spend to get certified in 2026.
Drone Training for Fire Departments: What Mission-Ready Actually Means
Most drone pilots who pass their Part 107 exam aren't ready to fly over an active structure fire and give incident command accurate, actionable information. There's a difference between being certified and being mission-ready — and most training programs don't bridge that gap. This guide breaks down what effective fire department drone training actually looks like.
UAS Weekly Briefing — March 13, 2026: DFR Goes National, Dallas PD Switches Hardware, and the Pentagon Commits $1.1B to Drones
This week: Drone as First Responder goes national, Dallas PD switches drone hardware, and the Pentagon commits $1.1B to drone programs. Here's what it means for your program.
Part 107 Requirements: Who Needs It and How to Qualify
Thinking about flying for work? Learn the exact FAA Part 107 requirements for 2026. We break down the "commercial intent" rule, age eligibility, and a step-by-step checklist to get your Remote Pilot Certificate.
What Can You Do With a Part 107 License? (Every Career Path, Ranked & Explained for 2026)
Part 107 is more than a drone photography license. Here are 10 commercial career paths it unlocks — from public safety and utilities to agriculture and film — with real pay ranges and what the work actually looks like in 2026.