FAA Intensifies Drone Regulations: Predicts 4M Drones by 2029
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is significantly ramping up enforcement against unauthorized drone operations. With new regulations and stricter penalties taking effect throughout 2026, the FAA is set to ensure a safer drone environment. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has warned that the FAA must establish clear milestones for drone detect-and-avoid systems. This comes as the number of drones sharing the National Airspace System is expected to approach 4 million by 2029.
In an updated enforcement policy issued in February 2026, the FAA now mandates legal action in instances where drone operations endanger the public, violate airspace restrictions, or are conducted in furtherance of another crime. Recent enforcement actions have included license suspensions and revocations for operators who flew near major sporting events, emergency response activities, and restricted airspace. This includes a notable license revocation for unauthorized operations near Mar-a-Lago.
The agency is also finalizing its landmark Part 108 regulations for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, expected by mid-2026. These rules will establish standardized frameworks for advanced drone missions including:
- Package delivery
- Infrastructure inspection
- Agricultural monitoring
FAA Chief Counsel Liam McKenna emphasized: “The FAA will take decisive action against drone operators who ignore safety rules or operate without authorization.”
Source: https://generalaviationnews.com/