Simon Mauerklang

February 11, 2026 · 7 min

DJI Inspire 4 Release Date: 2026 Rumors, Price & Specs

When is the DJI Inspire 4 release date? Our 2026 guide covers the latest leaks, 8K sensor specs, and price predictions for DJI's flagship cinema drone.

DJI Firmware Ban Update: The 2026 FCC Compliance Verdict

Worried about your DJI drone becoming a paperweight? The FCC confirmed firmware updates remain legal. Here is the 2026 regulatory analysis for US pilots.

February 5, 2026 · 7 min

DJI Lito 1 Leaks: The 2026 Shift to "Zero-Stick" Autonomy

Leaked specs for the DJI Lito 1 point to a controller-free future. Discover the AI autonomy shift and what it means for Part 107 compliance in 2026.

February 2, 2026 · 7 min

FAA Remote ID Fines 2026: We Analyzed the First Enforcement Wave

Avoid Part 89 penalties with our analysis of 2026 FAA Remote ID fines. We break down real enforcement cases to keep your Part 107 license safe.

February 1, 2026 · 7 min

Wing’s Houston Expansion: The 2026 Stress Test for Urban Airspace

Walmart and Wing expand in Houston, creating the largest urban drone network yet. Simon Mauerklang analyzes the regulatory fallout for US pilots in 2026.

January 31, 2026 · 4 min

Anduril’s AI Grand Prix: The 2026 Shift to Autonomous Swarms

Anduril's AI Grand Prix signals a leap in US autonomous capabilities. Simon Mauerklang analyzes the impact on 2026 swarm technology trends.

January 30, 2026 · 7 min

Autonomous Inspection: 2026 US Enterprise Trends

Explore the 2026 surge in US autonomous drone inspection. Simon Mauerklang analyzes BVLOS regulations and enterprise adoption for utility grid maintenance.

January 29, 2026 · 7 min

US Police Drones: Coventry Model & Regulatory Impact (2026)

Coventry police drone program sparks debate in the US. Simon Mauerklang analyzes the regulatory challenges and opportunities for similar programs stateside in 2026.

January 28, 2026 · 3 min

UK Helicopter Drone Prototypes: US Regulatory Impact 2026

UK's helicopter drone prototypes could reshape US drone regulations. Simon Mauerklang examines the potential FAA impact and future of autonomous flight systems in 2026.

January 27, 2026 · 3 min

Nexus C2: Counter-UAS Integration for US Pilots (2026)

TRL Drones integrates Intelic's Nexus C2 software for enhanced counter-UAS. Explore the regulatory implications and benefits for US drone pilots in 2026. Expert analysis by Simon Mauerklang.

January 26, 2026 · 4 min

FAA Warns of Drone Flights Near Sensitive Sites (2026)

FAA increases drone flight restrictions near sensitive sites in the US. Understand the 2026 national security warning, restricted zones, and pilot responsibilities to avoid fines.

January 25, 2026 · 5 min

DCA Flight Restrictions: FAA's 2026 Drone No-Fly Zone Update

FAA finalizes permanent drone flight restrictions near DCA in 2026. Simon Mauerklang analyzes the new no-fly zones and what it means for US drone operations.

January 24, 2026 · 4 min

Drone Alert Systems for 2026 World Cup: FAA Regulations

Airspace Link's drone alert system prepares for the 2026 World Cup. Understand the FAA's updated regulations, potential drone restrictions, and how to fly safely during the event.

January 23, 2026 · 6 min

Autonomy Hubs & US Drone Leadership: 2026 Regulations

Simon Mauerklang analyzes AUVSI's call for regional autonomy hubs and their impact on US drone leadership. Explore 2026 regulatory shifts and enterprise opportunities.

January 22, 2026 · 4 min

Drone Light Show Safety: New US Standards in 2026

New drone light show safety standards are emerging in the US! Simon Mauerklang examines the alliance's goals and how it will affect drone pilots and FAA rules in 2026.

January 21, 2026 · 4 min

FCC Drone Rules (2026): NARMA Expansion Impact on US

NARMA's US expansion amidst FCC's drone 'Covered List' changes: Expert analysis by Simon Mauerklang on the impact for US drone pilots and businesses in 2026.

January 20, 2026 · 4 min

Drone Interoperability: UK Model for US Adoption (2026)

UK's Dstl solves drone interoperability! Could their software be a model for the FAA? Simon Mauerklang analyzes implications for US drone regulations in 2026.

January 19, 2026 · 3 min

Skydio X10 Parachute: FAA Flight Over People Approval (2026)

Skydio X10 parachute system allows flight over people. Get the regulatory analysis, FAA implications, and enterprise use cases for drone pilots in 2026. Expert analysis by Simon Mauerklang.

January 18, 2026 · 5 min

Skydio X10 Parachute: Flight Over People Approved? (2026)

Skydio's new parachute system for the X10 could revolutionize flight over people. Simon Mauerklang analyzes the FAA implications for US drone pilots in 2026.

January 17, 2026 · 4 min

January 11, 2026 · 18 min

DJI vs Autel 2026: Which Drone Brand Should You Buy?

Two brands dominate consumer drones, but only one might be legal to import soon. We compare DJI and Autel across every category that matters.

January 11, 2026 · 11 min

Grand Canyon Drone Rules 2026: Complete Flying Guide

Drones are banned in Grand Canyon National Park, but spectacular legal flying exists on adjacent lands. Learn the rules and best alternative locations.

Best Drones for Real Estate Photography 2026

Real estate listings with aerial photography sell 68% faster. This comprehensive buyer's guide compares the best drones for property professionals—from image quality to automated flight modes and true ROI.

January 9, 2026 · 14 min

Consumer Drone News January 2026: DJI Ban Fallout, New Releases, and What's Next

From the FCC ban reshaping the US market to breakthrough releases from Skydio and Parrot, here's everything drone pilots need to know this month.

January 8, 2026 · 18 min

DJI Flip vs Neo 2: Which Budget Drone Is Right for You in 2026?

A comprehensive comparison between DJI's two most affordable content creation drones. We break down camera quality, flight performance, ease of use, and value to help you choose the perfect drone.

January 8, 2026 · 14 min

Guides

DJI Mini 5 Pro for Military Use: Capabilities, Limitations, and the Rise of Consumer Drones in Modern Warfare

An in-depth analysis of how the DJI Mini 5 Pro and similar consumer drones are reshaping military reconnaissance. We examine capabilities, operational limitations, and the ethical implications of commercial drones in conflict zones.

January 8, 2026 · 22 min

Loiley 2K HD FPV Drone Review: Best Budget Drone Under $60 in 2026?

An honest, hands-on review of the Loiley 2K HD FPV drone. We test camera quality, flight performance, battery life, and value to help you decide if this $50 beginner drone is worth it.

January 6, 2026 · 10 min

Skydio R10 & F10 Drones: America's Answer to the DJI Ban Just Got Real

Skydio's Ascend 2025 drops two game-changers: an indoor reconnaissance drone and a 90-minute fixed-wing. Here's why first responders and enterprise operators are finally getting serious American-made alternatives.

January 6, 2026 · 8 min

December 30, 2025 · 18 min

HOVERAir X1 PRO & PROMAX Review: The Self-Flying Cameras That Changed How I Create Content

After months of testing these palm-sized autonomous drones, I have honest thoughts on whether the 4K X1 PRO and 8K PROMAX are worth their premium prices—spoiler: it's complicated.

January 1, 2026 · 16 min

Guides

The Great Drone Scramble: Your Complete Survival Guide to the Post-FCC Ban Market

With the FCC ban now blocking new DJI and Autel imports, American drone pilots face a new reality. Here's your comprehensive playbook for what to buy, where to look, and how to thrive in the reshuffled market.

December 29, 2025 · 25 min

Best DJI Drones 2025: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide Ranked by Use Case

From cinematic flagships to pocket-sized portables, we rank every current DJI drone by use case. Find your perfect match.

December 28, 2025 · 22 min

DJI Mavic 4 Pro Review: The Drone That Redefined Professional Aerial Photography

After six weeks of real-world testing across three continents, the Mavic 4 Pro has proven itself as DJI's most ambitious release yet.

December 27, 2025 · 14 min

DJI Avata 360 Release Date: Specs, Price, and Everything We Know

DJI's first 360-degree FPV drone is confirmed for late December 2025. Here's the latest on the Avata 360's 1/1.1-inch sensor, 8K capture, expected pricing, and how it competes with Antigravity A1.

December 26, 2025 · 16 min

Parrot ANAFI USA vs Skydio X10 vs DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise: The Ultimate Professional Drone Showdown

Three professional drones, three different philosophies. We compare specs, autonomy, security compliance, and real-world performance for enterprise operators.

December 26, 2025 · 11 min

Parrot's European Drone Dominance: Why This French Company Is the DJI Alternative NATO Actually Trusts

While DJI faces bans and scrutiny, Parrot is quietly building a European drone empire with military contracts, AI autopilots, and zero Chinese components.

Guides

Drone No-Fly Zones in the USA: Complete Guide to Legal Flying

Where can you fly your drone legally in 2025? Complete guide to FAA airspace restrictions, no-fly zones, national parks, TFRs, and how to use B4UFLY and LAANC.

December 26, 2025 · 14 min

December 25, 2025 · 15 min

DJI Ban 2025: What Every Drone Pilot Needs to Know Right Now

The FCC blacklist is now in effect. Your existing DJI drone still works, but no new models will enter the US market. Here's what this means for your flying future.

December 20, 2025 · 14 min

DJI Mini 4 Pro Review: Compact, Powerful, and Surprisingly Versatile

The latest generation of the popular Mini series impresses with improved camera, longer flight time, and intelligent flight modes.