Health and Safety News • January 2026 Special Issue For Drone Users

Important Update on UAS Regulations and Restrictions

Drone users should be aware of recent regulatory changes affecting unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and related components. These updates may impact procurement and usage within Princeton University projects.

(Effective December 22, 2025)

• Source: DA-25-1086A1.pdf
  
• The FCC added all foreign-produced UAS and critical components to its Covered List. This means that they are deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States
  

Impact:


• No new FCC authorizations for foreign-made UAS or components. All future imports and sales will be blocked with possible exemptions granted by DoW or DHS.
  
• The regulation applies broadly and is not limited to specific countries.
  
• Existing foreign-made UAS already in the U.S. remain legal to use.

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(Effective December 8, 2025)

• Source: Policy Notice: Implementation of Policy Changes to Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) 24-1, Supplement 1 | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation
  
• The U.S. National Science Foundation prohibits the purchase or use of certain foreign-made UAS in NSF-funded projects. Prohibited sources include restricted parties from various countries and specific entities from the People’s Republic of China.
  
• Applies to awards issued on or after December 8, 2025.
  
• This restriction is separate from FCC rules and applies even if equipment is FCC-authorized.

• Continue using existing UAS equipment as permitted.
  
• For NSF-funded projects, confirm compliance with the new NSF supplement.


The Office of Research and Project Administration will continue to monitor SAM.gov for any future restrictions related to unmanned aircraft systems and other items. If you have questions or need guidance, please contact drones@princeton.edu

Be sure to check for additional updates on the Princeton Drones Website.

Princeton Has a FRIA at the Forrestal Helistop and adjacent fields in Plainsboro. Drone pilots operating within the bounds of the FRIA are not required to eqip devices with Remote ID capability.

The FRIA includes parking at 701 Forrestal and is near the Tiger Transit Route 3 bus line. It provides a safe location for students, staff and faculty to conduct flights as part of their education and independent research. Learn More »

Princeton Requires Advance Notice for all flight requests. Approval must be sought at least a week, and ideally two weeks, prior to sUAS use. The Princeton drones website has more information on what is needed to fly a drone at the University.

EO Calls For Normalizing UAS Operation Beyond Line-of-Sight. A rule to enable the operation of drones at low altitudes beyond visual line of sight has been proposed by several federal agencies in response to a June executive order, “Unleashing American Drone Dominance."