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Cleared for Takeoff: FAA to Allow Commercial Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Later this Year

Client Alert | 1 min read | 07.30.13

On July 19, the FAA issued a Restricted Category type certificate to two small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that permits aerial surveillance in the Arctic, a significant development that will pave the way for commercial UAS operations later this year (previously discussed here and here). Previous military use of the approved UAS helped facilitate FAA's action, which comes as an encouraging sign for aerospace manufacturers seeking new markets as well as other industries anticipating the emergence of civilian UAS, including agriculture, oil and gas exploration, law enforcement, and security.


Insights

Client Alert | 4 min read | 01.07.26

FDA Request for Information Signals New Path for VC Firms and their Portfolio Companies in Federal Contracting

On December 17, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a request for information (RFI) on a proposal designed to help the FDA engage more directly with innovative, venture-backed companies focused on biotechnology, medical devices, AI, and regulatory technology.[i]The RFI includes 19 questions, with responses due by 2:00 p.m. ET on January 18, 2026....