Digitale Transformation

January 8, 2026, 9:06 PM EST. Pilot Institute surveyed 8,056 U.S. drone operators across Part 107 pilots, recreational users, first responders and businesses. The DJI ban that took effect December 22, 2025 is seen as harming the industry more than addressing security, according to 43.4% who described an extremely negative or potentially business-ending impact. About 81% said they will reduce or cancel future drone investments, threatening the pipeline of new pilots and companies. The findings, highlighted after The Wall Street Journal covered the survey on December 23, the same day the FCC added all foreign-made drones to the Covered List, underscore timing and policy tensions for U.S. drone operations.