Drone Pilot Update June 2026 Issue

This month's Drone Pilot Update includes the following topics: 

• FlyRoute Crosses State Lines for Mile High Prep Football 

• FlyRoute Denver - Approved CoA's for 2026

• FlyRoute Ops App: Internal Testing  

• Proposed Ruling to Restrict Drone Operations

Preseason preparations are officially underway! Our main focus right now is procuring top-tier equipment, hiring drone pilots, and uploading game schedules as the first kickoff fast approaches. Each year, FlyRoute is proud to not only deliver exceptional game film but also to cultivate a premier pool of professional drone pilots. What’s next? Keep an eye out for an email later this week containing the Returning Drone Pilot Survey. Please complete it as soon as possible so we can get you squared away for 2026! As always, keep an eye on our website, www.flyroute.com, for the latest and greatest. 

FlyRoute Crosses State Lines for Mile High Prep Football 

Drone film in Seattle, Washington? You bet! On May 9th 2026, FlyRoute covered our first-ever out-of-state team traveling from Colorado to Eastside Catholic High School near Seattle.  Veteran drone pilot Steven Kidder was on-scene capturing spectacular aerials of the matchup. Even better? Steven successfully piped in the live drone feed directly to the official YouTube broadcast (snap to 7:30 mark), giving fans an unprecedented, bird's-eye view of the action. Great work Steven!  Onward & Upward . . . 

FlyRoute Denver - Approved CoA's for 2026

Great news: FR Denver has secured 13 approved Certificates of Authorization (CoAs) for the 2026 season! Because we are operating in controlled airspace around venues like the Aurora Public School Stadium and Aurora Sports Park, strict compliance is mandatory. Requirements vary by location: some CoAs restrict flight altitudes to 75ft AGL, while others require direct verbal communication with the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT). Copies of each CoA are available on the Pilots Only Google Shared Drive.  Fly Safe. 

FlyRoute Ops App: Internal Testing  

We have successfully integrated all field procedures into a newly developed Drone Pilot Operations Manual, accompanied by an easy-to-follow phone app designed for convenient field use.  Developed during the off-season to assist drone pilots with everyday operations, safety, and company policies, the app works entirely offline once installed.  The app is currently undergoing internal testing and review before its official launch in early July.  Stay tuned!

Proposed Ruling to Restrict Drone Operations

The FAA published a proposed rule on May 6th, 2026, to create a formal process allowing owners of critical infrastructure — such as energy facilities, chemical

plants, amusement parks, and state prisons — to apply for Unmanned Aircraft Flight Restrictions (UAFRs) over their properties. The proposal establishes two restriction types: a Standard UAFR for facilities demonstrating a safety or security need, and a more restrictive Special UAFR for sensitive federal or national security sites. Violations could result in civil or criminal enforcement penalties, and public comments are open through July 6, 2026.  More details HERE. 

About the Author: Michael P. Buchkoski, an FAA rated drone pilot, serves as the Chief Operations Officer of FlyRoute, a Denver-based drone service company specializing in aerial videography for athletic events throughout the nation. He is available at mbuchkoski@flyroute.com.