How to Submit a Public Comment on the FAA UAFR Proposed Rule (2026)

The FAA's UAFR Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), published May 6, 2026, is open for public comment until July 6, 2026. Public comment is a formal part of U.S. rulemaking, and anyone — including New York City drone operators — may participate. This guide explains how the process works and how to write a comment that the agency can actually use.

How the Comment Process Works

Federal rules are proposed and finalized under the Administrative Procedure Act. After an NPRM publishes, the agency opens a public docket and invites written comments. The FAA reads the comments it receives and addresses substantive ones when it decides whether and how to finalize the rule. Comments are part of the public record.

• Where: Comments are submitted through the federal eRulemaking portal at Regulations.gov, under the docket assigned to the proposed rule.
• Deadline: The comment period for this NPRM closes July 6, 2026. Late comments may not be considered.
• Who: Any member of the public, business, or organization may comment.

How to Write a Useful Comment

Agencies weigh substance, not volume. A useful comment usually:

• Identifies the specific section or provision you are addressing.
• States whether you support, oppose, or want to modify it, and why.
• Explains concrete, real-world impact — for example, how a BVLOS provision would affect operations in a dense urban environment.
• Offers data or examples where you can, and stays factual and professional.
• Suggests an alternative if you are proposing a change.

What Happens After Comments Close

Closing the comment period does not produce an immediate rule. The FAA reviews the comments, may revise the proposal in response, and then either publishes a final rule with an effective date or chooses not to finalize it. This review can take many months. During that time, nothing changes for operators — the proposal remains a proposal. Watching the public docket is the most reliable way to track progress.

A NYC Operator's Perspective

If you fly in New York City, you can offer the FAA a grounded view of urban realities — Class B airspace at 0 ft LAANC ceilings, the NYPD take-off/landing permit process, manned-aircraft density, and frequent Temporary Flight Restrictions. Describing how a proposed provision would interact with these conditions can make your comment more valuable than a generic statement of support or opposition.

Comments Do Not Change Current Rules

Participating in the rulemaking does not alter what is required today. Until any final rule takes effect, flying in NYC remains legal but requires authorization: an NYPD permit under NYC Administrative Code § 10-126 and an FAA airspace authorization for Class B airspace.