About the Course
Introduction
This CLE webinar will analyze the Safer Skies Act, part of the National Defense Authorization Act signed into law on Dec. 18, 2025, and consider other related developments in the regulation of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). The speakers will also offer insights about increased enforcement of rules governing the operation of UAS generally and what that means for clients.
Description
A complete game-changer in the world of uncrewed (or unmanned) aircraft systems, the Safer Skies Act authorizes state, local, Tribal, and territorial law (SLTT) enforcement to deploy counter-UAS (C-UAS) technology and systems to mitigate credible threats that drones pose to among other things, critical infrastructure or correctional facilities. When done in compliance with numerous training and other mandates, using these systems will be exempt from certain federal criminal statutes, such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, the Wiretap Act, and the Pen Register Act. Moreover, lawful destruction of UAS in compliance with the Safer Skies Act and future regulations will not violate 18 USC 32, which criminalizes the destruction of aircraft in flight.
Critical infrastructure includes seven transportation sectors: aviation, highway and motor carrier systems, maritime, mass transit and passenger rail, pipeline systems, freight rail, and postal and shipping. Counsel advising clients in these industries and sectors should understand what types of new protection are now available through SLTT, and even anticipate a time when companies may be authorized to deploy C-UAS on their own. They also have to consider potential liability for not taking advantage of these protections should a preventable incident occur.
Attorneys advising clients on the use or development of UAS or the use of UAS by their clients' subcontractors and vendors should fully understand this new law, the expanded powers of local law enforcement, and stricter enforcement of UAS regulations. They also should consider the complexities of C-UAS and UAS operating beyond visual line of sight once Part 108 is in final form.
Listen as this panel of UAS experts explains the Safer Skies Act and its impact on businesses using UAS, companies in the UAS space, and transportation infrastructure.
Presented By
Ms. Ambrose served the FAA for nearly twenty years in various capacities, including as the Lead Regulatory Attorney for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and as a Program Manager in the UAS Integration Office. She also held the position of Senior Attorney for Operations Law and managed the Airworthiness Law branch within the FAA's Office of the Chief Counsel Regulations Division which deals with issues pertaining to aircraft certification, maintenance, and environmental certification. Ms. Ambrose is a member of the D.C. and MD Bars and is an active member of the Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia, Maryland State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association Forum of Air and Space Law. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a J.D. and M.A. in International Affairs from American University's Washington College of Law and School of International Service.
Ms. Freeman, a preeminent former regulatory attorney with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), serves as Counsel at Adams & Reese and is a leading member of the national law firm’s Aviation & Aerospace Team. She served for more than a decade in the Regulations Division of the FAA’s Office of the Chief Counsel where she was recognized by industry and agency leadership as an innovator in regulatory law. Primarily overseeing projects relating to emerging aviation technologies, Ms. Freeman concentrated on issues such as integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS or drones) into National Airspace System (NAS) and international operations; Advanced Air Mobility (AAM); licensing and regulatory compliance; exemptions and waivers; and countless other novel and conventional aviation law matters.
Ms. Zoldi (Colonel, USAF, Retired) is a licensed attorney with 28 years of combined active duty military and federal civil service to the U.S. Air Force. She is the CEO & Founder of P3 Tech Consulting, Publisher of Autonomy Global and an internationally recognized expert on uncrewed aircraft system law and policy, featured on Fox News, CNN, Forbes and Newsweek and on the PBS television network (show host Emmy-nominated series). Ms. Zoldi's Dawn of Autonomy podcast was recognized as one of the “Top 7 Drone Podcasts 2024 (The Drone Girl) and the “Best Drone Podcast of the Year 2023” (The Droning Company). She has also been recognized by FDI Insider as the Tech Advocacy Champion of the Year - USA 2024, Great Companies in the Consulting Category for the 6th International Women Entrepreneur 2024 Awards and has been listed as one of the Top Women in Aerospace & Aviation to Follow on LinkedIn for several years. Ms. Zoldi is the author of the book Unmanned Aircraft Systems Legal and Business Considerations: A Modern Primer for U.S. Drone Programs.
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This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.
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Date + Time
- event
Thursday, March 19, 2026
- schedule
1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT
I. Short history of C-UAS and restrictions
II. Analysis of Safer Skies Act
III. Related developments impacting UAS integration into U.S. airspace
A. Part 108
B. Executive Order on Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty
C. FCC Update of Covered List
The panel will consider these and other issues:
- Has the balance of power over UAS regulation tilted from the FAA to Homeland Security, DOJ, and FCC?
- What technologies does C-UAS rely on most?
- What should businesses understand about stepped-up enforcement of UAS rules and regulations?
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