The Commercial UAV Expo keynote panel featuring FAA and EASA representatives concluded during the 1–3 September 2026 conference in Las Vegas. A conference panel discussion does not constitute regulatory action, mutual recognition, an international treaty, an MOU, or an amendment to 14 CFR Part 107 or EASA SORA regulations.
The Brief
At Commercial UAV Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, organizers hosted a scheduled keynote panel titled "Two Skies, One Conversation," featuring representatives from the FAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The panel was programmed to discuss bilateral perspectives on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, risk-based frameworks, and international harmonization.
The Drone Pilot Brief did not have an accredited reporter in the room with an authenticated recording of this session. In adherence to DPB editorial standards, we do not report unsubstantiated conference statements, unverified commitments, or informal speaker remarks as regulatory doctrine. Conference discussion ≠ regulatory action.
Flight-Ready Breakdown
Operational BaselineWhat Happened
A scheduled conference session between FAA and EASA officials occurred at Commercial UAV Expo on 1–3 September 2026 in Las Vegas.
Who is Affected
U.S. Part 107 operators and European UAS operators seeking reciprocal operating privileges or unified type certifications.
Why it Matters
Public panel discussions are valuable for identifying strategic alignment, but they do not alter civil aviation regulations or waive national certification standards.
Before Next Mission
Operate strictly under the sovereign regulations of your flight location: 14 CFR Part 107 in the United States and EU Regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945 in EASA member states.
What Not to Assume
Do not assume the FAA and EASA have signed a mutual recognition agreement. Do not assume EASA SORA approvals transfer to FAA airspace, or that FAA waivers transfer to Europe.
Regulatory Distinction: Discussion vs. Formal Rulemaking
International harmonization between the FAA and EASA requires formal bilateral executive agreements (BASA), technical implementation procedures, and coordinated notice-and-comment rulemaking. While industry leaders frequently advocate for mutual recognition of UAS airworthiness declarations and remote pilot credentials, no bilateral treaty currently allows cross-border reciprocity without individual sovereign approvals.
Bottom Line
The conference session has concluded. Operational flight rules across the Atlantic remain separate and unchanged.
Sources
- • Commercial UAV Expo 2026: Keynote Conference Program (Las Vegas, 1–3 September 2026)
- • Federal Aviation Administration: Office of International Affairs Policy Guidelines
- • European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA): International Cooperation and Drones Regulatory Portal
The Drone Pilot Brief does not accept payment for editorial coverage.
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