FCC rule change pauses HoverAir Aqua U.S. shipments, affects racers

A late-December 2025 FCC rule change known as the Covered List has tightened what foreign-made unmanned aerial vehicles can be sold in the United States, and the change has immediate consequences for consumers and race organizers. Zero Zero Robotics' HoverAir Aqua, a purpose-built waterproof autonomous "selfie" drone aimed at watersports, was slated to ship to backers in early 2026 but U.S. orders have been paused because the model is not on the FCC-approved list.

The Covered List approach effectively prevents foreign-made drone models that lack prior FCC approval from being marketed or sold in the U.S. The rule does include a narrow exception pathway, but that process requires a federal agency - typically the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security - to vouch for a model, and that route is slow and not designed for consumer product rollouts. For manufacturers and crowdfunded projects that counted on quick U.S. deliveries, the pause is an immediate headache.

Although the HoverAir Aqua is a camera- and watersports-focused product, the underlying policy applies broadly to any foreign-made UAVs, including performance and FPV race models. Practical consequences for the racing community include delayed launches, blocked imports of new frames and electronics, and tightening supply of components that depend on specific models. Expect downward pressure on availability to ripple into higher secondary-market prices for already-approved models and parts.

Take action now if you’re planning purchases or events. Verify FCC approval for any preorder before giving a U.S. shipping address and ask sellers to provide FCC IDs and approval documentation. If you need hardware on a tight timeline for a meetup or race season, consider domestic alternatives or models already on the FCC-approved list. If you organize local races or manage team kit, confirm delivery timelines with vendors before committing to dates or sponsorship packages.

The rule change changes the logistics of sourcing gear more than the craft of flying, but it matters to lap times and build schedules. Expect manufacturers to explore the exception process for select models, but don’t count on that as a short-term fix for consumer products. In the weeks ahead, watch FCC updates and vendor statements, double-check FCC IDs when you order, and plan backup gear so your races and builds don’t get grounded.