Breaking Down the BVLOS Drone Proposal

Recommended rule would streamline the process for authorizing beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flight.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, August 07, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

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Jack Daleo

The FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule would open the floodgates for expanded commercial drone operations in the U.S. [Courtesy: Pexels/JeShoots]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has proposed a new rule, Part 108, to enable and standardize Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations, aiming to foster U.S. dominance in the commercial drone industry.
This long-awaited rule will significantly expand commercial drone applications, such as delivery, agriculture, and surveying, by transitioning from case-by-case authorizations to a more scalable, performance-based regulatory framework.
Part 108 introduces an "airworthiness acceptance" process instead of traditional certification, new operating permits/certificates based on operational risk, and a new Part 146 for certifying Automated Data Service Providers (ADSPs) to manage airspace and prevent collisions.
The proposed rule redefines operational personnel requirements, removing the need for traditional pilot certificates and instead establishing roles like operations supervisors and flight coordinators, with a 60-day public comment period before finalization.

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Fresh off the release of a final rule for light sport aircraft and guidance for powered-lift aircraft certification, the FAA is looking to usher in the dawn of American drone dominance.

More than four years ago, the regulator initiated the creation of rules for drones that fly beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of their operator. With limited exceptions, the uncrewed aircraft (UA) must be visible to human personnel, heavily restricting their range and ability to reach customers.