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 standardize and significantly expand Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations for commercial applications like delivery, agriculture, and surveying.
This framework shifts from individual waivers to a performance-based system, utilizing industry consensus standards for drone design, testing, and production, and introducing tiered operating permits/certificates based on risk.
Part 108 defines new operational roles for personnel and establishes a new certification process for Automated Data Service Providers (ADSPs) to monitor and manage drone traffic in the national airspace.
Currently a proposed rule open for public comment, its timely finalization is considered crucial for accelerating the integration of drones, enhancing safety, and promoting U.S. leadership in the drone industry.

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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.