Zipline is seeing its uncrewed aircraft systems take on a wide variety of missions. [Credit: Zipline]
Key Takeaways:
The FAA's Part 107 rule fostered a large drone pilot workforce and new service providers but is limited by the visual line of sight requirement, hindering broader commercial applications.
The proposed Part 108 rule aims to enable widespread Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations, potentially unlocking significant new opportunities for services like urban delivery and large-scale data collection.
Part 108 faces considerable criticism from manned aviation groups and even some drone industry stakeholders over safety concerns, right-of-way stipulations, equipage requirements, and the FAA's capacity for effective oversight and enforcement.
The FAA’s Part 107 rule regulating small uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, opened up new career opportunities for aviators, of whom nearly half a million have secured Part 107 remote pilot certification.
According to Dacoda Bartels, chief operating officer of drone services provider (DSP) FlyGuys, Part 107 also created a “monster.”
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
![Zipline is seeing its uncrewed aircraft systems take on a wide variety of missions. [Credit: Zipline]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FLY0526_Modern-Flying-1.jpeg)
