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 significant growth in drone operations, certifying nearly half a million remote pilots, but its visual line of sight (VLOS) restriction limits the full potential and efficiency of commercial drone applications.
The proposed Part 108 aims to revolutionize the drone industry by broadly authorizing Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, allowing drones to fly further, over people, and in various airspaces without individual waivers.
Despite offering new opportunities, Part 108 faces significant criticism from manned aviation groups and even some drone industry stakeholders regarding safety protocols, right-of-way rules for drones versus crewed aircraft, equipage requirements, and the FAA's ability to enforce rules for widespread BVLOS operations.
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)
