The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published a draft regulations that pave the way for large-scale drone flights beyond the pilot's direct line of sight (BVLOS).
This heralds a long-awaited breakthrough for applications such as package delivery, medical supplies, and inspection flights. The new rules are intended to replace the current fragmented exemption policy and finally scale up the US drone industry.
BVLOS stands for Beyond Visual Line of Sight a game-changer in the drone world. Unlike typical drone flights that require the operator to keep the drone in sight, BVLOS lets UAVs fly far beyond that, opening the door to serious real-world applications like infrastructure inspection, deliveries, environmental monitoring, and more.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, said :
"We are making the future of our aviation a reality and unleashing American drone dominance. From drones delivering medicine to unmanned aircraft surveying crops, this technology will fundamentally change the way we interact with the world,"
"Our new rule will reform outdated regulations that were holding innovators back while also enhancing safety in our skies. Thanks to President Trump, America – not China – will lead the way in this exciting new technology."
Until now, BVLOS operations in the US were only possible through individual waivers, often following lengthy application processes and limited approvals. In the new Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the FAA proposes to broadly permit BVLOS flights, provided clear conditions are met. The FAA publication read as,
Previously, operators would have to get individual waivers or exemptions to use their drones without visual line of sight. These were approved on a case-by-case basis, and the process was cumbersome.
By eliminating these requirements for BVLOS operations, the proposal will significantly expand the use-case for drone technologies in areas like: manufacturing, farming, energy production, filmmaking, and the movement of products including lifesaving medications.
The proposed Part 108 regulation applies to a wide range of applications, from parcel delivery and agriculture to energy infrastructure inspections. Recreational use also falls within the scope of the regulation.
"Normalizing BVLOS flights is key to realizing drones’ societal and economic benefits," said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
"Package delivery, agriculture, aerial surveying, public safety, recreation, and flight testing are just some of the uses we expect to see as we enable these innovative technologies while maintaining the safety of our National Airspace System."
A key element of the proposed rules is the introduction of a new type of pilot certificate specifically for BVLOS operations. Operators must also register their flights with the FAA and maintain detailed flight plans, including emergency procedures.
Drones must be equipped with remote ID, detection and avoidance systems, and positioning lights. ADS-B is specifically designed as a method for evading manned aircraft. A new feature is the explicit focus on cybersecurity for drone operators.
The use of heavier drones will also become possible: aircraft up to 1,320 pounds (approximately 600 kg) will soon be allowed to fly without a traditional airworthiness certificate, provided they meet industry standards. This creates space for cargo drones with significant cargo capacity.
Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said:
"Today’s NPRM is a bold, forward-looking step that helps unlock the full potential of BVLOS drone operations, transforming how we monitor infrastructure, deliver critical supplies, advance precision agriculture, and speed up emergency response."
"Under President Trump’s leadership, we are giving innovators a predictable, scalable pathway to conduct BVLOS missions, to ensure that the United States remains the global leader in drone technology. We look forward to public comment on this critical rulemaking."
The US drone industry has largely responded positively to the NPRM. Major players like Wing, Amazon Prime Air, and Zipline see opportunities to scale up their operations. However, there is also criticism: it took years for the FAA to take this step, and previous deadlines have been repeatedly missed.
Is there enough data that has been collected on the societal benefits of BVLOS operations during test programs like BEYOND, which complicates evaluation ?
Question is on the readiness of the American national airspace, specifically when we witness regular near misses between aircraft under ATC control ? There are also concerns about safety, privacy, and the impact on commercial civil aviation.
The draft rules are now open for public consultation. For a 60-day period, stakeholders, from drone companies to citizens, can submit their comments. The FAA expects to issue a final regulation based on these comments in early 2026.
The regulations were developed partly at the urging of the US government, which issued a presidential executive order in June to accelerate drone innovation.
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