FAA’s Revolutionary Drone BVLOS Rules Nearing Final Approval
The proposed regulations for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are on the verge of completion. Industry insiders predict a final rule by early 2026, poised to transform commercial drone operations across the United States.
The proposed Part 108 regulations, unveiled in August 2025, aim to set up a performance-based framework. This would facilitate routine BVLOS flights up to 400 feet above ground level for unmanned aircraft weighing up to 1,320 pounds. The rule is set to replace the current waiver-only system with a scalable approach using FAA-issued permits for lower-risk operations and certificates for more intricate missions.
Following the executive order “Unleashing American Drone Dominance” by President Trump, the FAA was tasked to publish a final BVLOS rule by February 2026. The regulations are expected to enable commercial operations, including:
- Package delivery
- Agricultural monitoring
- Aerial surveying
- Infrastructure inspection
- Public safety missions
The proposed rules mandate manufacturers to comply with industry consensus standards, operators to implement UAS Traffic Management (UTM) systems, and all drones to broadcast remote identification. Operations supervisors and flight coordinators will not be required to hold FAA pilot certificates, but they must undergo background and watchlist checks.
“Normalizing BVLOS flights is key to realizing drones’ societal and economic benefits,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
Industry stakeholders, including aviation membership organizations AOPA, EAA, ALPA, and NBAA, have submitted detailed comments emphasizing the need for robust safety measures and electronic conspicuity to protect existing airspace users.