U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a new proposed rule to eliminate the approval requirement for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. This rule aims to unlock America’s innovation potential by safely integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the national airspace system.
Secretary Sean P. Duffy stated: “We are turning the future of aviation into reality and unleashing America’s dominance in drones. From delivering medicines to monitoring crops, this technology will fundamentally change how we interact with the world. The new rule will reform outdated regulations that hinder innovation while enhancing our air safety. Thanks to President Trump, it is the United States—not China—that will lead the way in this exciting new technology.”
Previously, operators had to obtain individual waivers to fly drones beyond visual line of sight. These waivers were granted on a case-by-case basis, a process that was cumbersome and time-consuming. By removing these BVLOS requirements, the proposal will significantly expand the use of drone technology in manufacturing, agriculture, energy production, filmmaking, and product delivery including life-saving medicines.
FAA Administrator Brian Bedford said: “Regulating BVLOS flight is key to realizing the social and economic benefits of drones. We expect to apply these innovative technologies across many fields such as package delivery, agriculture, aerial surveying, public safety, entertainment, and flight testing, while maintaining the safety of the national airspace system.”
(Twenty-year-old Isaac Strub preparing to launch an agricultural drone to spray pesticides in rural Cass County, Illinois)
Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said: “Today’s NPRM is a bold and forward-looking move that helps fully unleash the potential of BVLOS drone operations, fundamentally changing how we monitor infrastructure, deliver critical supplies, advance precision agriculture, and accelerate emergency response. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are providing innovators with a predictable and scalable path to conduct BVLOS missions, ensuring the U.S. maintains global leadership in drone technology. We look forward to public feedback on this key rulemaking.”
The proposal also includes updated requirements for manufacturers, operators, and drone traffic management services to ensure safe separation between BVLOS drones and manned aircraft as well as among drones themselves.
The FAA encourages the public to submit comments via the Federal Register. The comment period will remain open for 60 days from the date of publication.
