The U.S. Department of Transportation has introduced a proposed rule to expand the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, in American airspace. Announced by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, the Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rule aims to ease current restrictions that require operators to keep drones within their direct line of sight.
"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," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. "Our new rule will reform outdated regulations that were holding innovators back while also enhancing safety in our skies.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."
Previously, drone operators needed individual waivers or exemptions for BVLOS flights, a process described as cumbersome and handled on a case-by-case basis. The proposed changes would remove these requirements, opening up more opportunities for drone use in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy production, filmmaking, and delivery services including medical supplies.
"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."
"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," said Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
The proposal outlines updated requirements for manufacturers and operators as well as drone traffic-management services designed to maintain safe separation between BVLOS drones and manned aircraft.
The Transportation Security Administration is collaborating on development of this rule. The Federal Aviation Administration encourages members of the public to submit comments during a 60-day period following publication in the Federal Register.
