U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced a proposed rule aimed at expanding the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, in the national airspace. The new regulation, referred to as Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), is designed to remove existing restrictions that required drone operators to obtain individual waivers or exemptions for operations beyond their direct line of sight.
According to Secretary Duffy, "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 Our new rule will reform outdated regulations that were holding innovators back while also enhancing safety in our skies.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."
The current process for BVLOS operations involves case-by-case approvals, which many industry stakeholders have described as cumbersome and limiting for broader adoption across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy production, filmmaking, and logistics involving critical supplies like medications.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated, "Normalizing BVLOS flights is key to realizing drones’ societal and economic benefits. 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."
Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy added: "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 proposal includes updated requirements for manufacturers and operators intended to maintain safe separation between BVLOS drones and manned aircraft. It also introduces standards for drone traffic-management services.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has participated in developing this rule alongside other agencies.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) encourages members of the public to submit comments on the proposed rule through the Federal Register during a 60-day period following its publication.
