US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Rule to Unleash American Drone Dominance
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy unveiled a new proposed rule – Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). This rule will unleash American innovation safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace system.
For more information about the proposed rule, see our fact sheet.
said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.
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.
said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
"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 also includes updated requirements for manufacturers, operators, and drone traffic-management services to keep BVLOS drones safely separated from each other and from manned aircraft.
Additional Information:
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a partner in developing this rule.
The FAA encourages people to submit comments in the Federal Register. The comment period will be open for 60 days following publication and will not be extended.
You can read more about Secretary Duffy’s broader transportation innovation agenda.
Source: FAA
