Government plans to loosen limitations on drones able to fly extensive distances
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new rule on August 5, 2025, aimed at streamlining the process for commercial and recreational drone operators to fly drones beyond their visual line of sight (BVLOS). This rule marks a significant shift from the previous case-by-case waiver system, which was often criticized as inefficient and burdensome.
Streamlined Approval Process
Under the new rule, operators will no longer require individual waivers from the FAA. Instead, they will be required to undergo background checks, obtain certification, and comply with operational rules to conduct BVLOS flights. This change is expected to expedite approvals and encourage innovation and widespread commercial use.
Detailed Operational Requirements
The rule sets out a framework with specific requirements related to drone operations, aircraft manufacturing standards, maintaining safe separation from other aircraft, operational authorizations, security protocols, reporting, and record-keeping obligations. Drones are permitted to fly beyond visual line of sight up to an altitude of 400 feet or less, standardizing altitude restrictions for BVLOS operations across the U.S.
Permissible Use Cases
The rule covers types of permissible operations including commercial package delivery, agricultural use, infrastructure inspection, public safety, and recreational use. The FAA emphasizes safety, requiring adherence to standards designed to prevent collisions and disruptions to other aircraft, as well as security measures to protect data and operations.
Safety and Security Focus
The FAA's approach emphasizes safety, requiring adherence to standards designed to prevent collisions and disruptions to other aircraft, as well as security measures to protect data and operations. The federal government consulted with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure security concerns are addressed in the new rule.
Background Checks and Certification
Drone operators will have to go through background checks and be certified to operate drones out of their sight. The rule is designed to address a regulatory framework that has failed to keep pace with the rapid advancement of drone technology over the last decade.
Addressing Concerns
The rule includes restrictions meant to help protect against terrorism, espionage, and public safety threats. There have been cases of drones being used for espionage and drug smuggling. A previous incident occurred earlier this year when a small drone collided with a "Super Scooper" plane, causing enough damage that the aircraft had to be grounded for repairs. The operator, a 56-year-old man, was tracked down, pleaded guilty to a federal charge, and admitted to launching the drone to observe fire damage despite the FAA's restrictions.
Amazon is one of the companies that has received a waiver to use drones for some deliveries, specifically in College Station, Texas, as it develops the technology. The new rule is still in the proposal stage but reflects a landmark shift toward routine BVLOS drone operations under federally regulated standards rather than piecemeal waivers. The rule only allows drones up to 1,320 pounds, including their payloads.
Operators can now bypass the need for individual waivers from the FAA, as they will instead undergo background checks and obtain certification to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights. This shift is expected to facilitate a safer and faster approval process for commercial and recreational drone operations, promoting innovation and widespread usage.
The proposed rule outlines a series of detailed operational requirements, covering aircraft manufacturing standards, maintaining safe separation from other aircraft, operational authorizations, security protocols, reporting, and record-keeping obligations. Compliance with these standards aims to minimize the risks of collisions, disruptions, and security breaches, ensuring the safe integration of drones into general-news scenarios.
