Duffy unveils BVLOS as part of agenda

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy unveiled a new proposed rule – eliminated requirements for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations as part of his agenda to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace system.

"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 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 "Our new rule will reform outdated regulations that were holding innovators back while also enhancing safety in our skies.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, operators would have to get individual waivers or exemptions to use their drones without visual line of sight, which were approved on a case-by-case basis. The FAA asserts that 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. 

"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."

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.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was cited as a partner in developing this rule.