U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced a proposed regulation titled Beyond Visual Line of Sight, which aims to expand the use of unmanned aircraft systems in national airspace.
The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday the proposed rule will enable operators to bypass waivers or exemptions to utilize UAS or drones without a visual line of sight. Removing this step is expected to accelerate the innovative use of drones in manufacturing, farming, energy production, filmmaking, moving products such as medications and other areas.
The rule also incorporates new compliance requirements for manufacturers, operators and UAS traffic management services. These will help facilitate the safe separation between BVLOS drones and manned aircraft.
DOT, FAA, White House Executives Comment on BVLOS Rule
“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 Our new rule will reform outdated regulations that were holding innovators back while also enhancing safety in our skies,” stated Duffy.
“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,” said White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios, a two-time Wash100 Award winner.
“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,” remarked FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
