Navigating Drone Regulations in 2025: Part 108(BVLOS)

The landscape of commercial drone operations in the United States is undergoing its most significant transformation since the introduction of Part 107. At the heart of this change is the long-anticipated Federal Aviation Administration regulation known as Part 108, designed to standardize and enable routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS).

Table of Contents

1. Key Points for Drone Pilots

2. What's Changing

3. Opportunities

4. Preparing Your Drone Business

This article explores the key points for drone pilots, what’s changing in the regulatory environment, the new opportunities Part 108 unlocks, and how drone businesses can position themselves for success in 2025 and beyond.

Key Points for Drone Pilots

Part 108 represents a fundamental shift in how drone pilots will operate in U.S. airspace. Unlike Part 107, which requires pilots to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with their drones and obtain waivers for BVLOS missions - Part 108 is being crafted to allow routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight BVLOS operations without the need for individual waivers or exemptions. This change is expected to open the door to new commercial and public safety applications, from long-range infrastructure inspections to autonomous drone deliveries.

The FAA convened the BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) in 2021, bringing together stakeholders from across the industry - including Amazon Prime Air, Wing, law enforcement, and others - to develop recommendations for safe BVLOS integration. The ARC’s 381-page report, delivered in 2022, included 70 recommendations, many of which are expected to be reflected in the final Part 108 rule. Among the most important for drone pilots are new requirements for detect-and-avoid (DAA) systems, robust communication links, and additional pilot certification and training standards.

Under Part 107, pilots are limited to flying drones under 55 pounds within 400 feet above ground level (AGL), primarily in uncontrolled airspace. Any operation outside these parameters - such as flying over people, at night, or BVLOS - requires a case-by-case waiver from the FAA. This process is not only time-consuming but also unpredictable, stifling innovation and operational efficiency. Part 108 aims to replace this patchwork of waivers with a clear, standardized set of rules, allowing certified operators to conduct BVLOS missions as a matter of routine. The new framework will likely introduce dedicated “air corridors” or zones for BVLOS flights, updated right-of-way rules, and provisions for remote operations centers capable of overseeing multiple drones simultaneously.

For pilots, this means a new era of flexibility - but also new responsibilities. Expect to see requirements for advanced pilot ratings, proficiency in radio communications, and integration with Airspace Service Providers (ASPs) for real-time traffic management. The accountability for safe operations will increasingly shift from individual pilots to the employing organization, with new roles such as “flight coordinators” overseeing autonomous and semi-autonomous missions.

What’s Changing

In June 2025, two major Executive Orders directed the FAA to accelerate the rulemaking process for BVLOS operations, with a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Part 108 required by July 6, 2025, and a final rule due by January 31, 2026. These deadlines are designed to move the industry away from restrictive, case-by-case waivers and toward a standardized, scalable framework for BVLOS operations. However, as noted by Commercial UAV News, Executive Orders set vision and deadlines but do not guarantee funding or resources, and the FAA has missed such deadlines before.

Part 108 is expected to introduce two primary pathways for BVLOS approvals: operational permits for lower-risk, smaller-scale missions, and operational certificates for large-scale operations such as drone delivery networks. This dual-path approach is designed to provide flexibility and scalability, ensuring that both small businesses and enterprise operators can benefit from BVLOS capabilities. The FAA is also considering new requirements for drone hardware, including mandatory detect-and-avoid sensors, certified communication systems, and possibly type certification for drones intended for BVLOS missions.

Another significant change is the anticipated shift in airspace integration. While Part 107 largely segregates drones at low altitudes (≤400 ft AGL) and in uncontrolled airspace, Part 108 is expected to define specific “air corridors” and procedures for integrating drones into controlled airspace, with coordination from air traffic control as needed. This will facilitate more complex operations, such as long-range deliveries and infrastructure inspections, and support the growing use of drones in public safety and emergency response.

The right-of-way rules are also likely to be updated. Under Part 107, drones must always yield to manned aircraft. Part 108 may introduce provisions where, in certain low-altitude corridors, manned aircraft not broadcasting ADS-B signals may be required to yield to drones, reflecting the increasing sophistication and reliability of UAS technology.

Opportunities

For commercial drone operators, the ability to conduct routine BVLOS flights opens the door to applications that were previously impractical or impossible under the waiver-based system. Industries such as energy, agriculture, logistics, and public safety stand to benefit the most from these changes.

In the energy sector, BVLOS operations will enable efficient inspection of long linear assets like pipelines, power lines, and solar farms, reducing costs and improving safety. Agriculture will see expanded use of drones for crop monitoring, precision spraying, and large-scale mapping, driving productivity and sustainability. Logistics companies are already piloting drone delivery networks, and the standardization of BVLOS operations under Part 108 will accelerate the deployment of these services, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

Public safety agencies will gain the ability to deploy autonomous drones for search and rescue, disaster response, and real-time situational awareness, often reaching the scene faster than human responders. The new regulatory framework will also support the growth of drone light shows, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure inspections, creating jobs and driving economic growth.

For drone service providers, early adoption of BVLOS capabilities will provide a significant competitive advantage. Operators who invest in BVLOS-ready technology, advanced pilot training, and compliance with the new rules will be well-positioned to capture market share as the regulatory environment matures. The shift from individual waivers to blanket regulatory approval will also reduce administrative overhead, enabling faster deployment and scaling of drone operations.

Preparing Your Drone Business

With the final Part 108 rule expected in early 2026, now is the time for drone businesses to prepare for the coming changes. Staying informed is essential - monitor updates from the FAA, industry associations like the Commercial Drone Alliance, and reputable news sources to track the progress of the rulemaking process and understand the implications for your operations.

Investing in BVLOS-ready technology is a critical first step. This includes drones equipped with detect-and-avoid systems, robust communication links, and compliance with remote ID and geofencing requirements. As the FAA moves toward type certification for BVLOS drones, working with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure your fleet meets the anticipated standards will be key.

Pilot training and certification will also become more important. Expect new requirements for BVLOS-specific ratings, proficiency in radio communications, and integration with Airspace Service Providers. Consider enrolling your pilots in industry-recognized BVLOS training programs and establishing internal protocols for safe and compliant operations.

Review your supply chains to ensure your hardware and software meet new domestic sourcing requirements, especially if you plan to pursue government contracts. The FAA is expected to prioritize U.S.-manufactured drones and components for federal and some commercial work, reflecting broader trends in supply chain security and resilience.

Finally, engage in the regulatory process by participating in the FAA’s public comment periods for the proposed rules. Your feedback can help shape the final regulations and ensure they reflect the needs and realities of the drone industry.

Conclusion

The introduction of Part 108 in 2025 marks a pivotal moment for the U.S. drone industry, ushering in a new era of routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. By replacing the restrictive, waiver-based system of Part 107 with a standardized, scalable framework, Part 108 unlocks unprecedented opportunities for commercial and public safety applications, from long-range infrastructure inspections to autonomous drone deliveries.

However, with these opportunities come new responsibilities, including advanced pilot certifications, investments in BVLOS-ready technology, and compliance with evolving airspace integration rules. Drone businesses that proactively prepare - by staying informed, upgrading their fleets, training pilots, and engaging in the regulatory process - will be best positioned to capitalize on the transformative potential of Part 108. As the FAA finalizes the rule by early 2026, the time to act is now to ensure your operations soar in this dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape.