Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Washington, DC, Aug. 5, 2025 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today welcomed the introduction of a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to allow low-flying unmanned aircraft system (UAS), or drone operations to conduct beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) missions without waivers or exemptions.
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said, “NBAA and UAS operators commend the FAA for issuing this proposed rulemaking, which will unlock new capabilities and commercial opportunities for many organizations. While still just a proposed rule with opportunity for public comment and modifications, the long-awaited NPRM is a crucial step in advancing safe, efficient UAS operations in the National Airspace System and offers an effective framework for providing UAS operators confidence in developing future business and operational plans.”
In addition to removing the requirement for operational waivers or exemptions, the proposed Part 108: Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations would prescribe a new BVLOS rating for a remote pilot certificate. The new rule would also create operating rules for UAS cargo delivery for compensation or hire, and define a regulatory approval pathway for third-party services, to include UAS Traffic Management service suppliers.
The NPRM comes on the heels of two recent executive orders, which augment the FAA’s goal of achieving safe integration for next-generation UAS operations.
In Unleashing American Drone Dominance, the president directs the FAA to expand UAS use by enabling BVLOS operations for commercial and public safety missions. A separate but related executive order, Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty, focuses on mitigating risks to public safety and national security due to the increasing use of UAS in the national airspace system.
In the coming days, NBAA will provide further analysis and a means for industry to comment on the NPRM. Learn more about the proposed rule.
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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org.
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