VAI urges members to comment on FAA’s proposed BVLOS drone regulations The deadline for comments to the proposal is Monday, Oct. 6. The FAA has proposed a new rule, Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations (BVLOS), also known as Part 108, to expand BVLOS drone operations. The proposed rule introduces significant changes to how aircraft share the low-altitude airspace where vertical flight operations routinely take place. VAI fully supports safe drone integration and recognizes the importance of advancing BVLOS operations for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). At the same time, it is essential that the proposal be improved to reflect the realities of manned vertical flight operations and the important missions these aircraft perform. The proposed rule relies on inaccurate assumptions about the low-altitude environment, proposes significant changes to long-standing right-of-way rules, and risks creating unnecessary hazards in the airspace. With targeted revisions, the FAA has an opportunity to strengthen the proposal and ensure that BVLOS integration enhances, rather than compromises, the safety and efficiency of the US National Airspace System. Call to Action! VAI calls on all its members to review the association’s comments and submit them, along with any of their own perspectives, to the FAA. Comments are due Monday, Oct. 6. We also strongly encourage our members outside of the United States to submit comments. While the FAA is a US regulator, its rules often set global precedents and influence international aviation standards. Input from non-US operators will help ensure that the rule reflects the realities of vertical flight worldwide. It is imperative that the FAA receive as much consistent feedback as possible. The more aligned the input the FAA receives, the stronger our collective voice will be in shaping the final rule. Learn how to submit your comments to the FAA. Read the proposed FAA rule. Read VAI’s comments to the FAA BVLOS proposal.
