FAA Half 108 is the proposed framework that goals to normalize routine past visible line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations in the USA. It establishes efficiency primarily based guidelines for protected scalable flights at low altitudes and creates a clearer path for plane design approvals and operational permissions tied to actual world threat. The proposal was revealed as a Discover of Proposed Rulemaking within the Federal Register on August 7, 2025 with feedback due by October 6, 2025.
Unlocking New Potential: The Objective of Half 108
The FAA explains that the rule would set up efficiency primarily based necessities to allow routine BVLOS operations whereas sustaining security throughout the nationwide airspace system. It’s a part of a broader integration plan directed by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and supported by a proper BVLOS truth sheet and an NPRM overview revealed by the company.
Normalize BVLOS operations so operators have a predictable path for missions similar to package deal supply, agriculture aerial surveying, public security and infrastructure inspection.
Shift to efficiency primarily based requirements the place plane makers and operators reveal that gear and procedures meet measurable security outcomes slightly than comply with one measurement suits all prescriptions.
Introduce streamlined airworthiness acceptance by way of a security acceptance certificates pathway primarily based on trade consensus requirements to scale back price and speed up innovation whereas protecting threat controls in place.
Outline operational tasks together with necessities for Distant ID lighting reporting and report protecting to assist security oversight and airspace consciousness.
The Driving Forces Behind Half 108
Half 108 is the end result of years of FAA and trade collaboration, drawing instantly on prior suggestions and a congressional mandate to soundly normalize BVLOS operations.
The proposal is the following step in a protracted course of to convey superior drone operations into the airspace safely. In 2022 the FAA convened a BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee that delivered suggestions for scaling routine BVLOS by way of threat primarily based frameworks know-how mitigations and operational approvals. Half 108 attracts on this groundwork together with the 2024 congressional mandate to normalize BVLOS.
The Evolution of BVLOS: From Previous to Future
Traditionally, below Half 107 guidelines, industrial drone operations have been largely confined to visible line of sight, with past visible line of sight flights requiring difficult-to-obtain waivers. This limitation has considerably constrained operational vary, scale, and automation for numerous use circumstances.
To deal with this, the current NPRM proposes a predictable pathway for BVLOS by way of performance-based necessities, gear requirements, and risk-proportional authorization processes.
Trying forward, if finalized, Half 108 would allow routine and scalable BVLOS actions throughout quite a few sectors, coordinating with different businesses on safety measures to guard nationwide airspace and pursuits.
Core Elements of the Half 108 Framework
Plane compliance by way of consensus requirements. Producers would design and check plane towards accepted requirements and supply working limitations tied to these requirements. The FAA might settle for the plane by way of a security acceptance course of as a substitute of the traditional sort certification route for this class of missions.
Operational approvals that scale. Operators would use outlined authorization pathways matched to mission threat and airspace complexity with documentation reporting and oversight to make sure continued compliance.
Expertise necessities for consciousness and visibility. The proposal highlights Distant ID and lighting together with site visitors administration providers that may assist preserve drones separated from different plane.
Operator roles and automation. Analyses of the NPRM observe a transfer towards supervised automated operations with a certified supervisor overseeing programs slightly than a standard pilot position in all circumstances which aligns with a scalable automation imaginative and prescient.
Key Benefits of the FAA Half 108 Proposal
Half 108 gives key benefits like predictable approvals, quicker plane acceptance, threat primarily based oversight, and assist for automation to soundly scale the industrial drone trade.
The proposed Half 108 framework introduces a number of vital benefits designed to speed up the protected integration of BVLOS operations into the nationwide airspace. These advantages are poised to rework the industrial drone trade by offering readability and decreasing boundaries to scale.
Predictability for Progress: The rule establishes clearer, extra predictable approval paths that ought to cut back the necessity for advert hoc waivers. This stability encourages funding in superior operations for sectors like linear infrastructure inspection, agriculture, and public security response.
Sooner Plane Acceptance: By leveraging an acceptance course of primarily based on trade consensus requirements, the proposal might considerably shorten timelines and decrease prices for deploying succesful new platforms, all whereas sustaining rigorous security assurance.
Danger-Aligned Oversight: A shift to performance-based guidelines permits the FAA and trade to give attention to mitigating probably the most essential dangers, similar to airspace consciousness and kinetic vitality limits, shifting away from inflexible, one-size-fits-all procedures.
Promotion of Automation: The framework anticipates and encourages extra autonomous operations by supporting the event of UAS Visitors Administration (UTM) providers, enabling scalable operations throughout corridors and communities.
Aligning Our Operations with the Way forward for BVLOS
Truthful Lifts has lengthy emphasised protected, compliant operations, and our method is constructed to fulfill each the letter and spirit of FAA Half 108. This proactive alignment ensures our purchasers can confidently seize the complete advantages of BVLOS missions with out introducing new dangers to their tasks or communities. Our technique is constructed on 4 core pillars that dovetail completely with the proposed rule:
Plane and Gear Readiness: Our fleet is prepped for Half 108, using platforms that meet rising trade requirements and absolutely combine Distant ID, lighting, and airspace consciousness tech for seamless regulatory acceptance.
Documentation and Knowledge Integrity: We uphold rigorous record-keeping for upkeep, operations, and reporting that exceeds NPRM expectations for transparency, making certain compliance is constructed into our workflow.
Scalable Operational Planning: Our risk-based planning and airspace coordination align with the rule’s performance-based construction, decreasing lead occasions and enabling predictable scheduling for recurring BVLOS missions.
Coaching for Supervised Automation: Our personnel are skilled in supervised automation, utilizing clear protocols and checklists that instantly match the operational mannequin anticipated by the brand new rule.
This alignment delivers key consumer advantages: intensive protection with fewer deployments, superior information from higher-frequency flights, and a sturdy compliance posture that meets all stakeholder and insurance coverage necessities with confidence.
Embracing the Way forward for BVLOS
Half 108 establishes a brand new performance-based framework for scalable BVLOS operations, and Truthful Lifts is already aligned with its core rules to information purchasers towards environment friendly and compliant mission success.
FAA Half 108 represents a foundational shift in U.S. drone laws, shifting from restrictive, case-by-case waivers towards a normalized, performance-based framework for protected, scalable Past Visible Line of Sight operations. This evolution guarantees larger predictability for the trade, streamlined plane acceptance, and a transparent path to unlocking the complete potential of automated drone missions throughout numerous sectors.
As this new period of aviation takes form, Truthful Lifts Unmanned Aerial Providers stands prepared. Our UAV operations, from gear and coaching to planning and documentation, are already aligned with the core rules of the proposed Half 108 framework. We’re ready to assist our purchasers navigate this transition seamlessly and leverage its benefits at this time.
Contact our crew to discover how we are able to map your BVLOS survey, inspection, or emergency response mission to probably the most compliant and environment friendly path ahead below FAA Half 108.
