By Mickey Miller, CEO, Vislink
I have the privilege of being at the forefront of discussions shaping the future of drone technology. One of the most critical developments on the horizon for our industry is the long-awaited rulemaking on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in the United States. This pivotal regulation has the potential to transform how drones are deployed across sectors – but its progress has again been stalled.
Progress After Years of Delays
The BVLOS rule has been in the pipeline for several years, delayed by ongoing security concerns and complex regulatory requirements. Former FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, in a 2021 speech, acknowledged that BVLOS is often referred to as the ‘holy grail of drone operations’ and a necessary evolution for industry growth. He noted that ‘our rules, as written, are not adequate’ and emphasized the importance of working closely with stakeholders to develop new regulations that move beyond the inefficiencies of case-by-case approvals.
The FAA’s Advisory and Rulemaking Committee on UAS BVLOS operations issued its recommendations in March of 2022. And while the FAA began 2024 by indicating that an NPRM would be forthcoming by the end of the year, we find ourselves in 2025 still awaiting its release.
Before the inauguration of President Trump, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) had made progress: successfully moving from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to the Department of Transportation and then to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review. OIRA actively engaged with industry stakeholders to ensure the rule balances safety with the need for innovation and operational flexibility.
Unfortunately, the NPRM was not released before the inauguration took place. Now, the rulemaking progress will be subject to the regulatory freeze imposed by the incoming administration.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a memorandum titled “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,” halting agency rulemaking processes. This action, consistent with similar freezes enacted by previous administrations during presidential transitions, paused the publication of new rules, including the BVLOS NPRM. Such freezes are intended to provide time for the new administration to review pending regulations and ensure they align with its policy objectives.
Why BVLOS Rules Matter
Currently, BVLOS operations require navigating a maze of waivers and exemptions, which hinders scalability and adds uncertainty for businesses. A finalized BVLOS rule would eliminate these barriers, providing much-needed regulatory clarity that would encourage investment in innovative solutions. This clarity would enable companies to develop advanced technologies, such as automated detect-and-avoid systems and enhanced communication networks, to support a wide range of applications, from infrastructure inspection to environmental monitoring.
By fostering a predictable regulatory environment, businesses can plan for the future with confidence, unlocking opportunities for growth and driving advancements across industries that depend on drones for critical operations.
Looking Ahead
At Vislink, we’re already preparing for a BVLOS-enabled future by developing robust communication solutions designed for the unique challenges of uncrewed defense and public safety applications. This is a pivotal moment for the drone industry, and we’re committed to supporting our partners as they navigate this new landscape.
I’ll continue to provide updates as this rule progresses. In the meantime, I encourage you to engage with your networks, participate in industry discussions, and advocate for the timely advancement of BVLOS regulations. Together, we can shape a safer, more innovative future for drones.
