By Mickey Miller, CEO, Vislink
As CEO of Vislink, I’m often asked about the status of the FAA’s anticipated rule on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations, sometimes referred to as “Part 108.” This rule is seen by many as the cornerstone for unlocking commercial drone operations at scale in the U.S., with implications across sectors like logistics, infrastructure, and public safety. Part 108 would allow drones to operate beyond a pilot’s line of sight, which is essential for enabling fully remote operations, and for making operations like linear inspection and drone delivery profitable.
A Long-Awaited Rulemaking Journey
The FAA’s journey to a formal Part 108 rule has been a long one. In 2021, then-FAA Administrator Steve Dickson established the Advisory Rulemaking Committee (ARC) to develop recommendations on safe BVLOS operations. The FAA released the ARC’s recommendations in 2022, and at that point, an NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) seemed imminent. However, like any rule with significant impact, the FAA cannot act in isolation. Considerations around privacy and security have affected the timeline.
Momentum from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which funds the agency, added new momentum to the process. Passed into law in May 2024, this Act mandated that the FAA release an NPRM within 4 months of enactment and a final rule within 20 months of enactment. Although the first deadline – September 16, 2024 – has now passed, FAA officials still say publicly that they expect an NPRM release by the end of 2024 or early January 2025.
Once issued, the NPRM will not become effective immediately; it will first enter a public comment period. This phase can add significantly to the time before a final rule.
Implications for the Drone Industry
The industry is closely monitoring these developments, and for good reason. With Part 108, companies could significantly reduce their reliance on time-consuming, case-by-case FAA approvals, enabling more flexible and widespread drone deployments. The technology to ensure safe BVLOS operations has already been proven – including the robust communications technology that Vislink and others in the field have developed.
Looking Ahead: Vislink’s Role in the Future of BVLOS
Based on current indications, I remain optimistic that we’ll see the NPRM issued in December or January 2025. In the meantime, we are staying closely aligned with these developments and remain focused on delivering the advanced communications tools needed to make fully remote, safe BVLOS operations possible. As the regulatory framework for Part 108 takes shape, Vislink will continue to support the industry with solutions designed to meet the needs of scaled drone operations.