AUVSI Applauds Release of Draft BVLOS Rule, Reinforcing Urgency Raised at Drone & AAM Policy Symposium 

August 5, 2025

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) applauds the White House, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, and Transportation Security Administration for releasing the long-awaited draft rule, or Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS, or drones), also known as Part 108.  

The release of the draft rule follows closely after extensive stakeholder dialogue at the AUVSI Drone & AAM Policy Symposium. Across two days of in-depth discussion, the need for a clear BVLOS framework remained a top priority for unlocking industry growth and public benefit. 

“For too long, the United States has lacked a clear regulatory path to expand safe, scalable BVLOS operations,” said Michael Robbins, President & CEO of AUVSI. “This draft rule is a critical step toward enabling drone operations that will enhance safety, transform commercial services, and strengthen public safety with drones as a force multiplier. A final risk-based BVLOS rule will unlock new commercial and public safety applications, including infrastructure inspections, precision agriculture, package delivery, disaster response, and more, enhancing public safety, driving billions in economic growth, and creating high-quality jobs.” 

This draft rule aligns with the Trump Administration’s “Unleashing American Drone Dominance” Executive Order, which directed the FAA to move swiftly in enabling BVLOS operations and advancing U.S. drone leadership, as well as a Congressional directive to finalize the Part 108 rulemaking. The Executive Order and the release of the Part 108 NPRM mark long overdue and critically meaningful steps forward for the uncrewed aviation industry. 

AUVSI will work with its members to fully digest the entirety of the rule and will have more detailed comments in the near future.  

AUVSI thanks President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau, Acting TSA Administrator Ha McNeill, and the White House for their leadership in prioritizing this essential rulemaking. The timeline established by the Drone Dominance Executive Order gives the FAA 240 days to finalize the rule—and that clock is now ticking. 

“AUVSI looks forward to reviewing the draft BVLOS rule and submitting industry comments within the prescribed timeline,” said Robbins. “Timely finalization of this rule is essential. It will bring clarity to the industry, unlock real public value, and ensure the U.S. leads in the safe integration of uncrewed systems.” 

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Media Contact:
Ryan Carver
rcarver@auvsi.org