Federal authorities consider relaxing limitations on drones covering extensive airspace
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new rule in August 2025, designed to make it easier for companies to operate drones beyond the pilot's visual line of sight (BVLOS). This rule, aimed at promoting commercial uses such as package delivery, agricultural monitoring, and emergency services, establishes a standardized framework for such operations under certain conditions [1][2][3][5].
President Donald Trump issued executive orders in June, directing the Transportation Department to quickly get this rule out. The rule is open for comments over the next 60 days before finalization, likely later this year.
The rule allows drones to fly at or below 400 feet above ground level and aircraft can weigh up to 1,320 pounds, including their payloads. Operations must launch from FAA-approved locations, and drones must be equipped with collision-avoidance or collision-detection systems and Remote ID with lighting.
Operators need FAA approval for the operational area, including boundaries, number of daily flights, takeoff, landing, and loading zones. Lower-risk drone operations, such as real estate photography or roof inspections, qualify for streamlined permits, while more complex missions like search and rescue or emergencies require enhanced certification.
Operators must ensure safe separation from manned aircraft, comply with communications protocols, follow cybersecurity measures, undergo background checks, and coordinate with future drone traffic management systems. The rule also requires operators to go through certification processes to operate drones out of their sight.
One of the companies that received a waiver allowing it to use drones for some of its deliveries is Amazon. Flytrex, a drone delivery company, expressed excitement about the proposed rule, calling it a "foundational milestone" for drone delivery in the U.S.
The rule won't allow drone flights over large open-air gatherings like concerts or sporting events or crowded parks. Drones are being used to smuggle drugs over the border, and there are concerns about the potential for a disastrous collision between a drone and an airliner around an airport. To address these security concerns, the FAA consulted with the Department of Homeland Security as it developed this rule.
Authorities have tracked down a drone operator who pleaded guilty to recklessly flying his drone, causing damage to a "Super Scooper" plane fighting wildfires. The rule will establish a clear process for drone operators to seek approval for using drones out of sight.
The new rule is a critical step toward ensuring the long-term business viability of drone delivery nationwide. With the ease of obtaining permissions for BVLOS flights, the drone industry is expected to grow significantly in the U.S.
[1] ABC News. (2025, August). FAA Proposes Rule to Ease Process for Drones to Fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight. [online] Available at: https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/faa-proposes-rule-ease-process-drones-fly-visual-line/story?id=80760476
[2] CNET. (2025, August). FAA proposes new rule to make it easier for drones to fly beyond visual line of sight. [online] Available at: https://www.cnet.com/tech/faa-proposes-new-rule-to-make-it-easier-for-drones-to-fly-beyond-visual-line-of-sight/
[3] The Verge. (2025, August). The FAA wants to make it easier for drones to fly beyond the pilot’s line of sight. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2025/8/1/23304192/faa-drone-beyond-visual-line-of-sight-rule-proposal
[5] TechCrunch. (2025, August). The FAA proposes a new rule to make it easier for drones to fly beyond the visual line of sight. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/01/the-faa-proposes-a-new-rule-to-make-it-easier-for-drones-to-fly-beyond-the-visual-line-of-sight/
- The government, through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has proposed a new rule that could potentially boost the use of technology in various sectors, including business and transportation, by making it easier for companies to operate drones beyond the pilot's visual line of sight.
- Companies like Microsoft and Amazon have shown interest in technology advancements, with Amazon receiving a waiver to use drones for some of its deliveries.
- As part of this rule, drones will need to comply with safety measures such as collision-avoidance or collision-detection systems, Remote ID with lighting, and adherence to cybersecurity measures to prevent potential security concerns, like drone-related wildfires or drug smuggling.
- In Seattle and other locations, drones equipped with the proper technology could be instrumental in services such as urban transportation, package delivery, and agricultural monitoring, but they will be prohibited from flying over large open-air gatherings like concerts or sporting events for safety reasons.
- To foster responsible drone usage, the FAA will establish a clear process for operators to seek approval for using drones out of sight, and it has consulted with the Department of Homeland Security to address security concerns related to collisions with manned aircraft and emergency situations.
