Expansion of Drone Delivery Services Overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new rule aimed at modernizing drone regulations in the U.S., primarily focusing on enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for commercial uses. This proposed rule eases altitude and line-of-sight restrictions for drone operations while ensuring safety through technology requirements and operational limits.
Under the new rule, drone operators will no longer need individual waivers or exemptions to use their drones beyond the visual line of sight. However, the rule allows for BVLOS operations only with FAA approval and compliance with certain requirements. These include detect-and-avoid capabilities, proper lighting, Remote ID broadcast, and adherence to a maximum drone weight of 1,320 pounds.
Operators will also need to provide the FAA with details such as the boundaries, approximate number of daily operations, takeoff, landing, and loading areas, ensuring adequate communications coverage, and procedures in cases where communication with the drone is lost.
The rule also establishes a new BVLOS rating for remote pilot certificates and requires operators and all parties involved to undergo vetting coordinated with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The proposed rule allows drones to be used for various commercial purposes, such as package deliveries, agriculture, aerial surveying, civil interests, public safety, recreation, and flight testing. However, drone operations remain restricted over large crowds and open gatherings like sports and media events.
The altitude limit for drones under this proposed rule is 400 feet or less. It's important to note that this rule does not change the weight limit for drones or the restriction on drone operations over large crowds and open gatherings.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated, "This proposed rule will change the way drone use is approved and will allow innovators and businesses to continue creating and innovating."
The proposed rule is currently open for a 60-day public comment period before finalization. Notable companies such as Amazon and Walmart are already authorized by the FAA to perform drone deliveries in select locations and cities across the nation.
This new rule, if finalized, could significantly expand the commercial use of drones, revolutionizing industries such as delivery, agriculture, and public safety.
The new rule, focusing on technology, requires drone operators to have detect-and-avoid capabilities, Remote ID broadcast, and adherence to a maximum drone weight of 1,320 pounds. Additionally, this technology-driven rule will enable operators to apply for a BVLOS rating for their remote pilot certificates.
