FAA Signals Imminent BVLOS Rulemaking: Industry Prepares for Crucial Comment Period

(Washington, D.C. – July 30, 2025) – After years of anticipation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has signaled that sweeping regulations for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations are finally within reach. At the AUVSI Drone and AAM Policy Symposium this week, FAA Assistant Administrator Chris Senn declared the industry has “never been closer” to a transformative regulatory breakthrough. The announcement sets the stage for a pivotal public comment period that could redefine the future of commercial drones.

FAA’s BVLOS Rulemaking: On the Horizon

In a high-stakes dialogue with Amazon Prime Air’s Matt McCardle, Senn stopped short of announcing a specific timeline for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) but emphasized unprecedented progress. “Collaboration with federal partners, including homeland security agencies, remains critical,” Senn noted, addressing speculation about delays. His message underscored the FAA’s balancing act: enabling scalable BVLOS operations while mitigating airspace risks.

The symposium revealed that homeland security concerns have influenced the rulemaking process. Senn urged stakeholders to “educate each other” on operational realities and security needs, highlighting the FAA’s multi-agency coordination. Industry analysts view this as a sign that the NPRM will address complex issues like detect-and-avoid technology and remote ID integration.

How to Influence the Final BVLOS Framework

A second panel, “Commenting with Confidence,” delivered actionable strategies for shaping the NPRM. Experts from UPS Flight Forward, AUVSI, and Wiley Rein law firm stressed that data-driven feedback will be paramount:

• Evidence Over Emotion: “The Administrative Procedures Act mandates decisions based on evidence,” emphasized Josh Turner of Wiley Rein. Comments must cite operational data, safety records, or economic impacts.
• Defend Beneficial Provisions: Scott Shtofman of AUVSI warned, “If you support a rule element, speak up. Opponents certainly will.”
• Quantify Business Impact: Operators should detail how proposals affect workflows—like parcel delivery timelines or infrastructure inspection costs.
• Every Voice Matters: Individual operators and small businesses were urged to participate. “Trade associations can’t replace firsthand experience,” said UPS’s Eric Bergesen.

The Road Ahead for Drone Integration

The NPRM’s release will trigger a 60–90 day comment window—the industry’s best opportunity to advocate for scalable BVLOS operations. Panelists cautioned against hastily drafted objections. “Read the entire rule and understand its intent,” Turner advised. “Constructive alternatives carry more weight than criticism.”

With companies like Amazon, UPS, and energy giants poised to scale drone fleets, the rule’s flexibility could unlock $43 billion in economic value by 2030, according to AUVSI’s 2024 Economic Report. However, unresolved issues like spectrum allocation for C2 links and standardized training loom large.

The BVLOS rulemaking represents a watershed moment for U.S. aviation. As the FAA finalizes proposals that could unleash drone deliveries, emergency response networks, and automated infrastructure monitoring nationwide, informed stakeholder engagement isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. When the NPRM publishes, submit evidence-backed comments to shape the future of flight.

Must Know

What is the BVLOS NPRM?
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is the FAA’s formal proposal for permitting drones to fly beyond pilots’ visual range. It outlines safety requirements, technology standards, and operational limits. Public feedback directly influences the final rule.

Why is BVLOS rulemaking significant?
BVLOS operations enable scalable commercial applications like long-range medical deliveries, pipeline inspections, and agricultural monitoring. Current regulations require costly waivers, stifling industry growth.

How can businesses prepare for commenting?
Document operational data: flight hours, safety incidents, and financial impacts of existing restrictions. Join industry coalitions like AUVSI for resource sharing. Monitor the Federal Register for the NPRM’s publication.

What are common pitfalls in commenting?
Vague objections like “this rule is impractical” without supporting evidence. The FAA prioritizes comments proposing specific regulatory language alternatives backed by data.

When will the rule take effect?
After the comment period closes, the FAA may take 12–24 months to issue a final rule. Operators with robust safety cases can pursue FAA waivers during the interim.