No Waiver Or Exemption Needed For BVLOS Missions

The National Business Aviation Association welcomed a new Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published by the FAA that will permit low-flying UASs to conduct flights BVLOS or beyond visual line of sight, without a waiver of exemption needed.

In addition to eliminating the requirement for operational exemptions or waivers, the proposed Part 108: Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations would created a new BVLOS rating for the remote pilot certificate. It would also create operating rules for UAS cargo deliveries for compensation or hire, and define a regulatory approval path for third-party services that include UAS Traffic Management service suppliers.

Ed Bolen, President and CEO of NBAA said, “NBAA and UAS operators commend the FAA for issuing this proposed rulemaking, which will unlock new capabilities and commercial opportunities for many organizations. While still just a proposed rule with opportunity for public comment and modifications, the long-awaited NPRM is a crucial step in advancing safe, efficient UAS operations in the National Airspace System and offers an effective framework for providing UAS operators confidence in developing future business and operational plans.”

The NPRM is a result of two recent executive orders issued by President Donald Trump that bolster the FAA’s goal of safe integration for next-generation UAS operations.

The president directed the FAA to expand UAS use by enabling commercial and public safety BVLOS operations with his order, Unleashing American Drone Dominance. The other order is Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty, and it is intended to mitigate public safety and national security risks associated with the burgeoning use of UAS in the national airspace system.

FMI:  nbaa.org/