Spearheaded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a coalition of industry organizations, including NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association and the Wireless Infrastructure Association have formally requested that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) swiftly issue rules to enable beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones.
In a letter addressed to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, the groups highlighted the urgent need for regulatory updates to unlock the benefits of BVLOS operations, aligning with the recently enacted FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
The letter, dated July 24, 2024, emphasized the Congressional intent behind the FAA Reauthorization Act, signed into law by President Biden on May 16, 2024. Section 930 of the Act mandates the FAA to finalize a rule to enable routine BVLOS operations within 20 months of enactment. This directive aims to build on years of foundational work, including issuing BVLOS waivers and exemptions, setting standards, and recommendations from the Beyond Visual Line of Sight Aviation Rulemaking Committee.
The organizations, representing various stakeholders, underscored the necessity for a timely and effective BVLOS final rule. They argued that such a rule would provide the business community with the certainty needed to leverage the full benefits of BVLOS operations, enhance public safety, reduce costs, and boost economic competitiveness.
“Failure to move quickly will allow the current regulatory framework to remain in place, limiting the ability of operators to utilize drones for certain safety-enhancing applications and operate at scale,” the letter stated. It cited specific examples where BVLOS operations could significantly improve safety and efficiency, such as tower inspections, disaster response, and media coverage of critical events.
The letter also pointed out the financial and administrative burdens imposed by the current requirement for operators to seek waivers or exemptions for BVLOS operations. This process, described as costly, time-consuming, and cumbersome, could be streamlined with a comprehensive BVLOS rule, providing greater certainty for the industry.
The economic implications of a BVLOS rule were also highlighted. The letter argued that the restriction on BVLOS operations under Part 107 limits the economic potential of drones. Enabling widespread BVLOS operations is a pathway to unlocking new business models, increasing productivity, and creating economic opportunities, particularly for small businesses.
“A BVLOS rule will strengthen economic competitiveness by unlocking new business models, increasing productivity, and creating economic opportunities for small businesses. Moreover, regulatory certainty from a BVLOS rule will incentivize greater investment in the American drone industry, bolstering U.S. global leadership in this critical sector,” the organizations stated.
The coalition urged the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the FAA to promptly issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and finalize a rule to enable BVLOS operations. This action is deemed crucial for the safe and secure integration of UAS into the national airspace and bolstering American economic competitiveness across various industry sectors.
The letter was also copied to several key officials, including FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
In addition to NATE and WIA, associations requesting swift action included American Council of Engineering Companies, American Gas Association, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, American Petroleum Institute, American Property Casualty Insurance Association, Association of American Railroads, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, Commercial Drone Alliance, Consumer Technology Association, CTIA – The Wireless Association, Edison Electric Institute, IAAPA – The Global Association for the Attractions Industry, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, Motion Picture Association, National Association of Manufacturers, National Press Photographers Association, National Retail Federation, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, News/Media Alliance, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Security Industry Association, The Small UAV Coalition, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
