Industry Voices Concern Over Potential Impact on Small Operators and First Responders
The 60-day public comment period for the FAA’s long-awaited Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) closed on October 6, 2025. After years of anticipation, industry stakeholders welcomed the opportunity to provide input, but many expressed concern that the proposed framework could limit existing operations already conducted under waiver.
The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) submitted detailed comments urging the FAA to “get the rule right, not just fast.” The Alliance called for performance-based regulations that account for costs and benefits, reflect the unique nature of the drone industry, and establish a foundation for long-term growth. CDA emphasized that an ill-suited rule could “do more harm to drone integration than help,” urging regulators to support the broad spectrum of commercial and public safety operations.
Impact on Small Operators and Public Safety
For small operators and first responders, the NPRM raises concerns that compliance requirements could exceed the resources available to them. Many have relied on waivers to conduct safe and effective BVLOS operations for years. The prospect of stricter rules risks undermining these operations, which often involve time-sensitive emergency response, infrastructure inspection, and rural deliveries.
Industry groups argue that the final rule should enable, rather than constrain, these existing practices, while also paving the way for expanded commercial adoption. A key worry is that one-size-fits-all requirements may overlook the diversity of drone use cases across business, public safety, and community needs.
Government Shutdown Adds Uncertainty
The closing of the comment period coincides with a U.S. government shutdown, raising questions about staffing at the FAA and the timeline for processing feedback. While the shutdown’s duration remains uncertain, any extended disruption could delay critical progress on BVLOS rulemaking. For an industry that has waited years for regulatory clarity, such a delay adds to the frustration and uncertainty.
Looking Ahead
The BVLOS rule is viewed as essential for unlocking the full potential of drone technology in the United States, from package delivery to infrastructure monitoring and emergency response. Industry leaders are united in calling for a rule that balances innovation and safety while ensuring accessibility for operators of all sizes.
The FAA now faces the challenge of reviewing thousands of comments and navigating through the broader context of a government shutdown. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the final rule reflects the flexibility, performance-based standards, and future-focused framework the drone industry has long awaited.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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