The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA), a non-profit organization focused on advancing commercial drone integration and enabling advanced aviation, hosted a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Stakeholder Summit in Washington, D.C. on September 8. The event featured a Fireside Chat between Lisa Ellman, CEO of the CDA and partner at Hogan Lovells, and Michael J.K. Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and former Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
Kratsios, who has advised the President on national technology policy since 2017, framed the discussion around the Administration’s clear priorities. He emphasized that the President wants the United States to achieve technological dominance across multiple fields, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, 5G, and commercial drones. “The President has called for unquestioned and unchallenged global technological dominance,” Kratsios said.
A Defining Moment for the Drone Industry
The Fireside Chat underscored the significance of the FAA’s upcoming BVLOS rulemaking for the future of the drone industry. Ellman described the rule as a long-standing priority for businesses across the sector. “A Beyond Visual Line of Sight Rule has been a priority for this industry,” she said. “How can we think about how to craft a rule that is forward looking, not just enabling what is happening today but looking into the future?”
Kratsios explained that the rule would represent a turning point. “This rule is so critical to unleashing this technology. We finally have an opportunity to talk about how we can do these operations without needing a waiver. It is important that we get this rule right. This is a founding moment. The decisions that you make at that moment fundamentally change the trajectory of the business forever.”
Balancing Timeliness and Accuracy
Ellman raised a question that has concerned many in the industry: how to reconcile the need for shorter timeliness with the importance of accuracy in the rulemaking process. Kratsios responded that while the White House is always focused on moving quickly, quality cannot be sacrificed. “Our priority is getting it right. The President and the White House are always trying to move quickly, but we want to get it right. The most important timeline for all of you is October 6. That timeline is not going to move. We need all of your comments in by then.”
Ellman urged participants to commit the time and effort needed to ensure their perspectives are heard. “Put in the time. Get your comments in. Think carefully about how can we craft a durable, workable rule that will work for commercial drone businesses.”
Government and Industry Must Work Together
Throughout the conversation, Kratsios stressed that effective rulemaking depends on partnership. “This is a partnership between government and industry to work on these issues. We know that there need to be improvements to this rule. It is critical that we get this right. Make sure that the comments really reflect the needs for this rule. We want to have a pro-innovation rule. We are all aligned in where we want to be but we cannot get there without your support.”
He explained that the Office of Science and Technology Policy plays a unique role as a convener, bringing together agencies to build consensus on issues that reflect presidential priorities.
The Broader Benefits of BVLOS Operations
Beyond the regulatory framework, the Fireside Chat also highlighted the potential of BVLOS operations to provide broad benefits to American society. Kratsios noted applications ranging from pipeline inspections to rural package delivery. “There are amazing things that we can do. Everyone can benefit. But what I am most excited about is all of the new jobs that are going to be created to support these operations.”
Kratsios pointed back to the theme of technological dominance. “We [are] unmatched in our desire to expand BVLOS drone operations. The President has been clear that he wants America to lead. Just as we have led in artificial intelligence and quantum computing, drones are part of that vision.”
Exporting U.S. Standards and Best Practices
Kratsios connected the drone industry’s trajectory to other initiatives such as the American AI Initiative and national quantum programs. In each case, he said, the goal has been not only to build domestic strength but also to create a framework that can be adopted internationally. “There is an incredible opportunity to lead by example,” said Kratsios.
“When we get advanced operations worked out, the American drone industry will have a package of best practices around drone operations and drone technology to export. The Administration wants the world to run on American technology,” Kratsios said.
The Next Steps for the BVLOS NPRM
The Fireside Chat at the BVLOS Stakeholder Summit emphasized both urgency and opportunity. For Kratsios, the Administration’s priorities are clear: the United States must lead. For Ellman and industry stakeholders, the message was equally clear: participation in the process is essential. The final BVLOS rule will shape the trajectory of the drone sector for decades, influencing innovation, job creation, and global competitiveness.
As the October 6 deadline approaches, industry leaders are being called upon to contribute their insights and help craft a forward-looking, durable rule that helps American drone businesses scale – and positions the United States as the unquestioned leader in advanced aviation.
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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.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
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