New FAA drone rules to unlock BVLOS operations in 2025

New FAA BVLOS rules will eliminate many waivers and allow long-range drone missions by default. This change opens the door for inspections, deliveries, and mapping at scale—if your team is ready to meet compliance standards.

Introduction 

The FAA is finalizing rules that will allow beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations without a case-by-case waiver. For drone programs in construction, utilities, and logistics, this is a major shift. With Part 108 expected by 2025, teams can plan long-range inspections and delivery routes with fewer regulatory barriers. But how can companies prepare now to take advantage of this moment?

Until now, BVLOS drone missions in the U.S. required special waivers, limiting scalability. These restrictions made it hard to use drones for inspecting pipelines, surveying roads, or delivering goods over long distances. In 2024, lawmakers directed the FAA to formalize BVLOS rules, which are expected to replace waivers by 2025 (source: dronelife.com). This means operators must understand new requirements to remain compliant and competitive.

What FAA Part 108 means for enterprise drone programs 

FAA Part 108 will likely define the conditions under which BVLOS flights are allowed without special waivers. This could include new requirements for detect-and-avoid systems, pilot training, aircraft reliability, and flight risk assessments. For businesses, it means more predictable operations and fewer administrative delays. Infrastructure inspections, corridor mapping, and delivery routes will all benefit from these new permissions, provided that drones and operators meet the criteria.

• Enables longer flights without line-of-sight observers  
• Supports automated missions for logistics or inspections  
• Cuts delays caused by individual FAA waiver approvals

Once BVLOS rules are live, companies can scale drone operations across states and project types. Infrastructure firms could survey hundreds of miles of roads or pipelines without breaks. Logistics providers could launch drone delivery services in suburban or rural areas. Faster approvals and fewer restrictions will lower costs and make automation easier to deploy.

Time reduced from 2 weeks to 2 days (waiver vs. planned ops)  

Accuracy improved from spot-checks to full-route coverage 

Cost savings of ~40 % on repeat missions 

The upcoming FAA BVLOS rule is a pivotal step for the drone industry. With Part 108 on the horizon, forward-looking companies should audit their systems, train pilots, and explore how autonomous flight can add value. The future of scalable drone operations is nearly here.