FAA BVLOS NPRM Under Part 108 – Complete Guide for Drone Buyers and Ops Teams

The FAA’s long-anticipated Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Part 108 is here.

For the first time, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations are moving toward a clear legal path—one that will impact every buyer, every operations team, and every industry that depends on drones.

This is not a vague policy update. It’s a roadmap. If you plan to operate BVLOS legally in the United States, you’ll need to understand the timelines, requirements, and readiness steps now—before the final rule lands. Waiting means falling behind.

In this guide, you’ll get:

• A detailed FAA timeline from NPRM release to final rule adoption
• A permit vs. certificate breakdown so you know exactly which path applies to your operations
• Equipment upgrade and training requirements to ensure compliance from day one
• Industry-specific playbooks for public safety, agriculture, surveying, and drone delivery
• Security and TSA vetting requirements you’ll need to meet before your first BVLOS flight
• Action steps with deadlines so you can move from awareness to operational readiness

BVLOS is entering active deployment. Operators who align technology, training, and safety protocols today will be recognized as industry leaders when Part 108 becomes law. Those without a plan will be playing catch-up in a market that rewards readiness.

Understanding the FAA’s BVLOS Part 108 Proposal

The NPRM isn’t optional reading. It’s your operations playbook in draft form. If you’re in public safety, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, or delivery, the FAA’s BVLOS framework will determine how you fly, what you fly, and who’s allowed to pilot it.

Part 108 lays out:

• Operational scope: Who can fly BVLOS and under what conditions
• Technical requirements: From detect-and-avoid systems to communications reliability
• Certification pathways: Differentiating between operational waivers, pilot certificates, and organizational approvals
• Safety and security protocols: Including TSA vetting for personnel and incident reporting requirements

The FAA isn’t reinventing the wheel here—they’re standardizing what’s already working in pilot programs and waivers, and putting it into law. Translation: if you’ve been doing BVLOS under an exemption, prepare for the paperwork to get heavier and the compliance checks to get stricter.

Why BVLOS Matters for Industry Growth

• Public Safety: Extended flight range for search and rescue, surveillance, and disaster response without the manpower drain of constant visual observers
• Agriculture: Efficient crop mapping and spraying over large acreage without breaking operations into multiple short flights
• Infrastructure and Energy: Full-length pipeline and transmission inspections in a single sortie
• Delivery and Logistics: Viable commercial delivery routes that don’t require pre-cleared corridors or “leapfrog” visual checkpoints

If your business model depends on scale, BVLOS is the lever. Part 108 is the permission slip.

Timeline from NPRM to Final Rule

The FAA rulemaking process follows a set sequence. It’s predictable enough that smart operators align their internal readiness plan to match. The BVLOS NPRM under Part 108 is no exception.

Milestone	Expected Date	Action for Industry
NPRM Release	Published	Begin your internal gap analysis immediately. Identify whether your current drone fleet, pilot qualifications, and workflows meet the NPRM’s baseline requirements for BVLOS operations. Flag any compliance gaps that will require budget or lead time to resolve.
Public Comment Period	~90–120 days from release	Submit formal comments backed by operational data, technical evidence, or economic impact statements. This is your chance to shape the final rule—not a box-checking exercise. Coordinate with industry groups to amplify your position.
FAA Review and Revisions	~6–12 months post-comment	Use this time to finalize internal equipment budgets, vendor quotes, and training plans. If the FAA signals likely changes during the review period, adjust procurement timelines early rather than scrambling after publication.
Final Rule Publication	TBD	Initiate compliance programs immediately. This includes ordering compliant aircraft, integrating required onboard systems, and training personnel on new procedures. Delays here will leave you racing the compliance clock.
Compliance Deadline	Typically 6–12 months post-rule	Complete all required certifications, security clearances, and operational SOP updates before the deadline. Waiting until the last month guarantees stress and higher costs for expedited equipment or training.

Bottom line: You can use the FAA’s timeline to methodically prepare—or you can ignore it and join the crowd that panics when the clock runs out.

Determining Your Path with BVLOS Part 108 — Permit, Waiver, or Certificate

BVLOS under Part 108 isn’t “one size fits all.” The FAA isn’t interested in handing the same rulebook to a public safety agency and a package delivery startup. You’ll need to figure out your operational category before you do anything else.

Step 1 — Identify Your Operational Category

The FAA’s proposed framework is designed to match risk with oversight. That means your approval pathway depends on:

• Aircraft weight and performance
• Type of operation (commercial, public safety, agriculture, inspection, delivery)
• Airspace environment (urban, rural, mixed)
• Safety mitigations in place (detect-and-avoid tech, pilot qualifications, maintenance programs)

If you’re flying a professional enterprise drone mapping package like the Matrice 350 RTK Ultimate 3D Mapping Package for large-area survey work, you’re already in a higher scrutiny category simply due to the scale and operational complexity.

Step 2 — Choose the Right Approval Path

Permit (Operational Approval)

• Best for limited-scope, low-complexity BVLOS flights
• Typically issued for specific missions or recurring routes
• Lower barrier to entry, but limited in scale

Waiver (Rule Exception)

• Ideal if your operation falls outside standard Part 108 parameters but you can prove equivalent safety
• Requires robust safety case documentation and risk assessments
• Often used for new tech testing or unique use cases

Certificate (Full Operational Authority)

• Required for high-volume, continuous BVLOS operations
• Involves comprehensive safety management systems, security protocols, and pilot certification
• Longest approval process, but unlocks full operational flexibility

What This Means for Ops Teams and Buyers

If you’re outfitting a department or enterprise for BVLOS, the approval type directly affects:

• Equipment purchases: You may need an RTK drone mapping solution with cm-level accuracy and onboard detect-and-avoid
• Training programs: Pilot certification standards change depending on your operational category
• Mission planning software: Full certificates often require automated compliance reporting
• Budget timelines: Certificates mean longer lead times and higher initial investment

Avoiding this step leaves compliance up to chance. Many teams end up investing heavily in gear that won’t meet Part 108 standards.

Talk to a BVLOS Compliance Specialist. We’ll match your operation type to the right approval path and equipment list before you spend a dollar.

Equipment and Technology Requirements for BVLOS Under Part 108

Flying BVLOS isn’t just about getting FAA approval. The hardware and software you choose will determine if your operation passes inspection—or gets shut down before launch. The FAA’s NPRM under Part 108 makes it clear: performance-based safety is the standard, and that starts with the right gear.

Core Systems Every BVLOS Operation Needs

1. Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) Technology

• Optical, radar, or hybrid systems that can identify both cooperative (ADS-B equipped) and non-cooperative aircraft
• Real-time processing with automated avoidance maneuvers
• Compliance advantage: DAA systems can reduce operational restrictions for BVLOS approvals

2. Redundant Command and Control (C2) Links

• Primary and backup communications, often via LTE/5G and RF link pairing
• Automatic failover to maintain control in case of signal loss
• Critical for urban and mixed airspace operations where interference is common

3. High-Precision Positioning

• RTK or PPK GNSS for cm-level accuracy in mapping and inspection workflows
• Essential for professional enterprise drone mapping packages like the Matrice 350 RTK Ultimate 3D Mapping Package
• Improves data quality and reduces re-flight needs

4. Onboard Data Logging and Cybersecurity

• Secure data storage and encryption for all mission-critical recordings
• Compliance with TSA and DHS security recommendations for sensitive industries
• Ability to export detailed flight logs for audits and insurance claims

Mission-Specific Payloads

Selecting the right payload is key to meeting BVLOS mission requirements under Part 108 while maximizing operational performance. Here are some top picks trusted across industries.

Payloads At-a-Glance

Mission	Recommended Payloads
Public Safety & SAR	DJI Zenmuse H30 (multi-sensor) + CZI LP12 (spotlight/loudspeaker)
Agriculture	MicaSense Altum-PT (thermal + multispectral + RGB) + DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral
Surveying & Mapping	DJI Zenmuse L2 (LiDAR + RGB) + Phoenix miniRANGER-3 LITE
Delivery / Environmental	CZI drop systems, third-party modules for cargo release or temperature monitoring

Public Safety and SAR

• Thermal and RGB multisensor payloads for victim detection and scene assessment, such as the DJI Zenmuse H30 Series, which combines zoom, wide, and thermal imaging with a laser rangefinder for all-weather, day/night ops.
• Loudspeaker and spotlight integrations for communication and nighttime operations, like the CZI LP12 or CZI LP35, offering high-intensity illumination and clear audio projection in a compact payload.

Agriculture

• Multispectral sensors for crop health analytics, such as the MicaSense Altum-PT (thermal, multispectral, and RGB) or the DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral for compact, field-ready analysis.
• High-capacity spray systems with precision flow control for targeted application—compatible options include third-party spray payloads designed for DJI Agras platforms.

Surveying and Mapping

• LiDAR payloads for dense point cloud capture, such as the DJI Zenmuse L2 or Phoenix miniRANGER-3 LITE, offering survey-grade accuracy with integrated or paired RGB mapping.
• Photogrammetry cameras with global shutters to eliminate motion distortion, like those built into the Zenmuse P1 for precision mapping.

Delivery and Logistics

• Cargo bays with secure release mechanisms, including configurable drop kits like the CZI TH4 V2 Drop System for the DJI Matrice series.
• Environmental monitoring for temperature-sensitive goods via third-party sensor modules designed for DJI enterprise drones.

Highlighted Picks:

1. DJI Zenmuse L2 LiDAR Mapping Payload – Engineered for dense and accurate 3D mapping with integrated RGB imaging.
2. DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral Camera – Portable, affordable, and perfect for field-level agricultural insights.
3. CZI LP35 Searchlight & Loudspeaker System – Enhances safety and command capability during nighttime or public safety operations.

Why Cutting Corners on Equipment Will Cost You

The FAA isn’t going to sign off on BVLOS ops if your tech stack looks like a hobbyist’s weekend build. Under Part 108, approval hinges on proving your safety mitigations actually work. Choosing low-grade components may save money upfront but will burn time and budget in re-testing, re-submissions, and potentially denied operations.

Get Your BVLOS Equipment Assessment. We’ll evaluate your current fleet and recommend FAA-ready upgrades that meet your industry’s Part 108 requirements.

Industry Playbooks for BVLOS Operations Under Part 108

BVLOS under Part 108 isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each industry faces different operational hazards, regulatory hurdles, and equipment demands. Here’s how the NPRM’s framework translates into real-world readiness for key sectors.

Public Safety and Emergency Response

Operational Priorities

• Maintain real-time situational awareness over wide areas
• Support SAR, firefighting, and law enforcement missions without losing line-of-sight
• Ensure rapid deployment with minimal preflight setup

Recommended BVLOS Tech Stack

• Platform: DJI Matrice 350 RTK or M30T for thermal and zoom
• Payloads: Multisensor thermal/RGB, loudspeakers, spotlights
• Comms: Dual-link LTE + RF redundancy
• DAA: 360° radar + ADS-B In/Out

Compliance Considerations

• Prioritize DAA capabilities to reduce operational restrictions in urban airspace
• Implement encrypted live feeds to protect sensitive mission data
• Integrate TSA-vetted crew protocols for secure incident response

Agriculture and Environmental Monitoring

Operational Priorities

• Maximize acreage coverage in single missions
• Conduct multispectral crop analysis without constant repositioning
• Automate seasonal survey schedules to cut labor costs

Recommended BVLOS Tech Stack

• Platform: DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral or Matrice 350 RTK with ag payloads
• Payloads: Multispectral, high-volume spray systems, NDVI analytics
• Comms: LTE with C2 redundancy for large field coverage
• DAA: Lightweight radar to avoid low-flying aircraft

Compliance Considerations

• Maintain records of all automated routes for regulatory audits
• Secure cloud storage for data to prevent agricultural IP theft
• Calibrate sensors regularly for accuracy in precision agriculture reports

Surveying, Mapping, and Inspection

Operational Priorities

• Deliver cm-level accuracy over expansive, hard-to-reach sites
• Capture consistent datasets for repeat projects
• Minimize field crew exposure to hazardous areas

Recommended BVLOS Tech Stack

• Platform: DJI Matrice 350 RTK Ultimate 3D Mapping Package
• Payloads: Lidar, photogrammetry cameras with global shutter
• Comms: LTE or mesh network for consistent coverage
• DAA: Optical/radar hybrid for dense terrain operations

Compliance Considerations

• Keep detailed C2 and GNSS logs to support survey certifications
• Implement secure transfer protocols for sensitive site data
• Use redundancy in storage to protect against field device loss

Delivery and Logistics

Operational Priorities

• Maintain route efficiency and on-time delivery without visual observers
• Track and log all deliveries for compliance and liability
• Ensure safety and public acceptance in populated areas

Recommended BVLOS Tech Stack

• Platform: Fixed-wing VTOL drones or hybrid quadplanes for long range
• Payloads: Cargo bays with secure locking and temperature control
• Comms: Redundant LTE/5G + satellite link for long-haul delivery routes
• DAA: Long-range radar for traffic separation

Compliance Considerations

• Adhere to FAA route approval and community engagement requirements
• Implement anti-tamper systems for sensitive cargo
• Document and archive all delivery telemetry for audits

Bullet Summary — BVLOS Playbook by Industry

• Public Safety: Urban DAA + encrypted comms for secure incident response
• Agriculture: Multispectral sensors + automated route logs for compliance
• Surveying: Lidar + RTK with redundant storage for certification support
• Delivery: Long-range DAA + route approval readiness to skip delays

Talk to a BVLOS Deployment Specialist — Get a custom playbook for your industry with equipment specs, compliance steps, and integration timelines.

Meeting TSA and UTM Requirements

If you think Part 108 stops at flight rules, think again. Security and airspace integration are as important as your drone’s specs. Skip them, and you’re grounded before takeoff.

Why Security and Compliance Matter for BVLOS Under Part 108

BVLOS approval isn’t just about range—it’s about proving you can operate without becoming a security risk. Agencies will trust you with more airspace only if you show you can protect it. Ignore these requirements and you’re not just risking FAA non-compliance—you’re telling clients and regulators your operation can’t be trusted in shared airspace.

TSA Threat Assessment for Operators
Every BVLOS operator under Part 108 will undergo a TSA Security Threat Assessment (STA). This isn’t a casual background check — it’s a federal-level clearance that validates your eligibility to operate.

• Submit required identification and operator details
• Maintain up-to-date records to avoid operational holds
• Expect recurring checks to ensure compliance

Data Integrity and Cybersecurity
BVLOS flights demand airtight data handling. Any lapse could compromise airspace safety or your operational approval.

• Use encrypted data links for C2 (Command and Control)
• Secure storage for flight logs, telemetry, and imagery
• Limit access to mission data to authorized personnel only

ADSP Connections for UTM and Tracking
Under the FAA’s Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) vision, Approved Data Service Providers (ADSPs) are your lifeline for real-time tracking and deconfliction.

• Integrate your flight systems with an FAA-approved ADSP
• Ensure continuous position reporting for BVLOS flights
• Verify your equipment’s interoperability before deployment

Quick Read — Security Compliance Checklist

• Pass TSA Security Threat Assessment
• Implement end-to-end data encryption
• Restrict mission data access
• Integrate with FAA-approved ADSP for live tracking
• Maintain compliance records for inspections

Bottom line: BVLOS under Part 108 requires more than advanced flying. You must pass TSA threat assessments, safeguard data, and integrate with ADS-B/UTM to stay visible in shared airspace. Build security into your BVLOS plan from day one to avoid compliance failures and delays.

Action Steps and Timelines Before the Rule Goes Final

Act Now or Play Catch-Up Later

Part 108 BVLOS isn’t a “wait and see” regulation. The clock is already running, and the organizations that prepare early will be the ones flying on Day One. Here’s your timeline and checklist before the FAA finalizes the rule.

Part 108 BVLOS Readiness Action Plan

Timeline	Goal	Key Actions
Immediate Actions (0–3 Months)	Build readiness while the rule is still in the NPRM stage.	1. Read and understand the NPRM; assign a compliance lead to track FAA updates and clarifications. 2. Submit public comments if the rule impacts your operations. 3. Audit your current drone fleet for BVLOS compliance upgrade or replacement needs. 4. Assess pilot competency against Part 108 standards. 5. Start vendor conversations about BVLOS-ready solutions before demand spikes.
Short-Term Actions (3–6 Months)	Lock in operational and technical foundations.	1. Acquire or upgrade equipment: install DAA systems, C2 link redundancy, and approved Remote ID. 2. Train pilots with BVLOS-specific modules. 3. Draft SOPs for BVLOS flight planning, emergency protocols, and reporting. 4. Integrate Safety Management Systems for hazard and risk workflows. 5. Plan for insurance updates, as BVLOS may affect premiums.
Medium-Term Actions (6–9 Months)	Final readiness for implementation.	1. Secure provisional authorizations via waivers or early-access programs. 2. Run BVLOS simulation flights in controlled environments. 3. Complete TSA-required background checks for key staff. 4. Validate secure data pipelines for BVLOS-collected data. 5. Budget for scaling operations once BVLOS coverage expands.
Final Rule Adoption (9–12+ Months)	Transition to compliant BVLOS operations immediately.	1. File required notifications or applications for Part 108 approval. 2. Deploy full BVLOS missions using your industry playbook. 3. Monitor compliance with regular audits of flights, crew, and maintenance. 4. Report safety and efficiency gains to support future renewals.

 

Preparing for Compliance and Maximizing ROI Before Part 108 is Final

The FAA’s NPRM isn’t final yet—but waiting until it is will put your operations months behind. BVLOS readiness means using this window to prepare your people, your tech, and your paperwork so you can operate from day one.

Key Actions You Should Take Now

1. Lock in equipment procurement

• • Secure long-lead-time components like detect-and-avoid systems and redundant communications links.
  • Reserve integration slots with certified installers—these fill up fast once the rule is final.

2. Finalize your pilot and crew training plan

• • Align your training program with the expected Part 108 requirements.
  • Schedule simulator time and live flight BVLOS drills now, not after everyone else is scrambling.

3. Audit your fleet for compliance gaps

• • Confirm each airframe meets projected endurance, payload, and redundancy standards.
  • Replace or retrofit non-compliant units.

4. Prepare your documentation

• • Build out your BVLOS SOPs, checklists, and risk assessment protocols.
  • Have draft versions ready for quick submission once the FAA finalizes the application process.

5. Monitor NPRM comment periods and updates

• • Assign someone to track FAA notices and proposed changes.
  • Adjust your plan immediately if requirements shift.

Why Acting Early Saves You Time and Money

• Reduced downtime: You’ll avoid months of grounding while competitors wait for gear and training.
• Lower costs: Early orders often beat post-rule price surges.
• First-mover advantage: You can capture BVLOS contracts while others are still setting up.

FAQ — What Operators Should Know About BVLOS Part 108

Q: Can you fly BVLOS without a waiver under Part 108?

A: Yes. The Part 108 NPRM introduces an official pathway—through Permits or Certificates—to legally conduct BVLOS flights. This replaces the slow, inconsistent Part 107 waiver system and enables scalable operations. Literally, no more one-off exceptions.

Q: What's the difference between a permit and a certificate under Part 108?

A: Permits cover lower-risk operations—they’re issued quickly, with limits on fleet size, aircraft weight, and mission scope (like surveying or agriculture).
Certificates are for higher-risk setups—larger fleets, complex missions—requiring Safety Management Systems (SMS), formal training programs, and more FAA oversight. 

Q: Do remote pilots need new FAA certifications for BVLOS?

A: No. Individual airman certificates are not required. Instead, organizations take responsibility through defined roles like operations supervisor and flight coordinator, backed by FAA-approved internal training and vetting.

Q: Will my drone need a full airworthiness certificate under Part 108?

A: Not exactly. Part 108 removes the need for formal airworthiness certificates and replaces them with industry-developed consensus standards. Manufacturers validate compliance, which allows for faster advancement and design flexibility.

Q: Do drones under Part 108 need remote ID and lighting?

A: Yes. All BVLOS platforms must broadcast Remote ID and comply with lighting requirements—such as anti-collision lights with specified visibility—to ensure the drone remains identifiable and visible in the national airspace. 

Q: How long will the Part 108 rule take to become final?

A: The FAA publishes the NPRM in the Federal Register, starting a comment period—typically around 60 days. After public feedback, the FAA may revise and review for 6–9 months before issuing the final rule.

Closing the Gap Before BVLOS Part 108 Goes Live

The FAA’s NPRM for Part 108 isn’t a distant regulation—it’s a countdown clock. Waivers are giving way to a single, structured framework: permits for straightforward, lower-risk missions, and certificates for high-risk or large-scale operations. Those who wait will be left catching up.

Your Immediate To-Do List

1. Audit your fleet for Remote ID, lighting, redundancy, and fail-safe systems.
2. Determine if your workflows fit permit or certificate paths.
3. Finalize your Safety Management System (SMS) if aiming for a certificate.
4. Secure funding and procurement for compliant drones and payloads now.
5. Assign a BVLOS compliance lead and start training.
6. Calendar the FAA comment deadline—and don’t skip it.

Don’t Wait Until the Rule is Final

Every month you wait is another month competitors spend securing contracts, proving compliance, and building operational readiness. If you plan to operate BVLOS under Part 108, start aligning your equipment, training, and processes now.

Learn what it takes to get Part 108-ready—from required permits and certifications to the exact equipment that meets FAA and TSA standards. Read the full FAA NPRM to understand the proposed requirements in detail before they’re finalized.

To explore BVLOS-ready hardware and the flight planning tools that make these missions possible, check out our in-depth reviews:

• DJI Matrice 400 RTK Review (2025): The Heavy-Lift Drone Built for BVLOS, AI, and Enterprise Missions – See how this enterprise platform delivers heavy-lift capacity, AI-powered workflows, and BVLOS compatibility.
• Understanding Drone Flight Path Planning Software: A Complete Guide for Professionals – Learn how to optimize routes, ensure compliance, and streamline operations with advanced mission planning tools.