FAA Releases Draft Part 108

The FAA released its long-awaited draft rule for Part 108, a prospective regulatory framework that could transform how beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations are conducted in the United States.

This is a massive move toward the integration of sophisticated drone operations into national airspace in a more scalable, standardized, and risk-based manner. For the aviation sector, and for those developing at the frontiers of unmanned systems, this draft release is more than a policy revision—it's a sign of things to come.

What Is Part 108?

Part 108 provides a tailored regulatory framework for BVLOS operations, closing long-standing gaps in drone certification, operational approval, and safety assurance. The proposal contains comprehensive provisions for operator and aircraft requirements, command and control link performance, operational restrictions, and airspace integration.

To this point, BVLOS operations have relied primarily on case-by-case waivers to Part 107, which has encouraged inconsistency and made planning difficult for enterprise operators and public sector organizations in the long term. Part 108 provides a repeatable path forward, based on a risk-based methodology that allows for both technological advancement and operational maturity.

Why This Matters

For commercial, public safety, and infrastructure operators, BVLOS is not a future capability—it’s a current necessity. Whether inspecting remote powerlines, responding to emergencies, or monitoring expansive assets, the ability to fly beyond visual range without manual chase vehicles or observers is essential to unlocking efficiency and reach.

Part 108, as drafted, paves the way for that future. It establishes the groundwork for defined operator classes, scaled approval models, and more specific expectations for safety cases and airspace deconfliction. If completed with the appropriate balance, it will enable broader deployment of routine BVLOS flights without compromising the safety mandate of the FAA.

Atrixon's Perspective

As an aviation excellence company specializing in facilitating mission-critical operations, Atrixon recognizes the significance of this regulatory development. The release of Part 108 is a meeting point between long-standing aviation conventions and the way forward for unmanned flight operations.

This transition will require deep expertise in operational planning, airspace integration, and regulatory compliance. It will also require organizations to rethink how they train, oversee, and verify UAS operations at scale.

What Comes Next

The FAA is accepting public comment on the NPRM. Industry stakeholders, operators, OEMs, and SME's are all welcome to comment. The final rule, when promulgated, will shape the next decade of drone operations in the United States.

Organizations ahead of this curve would be well served to begin harmonizing internal policy, revisiting risk models, and exploring technology stacks that will facilitate compliance under the new regime.

Closing Thoughts

The Part 108 draft rule is a foundation for making BVLOS operations a part of everyday airspace use. It's a sign that complicated drone operations aren't experimental anymore—they're going institutional. Atrixon remains dedicated to furthering this evolution through operational expertise, technical excellence, and a drive for aviation excellence.

The landscape is shifting. The time is now. And those prepared to lead the way will shape what's next. Source and access to the draft Part 108: Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Rule to Unleash American Drone Dominance as Part of His Innovation Agenda | Federal Aviation Administration