FAA BVLOS Drone Operations: Lumenier Represents the Industry at White House for Part 108 Waiver Approvals and Commercial Drone Regulations

Lumenier recently represented the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) industry along with fellow Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) and Association of Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) members at a pivotal White House meeting on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. The discussion, held as part of an Executive Order 12866 Meeting with the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), National Economic Council (NEC), National Security Council (NSC), Department of Transportation (DOT), and The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) focused on the development of standardized operational procedures (SOPs) and a streamlined approval process to support BVLOS activity for business applications.

Chad Daring of Lumenier took the lead in the meeting, delivering an in-depth discussion on the critical need for BVLOS standardization and streamlined operational approvals. His insights underscored the significance of regulatory advancements in enabling safer and more efficient drone operations. Representatives from SAIC, ProximaVision Aerospace, and Verge Aero also contributed to the conversation, offering perspectives on various industry challenges and opportunities, including the role of broadcasting applications and emerging technologies in advancing BVLOS capabilities.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders from industry-leading organizations and advocacy groups. Discussions highlighted the immense economic potential of BVLOS operations, the need for standardized safety guidelines rather than restrictive regulations, and the advantages of proactive policies under Part 108 to reduce the need for case-by-case exemption processing.

Unlocking Economic Growth and Industry Innovation Through BVLOS Operations

BVLOS operations are poised to revolutionize the commercial drone industry by enabling drone pilots to fly BVLOS missions without the constraints of maintaining a direct line of sight. Standardized SOPs and a clear approval framework would create a predictable pathway for commercial drone pilots to expand their services, reducing the need for individual FAA waivers and exemptions.

The entertainment industry, valued at over $660 billion globally, stands to benefit immensely from BVLOS-enabled applications such as advanced aerial cinematography, real-time event broadcasting, and drone flight operations. Traditional aerial filming methods, such as helicopter-based shoots, can cost production companies upwards of $25,000 per day. By contrast, BVLOS drone operations could reduce these costs by up to 80%, making high-quality aerial footage more accessible and efficient.

Beyond the entertainment industry, commercial drone pilots in agriculture, infrastructure inspections, and delivery services also stand to benefit. BVLOS capabilities allow drones to conduct long-range flights without requiring a human pilot to maintain direct line of sight. This opens new opportunities for businesses engaged in drone delivery, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications. As these operations become more common, the demand for BVLOS approvals will continue to grow.

The economic impact extends beyond direct savings. Industry estimates suggest that delaying BVLOS operational frameworks could result in over $200 million in lost revenue annually, as companies seek alternative solutions abroad. Countries like Canada and Australia already have established BVLOS-friendly policies, making them attractive destinations for drone companies. Without timely FAA approval, the U.S. risks falling behind in global drone innovation and investment.

Enhancing Safety and Operational Efficiency in Drone Flights

One of the most significant advantages of BVLOS flight operations is the enhanced safety it offers over traditional methods. Helicopters and other manned aircraft used for filming, surveillance, and inspections pose significant risks, particularly in urban environments. Since 2010, the U.S. has reported over 1,600 rotorcraft accidents, resulting in hundreds of fatalities. The ability to replace such operations with remotely piloted BVLOS drones offers a safer alternative for filmmakers, broadcasters, and emergency responders.

BVLOS technology also enables safer and more efficient operations in extreme conditions. Emergency response teams, for example, could use BVLOS drones to assess disaster zones, locate survivors, and coordinate rescue efforts without endangering first responders. Similarly, infrastructure inspections conducted by BVLOS drones can improve efficiency and safety in industries such as energy, telecommunications, and transportation.

Additionally, BVLOS drones can provide crucial support for security operations at large-scale events such as concerts, sporting events, and political gatherings. By enabling remote monitoring with minimal human intervention, BVLOS capabilities can enhance public safety while reducing operational costs for security teams.

FAA guidelines currently require drone operators to maintain a visual observer or obtain a BVLOS waiver under Part 107 rules to conduct extended operations beyond the pilot’s line of sight. However, the existing approval process remains complex, often limiting the speed at which businesses can scale their drone operations. As part of the discussions at the White House meeting, Chad Daring emphasized the need for a more streamlined BVLOS approval process that allows commercial drone pilots to conduct operations efficiently without unnecessary delays.

FAA Guidelines and the Pathway for BVLOS Approvals Under Part 108

Despite the numerous benefits, BVLOS operations in the U.S. remain constrained by existing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines requiring drones to be operated within visual line of sight. The meeting emphasized the need for a standardized BVLOS framework under Part 108, which would provide a clear approval pathway for businesses looking to scale their drone operations.

Proactive policies under Part 108 would help eliminate the constant need for exemption processing, allowing commercial drone pilots to operate with fewer barriers while maintaining safety and accountability. A more refined approval process for BVLOS operations would be necessary to ensure that flights beyond visual line of sight are conducted safely and effectively.

One of the key discussions in the meeting focused on how the FAA’s Part 107 rules could be updated to integrate BVLOS operations more seamlessly. The ability to obtain BVLOS approvals under a more efficient framework would allow commercial drone pilots to expand their services significantly. Currently, operations beyond visual line of sight require case-by-case approval, which slows down the adoption of BVLOS for commercial drone operations.

Furthermore, industry leaders emphasized the need for clear guidelines around BVLOS operations over populated areas, restricted airspace, and critical infrastructure. As BVLOS capabilities evolve, it will be crucial for the FAA to develop frameworks that balance safety with operational flexibility.

Lumenier’s Role in Advancing FAA’s BVLOS Drone Approvals

Lumenier’s participation in the White House meeting underscores its commitment to advancing the aviation and drone industry by advocating for operational frameworks that support innovation while maintaining safety and efficiency. By representing Lumenier in these critical discussions alongside SAIC, ProximaVision Aerospace, and Verge Aero, Chad Daring played a pivotal role in shaping the future of BVLOS flight operations.

As the industry awaits the next steps in the approval process, Lumenier and its industry partners at the CDA and AUVSI remain dedicated to working alongside policymakers and advocacy groups to push for practical and forward-thinking BVLOS approvals that unlock new opportunities across multiple sectors. The ability to fly beyond visual line of sight with proper Part 107 and Part 108 approvals will be instrumental in expanding the capabilities of drone operations in the coming years. The proposed BVLOS frameworks will not only ensure that BVLOS flights remain safe but also facilitate operations in the U.S. national airspace system.

The expansion of BVLOS capabilities is a pivotal moment for the drone industry. It has the potential to increase efficiency, safety, and economic growth while reducing costs and risks associated with traditional aerial operations. With continued advocacy from industry leaders such as the CDA and AUVSI, and companies like Lumenier, the FAA’s framework for BVLOS adoption will likely become more streamlined, making it easier for commercial drone pilots to integrate these operations into their businesses.

Looking Ahead: The Future of BVLOS in the Drone Industry

Looking to the future, BVLOS technology has the potential to redefine how drones are used across industries. From drone delivery services to precision agriculture, BVLOS drones could become integral to the next phase of commercial drone innovation. As approval processes continue to develop, the need for standardized procedures, pilot certification programs, and risk assessment protocols will be key in ensuring safe and effective integration into the national airspace.

Lumenier and other industry leaders will continue to engage with regulatory agencies and lawmakers through the CDA and AUVSI to shape the future of BVLOS drone operations. By fostering an environment that supports research, development, and real-world testing, the U.S. can solidify its position as a global leader in drone technology.

For more information on Lumenier’s work in UAS technology and BVLOS advocacy, visit lumenier.com