FAA is formulating new BVLOS regulations: Remote ID may become "standard"

In recent years, the UAV industry has gradually moved from aerial photography and entertainment to high-value scenarios such as logistics and transportation, agricultural plant protection, energy inspection, and public safety. With the deepening of applications, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) has become an inevitable demand for the development of the industry.

However, the current Part 107 rules are mainly aimed at "visual line-of-sight flight," which obviously can no longer meet the needs of large-scale commercial operations. Therefore, the FAA is promoting a new regulatory framework—the BVLOS Special Rules (proposed as Part 108, currently in the consultation phase).

1. Why did the FAA create new BVLOS regulations?

Simply put, the FAA's goal is: to enable drones to operate routinely in more complex and broader environments, while ensuring safety.

This includes several core considerations:

The application needs are urgent: parcel delivery, farmland inspection, pipeline network and power inspection cannot be completed by "visual";

Many people will ask: Since manned aircraft are already using ADS-B to broadcast locations, why can't drones be used directly?

The answer is very realistic: The ADS-B channels simply cannot handle the broadcasts from tens of thousands of drones. The FAA has explicitly stated that it will not allow drones to actively emit ADS-B signals on a large scale to avoid interference and channel congestion.

Therefore, the FAA introduced Remote ID through Part 89, providing a set of independent "electronic ID" mechanisms for drones.

In the latest BVLOS NPRM, the FAA even considers requiring drones not only to broadcast Remote ID but also to have the ability to receive surrounding targets (ADS-B + Remote ID) and report to the FAA.

2. Enhance the FAA's overall awareness of low-altitude airspace

When the public or government raises questions, it can quickly trace the operation of drones over a certain period or in a certain area. Although the FAA also acknowledges that this will increase the cost for manufacturers and operators, the trend is already clear:

Remote ID is not only a basic requirement but may also become an "information node" for safe BVLOS operations.

3. The exemption is ending, Remote ID will become standard

In recent years, the FAA has indeed provided Remote ID exemptions, such as for agricultural drone operations, in accordance with executive orders from the White House. However, as Part 108 takes shape, the FAA's stance has been very clear:

Future BVLOS drones must be equipped with Remote ID

Exemption policies are merely a transitional measure and will eventually be phased out

In other words, if companies are still hoping to "avoid Remote ID requirements through exemptions," this will no longer be feasible once the BVLOS rules are implemented in the future.