The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed new regulations that would permit routine beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations throughout the national airspace system.
Released on August 7, 2025, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking titled Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations, designated Part 108, establishes parameters allowing unmanned aircraft systems up to 1,320 pounds including payload to operate at altitudes up to 400 feet above ground level without a visual observer.
This proposal follows the June 5, 2025, Executive Order Unleashing American Drone Dominance, which directed the FAA to publish a final rule by February 2026. As of June 2026, the final rule has not been issued.
The agency reopened the public comment period on January 28, 2026, for an additional 14 days to solicit input on electronic conspicuity and right-of-way rules critical to safe integration with manned aircraft.
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Aug. 5, 2025, unveiled a proposed rule to further the integration of unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace system.
For law enforcement agencies and security professionals operating near airports and critical infrastructure, the performance-based standards in Part 108 could expand authorized drone missions while requiring compliance with manufacturing, security, and remote pilot provisions detailed in FAA guidance.
The shift replaces the prior waiver process with a standardized framework covering operations, authorizations, and equipment requirements, according to summaries from Holland & Knight and Pillsbury Law.
Security units including sheriff offices and highway patrol must monitor updates in the Federal Register to assess impacts on airspace management, drone mitigation protocols, and coordination with commercial operators in shared airspace.
Industry stakeholders should review the complete NPRM on the FAA website to understand all compliance steps and any operational limits that could influence existing drone activities.
