Beyond Visual Line of Sight, or BVLOS, refers to drone operations beyond where the operator can directly see the aircraft. The FAA proposed a rule to normalize BVLOS drone operations, including requirements for operations, aircraft manufacturing, separation from other aircraft, authorizations, security, reporting, and recordkeeping. Supporters say clearer BVLOS rules could help package delivery, inspections, agriculture, emergency response, and infrastructure work. Critics worry about safety, noise, privacy, local land-use impacts, and low-altitude airspace becoming crowded. Drones can be useful, especially for emergencies and inspections, but routine flights over neighborhoods need more than industry optimism. The rules should be clear before the sky gets crowded.
How should federal rules handle routine long-distance drone operations?