The FAA has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. While the NPRM aims to establish a long-term framework for commercial drone flights beyond a pilot’s line of sight, it has raised significant concern within the FPV and recreational drone community.
🛩️ What’s in the NPRM?
The proposed rule includes new operational categories (Part 108, Part 146), updated requirements for airworthiness, reporting, and record keeping, and outlines roles like Operations Supervisors and Flight Coordinators. While large enterprise operators may be able to meet these burdens, many recreational and small commercial flyers may face challenges under the current draft.
For example, under the proposed rules, recreational BVLOS flight would require:
- Use of standard Remote ID aircraft (DIY aircraft may be excluded)
- Detailed recordkeeping and reporting
- Passing a TSA threat assessment
- Equipment capable of continued operation after a lightning strike
- Compliance with new operational categories
📣 Why It Matters
Organizations like the FPV Freedom Coalition (FPVFC) have voiced strong concerns about the NPRM’s impact on recreational pilots and smaller businesses. Their summary suggests that the current version of the NPRM could severely limit hobbyist BVLOS flight and further centralize drone operations within a handful of large companies.
💬 Get Involved
The FPV Freedom Coalition is working with other advocacy groups to submit official comments to the FAA—and they’re inviting feedback from the broader community.
If you’re part of the FPV or drone ecosystem and want to better understand or respond to the NPRM, you can:
👉 Click here to read FPVFC’s summary and initial reactions, then share your thoughts and submit comments via the FAA or FPVFC (Instructions on the FPVFC Summary Link)
Note: GetFPV supports the FPV community’s right to engage thoughtfully in shaping drone policy. We encourage respectful dialogue and informed participation.