NBAA, VAI Critical of FAA Part 108 Beyond Visual Line of Sight Drone Rule | Aviation International News

NBAA, VAI Critical of FAA Part 108 BVLOS Drone Rule

Electronic conspicuity is needed but there is no widespread agreement on technology standards

A DJI drone.

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

October 7, 2025

The FAA’s proposed Part 108 proposed rule for normalizing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) beyond visual line of sight operations (BVLOS) “introduces significant changes to how aircraft share the low-altitude airspace where vertical flight operations routinely take place,” according to Vertical Aviation International (VAI).

While VAI supports safe integration of drones into the National Airspace System (NAS) and “recognizes the importance of advancing BVLOS operations for UAS,” it also said the “proposed rule relies on inaccurate assumptions about the low-altitude environment, proposes significant changes to long-standing right-of-way rules, and risks creating unnecessary hazards in the airspace.”

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

MD Onboard Absorbs STAT-MD’s Aviation Services

Move creates a major force in aviation medicine consulting

MD Onboard control center

Confusion Reigns after FAA Drops Single-pilot Exemption

Questions arising over FAA's review of pertinent accidents

Article preview image

AINsight: Does Pilot Flight Time Equate to Competency?

Not all logged flight hours are created equal

Pilots in cockpit

FAA Rescinding Cessna Citation Single-pilot Exemptions

Action comes after a review found widespread noncompliance and safety issues

Citation jet bird strike through flock of birds

Thales Opens Center To Elevate Safety Culture

Facility initially serves Bordeaux campus but will expand to other locations

Thales Flight Safety Center

FAA Floats Allowing Jet Pilots To Forego Wearing O2 Masks

Part 91 pilots would not have to wear masks "just in case," while 135 rules would allow higher altitudes

Cessna Citation 560 business jet accident

APS Unveils Pilatus Aircraft Family Upset Recovery Course

Progam is tailored for the PC-12 and PC-24 community

Pilatus PC-12 in flight

Bombardier’s 30th Safety Standdown Opens Registration

Free three-day seminar open to all aviation professionals

Registration is open for Bombardier’s 30th annual Safety Standdown seminar, a free, three-day event in Wichita, Kansas, this November.