FAA Part 108 Deadline Update: The Future of BVLOS Drone Operations Expected March 2026

The drone industry is about to change forever. After months of anticipation and a historic government shutdown, the FAA's game-changing Part 108 regulations have a new proposal deadline: March 16th, 2026.

How We Got Here

On June 6th, 2025, the Trump Administration signed an executive order directing the FAA to finalize drone regulations within 240 days. That would have meant a February 1st deadline. 

Shortly afterwards the US government shut down for 43 days, the longest shutdown in American history. Government operations halted over those 43 days, including the FAA's rulemaking process. Adding a delay of 43 days to the target date of February 1st, and you get the new March 16th target date.

What Makes Part 108 Revolutionary

The rule enables a clear pathway to Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) operations, flying drones beyond where pilots can see them. This single change unlocks countless applications: package delivery to your doorstep, agricultural monitoring across thousands of acres, infrastructure inspections covering miles of pipeline or power lines, and emergency response reaching disaster zones quickly.

Flying Beyond What You Can See

Operators will designate specific areas, identify takeoff and landing zones, and ensure reliable communications coverage. Before any flight, operators must review airspace restrictions and identify potential hazards, mostly standard safety protocol that pilots follow today.

The FAA plans to evaluate multi-drone operations individually. This makes sense given the complexity of coordinating multiple autonomous aircraft. However, the framework exists to make it possible, which represents enormous progress.

Drones weighing up to 1,320 pounds can operate under these rules. That's heavy enough for substantial commercial operations while light enough to minimize risks. These aircraft won't need traditional airworthiness certificates. Instead, manufacturers will meet industry consensus standards, a streamlined approach that reduces costs and speeds innovation.

The Air Traffic Control Revolution: Meet ADSPs

Here's where things get really interesting. How do you keep hundreds or thousands of drones from crashing into each other or manned aircraft? The answer: Automated Data Service Providers, or ADSPs.

Think of ADSPs as air traffic control specifically designed for drones. These systems track aircraft positions, detect potential conflicts, and coordinate safe separation between drones and everything else in the sky. The FAA will approve and regulate these providers, ensuring they meet rigorous safety standards.

Companies can either become their own ADSP after rigorous vetting or hire third-party providers. This flexibility means small operators aren't forced to build expensive infrastructure while larger operations can maintain streamlined and direct control.

Traditional air traffic control relies on human controllers tracking relatively few aircraft. Because drones would be more common, ADSPs use automation to manage potentially thousands of simultaneous drone operations. It's the only way to achieve the scale the industry needs. 

Every Part 108 drone will also carry technology to automatically detect and avoid other aircraft. Plus, they must yield to any manned aircraft broadcasting its position. These redundant safety layers ensure commercial drones integrate seamlessly with existing aviation.

Two Pathways: Permits and Certificates

Part 108 creates two authorization types based on operational complexity and risk.

Lower-risk operations like agricultural monitoring or small-scale delivery would require permits. The FAA can issue these relatively quickly. Higher-risk operations involving larger aircraft, heavier payloads, or bigger fleets need operating certificates. These require thorough FAA review and ongoing oversight.

This tiered approach balances safety with practicality. Not every operation needs the same level of scrutiny, and the regulations reflect that reality.

Security Takes Center Stage

The proposed rules include substantial security requirements. Operators must protect facilities from unauthorized access and implement cybersecurity measures to prevent hacking. Manufacturers must shield aircraft from electronic interference. 

The Transportation Security Administration will require background checks for key personnel. Package delivery operators need additional security programs. These requirements reflect lessons learned from global drone security incidents and growing concerns about malicious drone use.

How the Industry Has Evolved Since June 2025

The drone landscape hasn't stood still while waiting for Part 108. Canada implemented comprehensive BVLOS rules in late 2025, proving these operations work safely in real-world conditions.

Global conflicts have demonstrated drones' military value, accelerating defense sector adoption and potentially speeding domestic regulatory processes. 

Meanwhile, the 2026 DJI ban is beginning to reshape the commercial market, creating opportunities for alternative manufacturers while introducing supply chain challenges.

What Happens Next

March 16th marks the new expected deadline for when the FAA must propose the final rule, but that's just the beginning. The proposal will undergo additional refinement and implementation will happen in phases as operators obtain permits or certificates.

Industry stakeholders should start preparing now. Evaluate ADSP options, assess aircraft capabilities against emerging standards, and develop security protocols. Understanding these requirements creates competitive advantages when operations begin.

 

The Big Picture

Part 108 represents federal recognition that drones deliver real economic and operational value. The US government is finally enabling the scaled operations that will transform industries from agriculture to emergency response to defense.

For inspection, survey, and emergency service providers, BVLOS capabilities expand service areas dramatically. Defense applications gain streamlined regulatory pathways as unmanned systems prove their strategic importance globally.

The regulatory foundation for scaled, routine, safe BVLOS operations is finally taking shape. After years of working around limitations, the industry can soon finally work within a framework designed for the future we've been building toward.

 

Ready to Embrace the Future of Drone Operations?

At Aerovision, we're positioned at the forefront of BVLOS implementation. Our team is ready to deploy Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight operations in the United States the moment Part 108 regulations are finalized.

Whether you need infrastructure inspections spanning miles, rapid emergency response, or advanced surveying across vast areas, we're prepared to deliver solutions that were impossible until now.

Explore our services to discover how BVLOS technology will transform your operations.

Want the technical details? Check out the FAA BVLOS Operations Fact Sheet.