The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has proposed new rules to allow commercial drones to operate beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of their operators without requiring waivers. This regulatory change aims to facilitate more routine drone operations for commercial purposes such as package deliveries, agricultural applications, inspections, and emergency medical deliveries. The proposed framework includes requirements for manufacturers, operators, and drone traffic-management services to ensure drones are safely separated from other aircraft. The initiative, supported by DOT Secretary Sean Duffy and introduced under the Trump administration, is anticipated to benefit major companies like Walmart, Alphabet's Wing, Amazon, and Starbucks by enabling expanded drone delivery services. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a comprehensive regulatory framework to support these BVLOS operations, which also includes easing restrictions on drones weighing less than 250 grams. The proposal is expected to accelerate the deployment of drone technology across various sectors and geographic areas, including rural regions. Additionally, other jurisdictions such as Ontario are exploring drone applications for first response purposes, while some governments have deregulated drone use nationwide.
FAA releases proposed rule to enable routine BVLOS drone operations https://t.co/45Dvnw41FJ | by @HoganLovells
El Gobierno desreguló el uso de drones en todo el país https://t.co/IxUZfhdE6X
Ontario police force looking to implement first response drones https://t.co/mCZ8kXalWh