SAFE’s Coalition for Reimagined Mobility’s new policy brief From Waivers to Scale: How BVLOS Modernizes America’s Low-Altitude Infrastructure frames Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations as a national low-altitude infrastructure upgrade, replacing today’s waiver patchwork with a rules-based, interoperable pathway that can scale routine drone operations safely across critical infrastructure, public safety, and logistics.
Key takeaways include:
- Reform and Codify: Shifting from Waivers to Workable Rules
The current FAA waiver process is a patchwork that stifles industry growth. To enable true scale, the FAA must finalize Proposed Parts 108 and 146 on a predictable timeline, but with critical refinements. By adopting standardized, risk-tiered rules (Part 108) and a certified digital coordination layer (Part 146), the industry can transition from routine inspection to Drone-as-First-Responder (DFR) or medical logistics, without the administrative friction of bespoke approvals.
- Operational Efficiency: Optimizing Critical Infrastructure & Public Safety.
Routine BVLOS enables multiple use cases, including but not limited to higher-cadence, lower-risk monitoring of energy corridors (grid, pipelines, oil and gas), modernization of farm operations with scalable sensing and precision application, and expanded delivery from time-critical medical logistics to consumer retail packages. It also scales DFR, disaster response, and search-and-rescue through faster scene awareness and better triage. Part 146 supplies the shared operational picture needed for mixed-use low-altitude airspace and complements the FAA’s broader air traffic modernization by enabling auditable, standardized digital intent sharing, deconfliction, and conformance at scale.
- Economic and National Security: Catalyzing a Trusted Domestic Industrial Base.
A predictable framework reduces regulatory friction and sends a durable demand signal for trusted U.S. and allied airframes, components, and enabling services. It also professionalizes jobs (operations, supervision, and maintenance) through organization-level accountability under Part 108, supporting a scalable, dual-use ecosystem aligned with U.S. competitiveness and security objectives.
By moving away from a slow, case-by-case and resource-intensive waiver system towards a standardized regulatory environment, the nation will permit drone operations at scale, unlock billions in economic benefits, and strengthen our national resilience.
SAFE launches new report at webinar
On Tuesday, February 17th, SAFE’s Coalition for Reimagined Mobility (ReMo) hosted a webinar to mark the release of its latest issue brief, From Waivers to Scale. Panelists discussed the importance of modernizing Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rules and how it can support commercial and defense use and innovation. By moving away from a slow, case-by-case and resource-intensive waiver system towards a standardized regulatory environment, these rules would permit drone operations at scale, unlock billions in economic benefits, and strengthen our national resilience.
Speakers include:
- Liz Forro, Policy Director, Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA)
- Lukas Koch, CEO, Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems and CTO of Heinen Brothers Agra Services
- Dominic Mathew, Manager, Transportation Policy and Strategy, SAFE’s Coalition for Reimagined Mobility
- Kevin Myer, President and CEO, LifeGift
- Moderated by: Miriam McNabb, Editor in Chief, DRONELIFE.com
Watch the report release webinar here.
