2 min read
As the drone industry stands on the cusp of a major transformation, Airspace Link's Rich Fahle recently had the opportunity to sit down with Michael Robbins, President and CEO of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), to discuss one of the most anticipated developments in drone regulation: the FAA's upcoming Part 108 rule for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
A Watershed Moment for the Drone Industry
The drone industry has long awaited comprehensive BVLOS regulations, which will enable drone operations to expand beyond the current visual line of sight limitations. As Michael Robbins emphasized in our discussion, Part 108 represents more than just a regulatory change – it's a foundation for exponential industry growth and innovation.
"We've been working hard with the FAA and Congress on a new rule, beyond visual line of site safety rule, that will allow drones to operate, as the name implies, beyond a line of site in a very safe way. And we're getting very close to that rule becoming a reality, which is really going to allow the industry to scale in multiple different segments, whether that's public safety, drone delivery or agriculture or infrastructure inspection. All the different mission sets that are happening now, but on a smaller scale, where drones are going to become much more common around the country. So much so that eventually, people will be reliant upon drones for many of the things that that cars or delivery people are doing now."
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The economic implications of BVLOS operations has emerged as a central theme of drone use expansion. The new regulatory framework will revolutionize multiple sectors simultaneously. Drone delivery services will expand their reach across both urban and rural areas, while infrastructure inspection capabilities will scale to unprecedented levels. Public safety and emergency response operations will gain powerful new tools, and countless new jobs will emerge in operations, maintenance, and support services. This expansion represents not just technological advancement, but a fundamental shift in how we approach aerial operations across industries.
Preparing for the Future
Throughout our conversation, Robbins emphasized the critical importance of preparation. Communities can't afford to wait until these regulations are finalized to begin planning for the future. Cities, businesses, and organizations need to begin developing the infrastructure needed to support expanded drone operations now, a driving factor in AUVSI's Drone Prepared program. This includes creating frameworks for local integration and coordination, establishing workforce development programs, and implementing robust safety protocols. The communities that prepare today will be the ones that capitalize most effectively on tomorrow's opportunities.
Safety First: The Foundation of Growth
Safety emerged as a cornerstone of our discussion, with Robbins emphasizing its paramount importance in this evolution. The Part 108 rulemaking process carefully balances innovation with safety, establishing comprehensive requirements for aircraft systems and capabilities. Operator training and certification standards will ensure professional competence, while safety management systems and emergency procedures will provide crucial operational safeguards. This holistic approach to safety will support, rather than hinder, industry growth.
The Path Forward
As the FAA moves toward finalizing Part 108, the industry stands ready to embrace these new opportunities while ensuring safe integration into our national airspace. The collaborative approach between industry stakeholders, regulators, and communities will be crucial in realizing the full potential of BVLOS operations.
Watch the Full Interview
To gain deeper insights into how Part 108 will shape the future of the drone industry, watch our full interview with Michael Robbins. His perspective as AUVSI's leader offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of uncrewed aviation.
This interview is part of Airspace Link's ongoing commitment to industry thought leadership and our mission to safely integrate drones into our communities.
To learn more about how Airspace Link can help your city get drone ready, contact us for more information or a demo showcasing how our FlySafe Program capabilities can help your community or organization.
