GOP Slams Biden Admin for Delaying Crucial Drone Rule

Republican leaders on the House Transportation Committee have criticized the Biden administration for postponing a long-awaited drone regulation. This news comes from a POLITICO Pro report published on October 21, 2024.

BVLOS Rule Delay Sparks Controversy

The proposed rule would allow drones to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) without a visual observer. This regulation is seen as critical for expanding commercial drone operations. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has pushed back the timeline for publishing the rule.

“It is now our understanding that the proposed rule may not be issued until January 2025, at the earliest,” wrote Reps. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), Garret Graves (R-La.), and Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) in a letter obtained by POLITICO.

Impact on Drone Industry

The delay is causing frustration within the Drone Industry. BVLOS operations are crucial for various applications, including:

• Infrastructure inspection
• Package delivery
• Search and Rescue operations
• Drone as First Responder operations

Currently, these operations require special approvals, which can be time-consuming and limit innovation.

FAA’s Mandate and Timeline

The FAA reauthorization required the agency to publish a proposed BVLOS rule by September 2024. The postponement to 2025 has raised concerns about the pace of regulatory progress in the rapidly evolving drone sector.

DroneXL’s Take

This delay in BVLOS rulemaking is a significant setback for the drone industry. As we’ve reported in our BVLOS coverage, these operations are essential for unlocking the full potential of commercial drones. The industry has been eagerly awaiting these regulations to push innovation forward.

Recent developments, like the Campbell Police Department’s groundbreaking waiver for 24/7 drone operations, show the potential of BVLOS flights. However, widespread adoption requires clear regulations.

The drone community needs to keep pushing for timely action on these rules to ensure the U.S. remains competitive in the global drone market. What are your thoughts on this regulatory delay? Share your opinion in the comments below.

Photo courtesy of Weber County Search and Rescue.