NAAA Joins Aviation Coalition Urging FAA to Strengthen BVLOS Safety Requirements

NAAA joined a coalition of aviation organizations in a letter last week to the FAA expressing concerns about the agency’s forthcoming Part 108 rule governing beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations.

The groups urged FAA to require all BVLOS drones to carry comprehensive detect-and-avoid (DAA) technology capable of identifying and avoiding both electronically conspicuous and non-conspicuous manned aircraft, regardless of the airspace in which they operate.

The coalition emphasized that low-altitude manned operations, including agricultural aviation, frequently occur below 400 feet AGL in rural areas where proposed drone requirements may not provide adequate protection. The letter also highlighted limitations in current electronic conspicuity technologies and stressed the need for multiple layers of safety to ensure the safe integration of drones into the National Airspace System.

NAAA will continue advocating for policies that protect the safety of aerial applicators and all low-altitude operators as FAA moves toward issuing the final Part 108 rule.