A Significant Step Forward – NUAIR Applauds the FAA Proposal to Enable Routine BVLOS Operations

Secretary Duffy Hosts Press Conference on Unleashing American Drone Dominance

SYRACUSE, NY – August 5, 2025 – Highly anticipated, the latest Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) has been released. The long awaited NPRM focuses on enabling routine beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). This landmark proposal represents a foundational step toward unlocking scalable and safe drone operations in the national airspace.

On the heels of the recent Executive Orders aimed at Unleashing American Drone Dominance and Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty, the BVLOS NPRM responds to growing demands across government and industry for clear, actionable regulatory pathways.

“NUAIR applauds the FAA for releasing this critical proposal and for recognizing the importance of expanding operational capabilities for UAS,” said Ken Stewart, President and CEO of NUAIR. “We have long supported the advancement of BVLOS rulemaking, and we’re encouraged by the direction this NPRM is heading. This is an essential move for unlocking the full potential of drone technology across infrastructure, emergency response, agriculture, and more.”

Normalizing and standardizing BVLOS operations unlocks significant benefits across multiple industries. From infrastructure to emergency response, drone programs will be able to leverage drones for more efficient, safety, and cost-effective operations.

NUAIR remains committed to supporting safe integration of advanced UAS operations and will continue working alongside industry partners and federal agencies to guide the final rulemaking process. NUAIR’s recent Letter of Acceptance from the FAA for Surveillance-as-a-Service is a testament to the dedication from both FAA and industry to move safe and secure BVLOS operations forward.

Industry leaders are calling on stakeholders to actively engage during the public comment period. As Liz Forro of the Commercial Drone Alliance stated, “Everyone who benefits from drone operations today should raise their voice in support of this progress and provide concrete advice to regulators on how to further refine the proposal.”

Read the announcement from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy here: https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-unveils-rule-unleash-american-drone.

About NUAIR

NUAIR is a nonprofit driving economic development through innovations in UAS and Advanced Air Mobility to safely integrate into the national airspace. With support from Empire State Development and the State of New York, NUAIR is empowering and enabling the next generation of aviation.

 With a rich history performing UAS testing and validation, investing in local and state economic development, and training public safety elite, the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc. (NUAIR) is proud to be the catalyst to not only New York’s airspace innovation, but mobility advancement around the globe.

 NUAIR. Where Next Takes Flight.

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