If you’ve been keeping even one propeller in the drone world, you’ve probably heard whispers — or let’s be real, full-on buzz — about Part 108. Part 108 is an expected piece of Federal Aviation Administration regulation. And experts expect it to be a potential game-changer that could finally bring widespread Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone flights to U.S. skies.
So what exactly is Part 108? What does it mean for hobbyists, commercial pilots and enterprise drone operators? And how should you prep for its rollout?
Let’s break it all down.
Everything you need to know about Part 108
What is Part 108?
Part 108 is a proposed FAA rule that aims to standardize BVLOS operations, which currently require a waiver under Part 107. BVLOS operations allow drones to cover much larger areas without being tethered to a visual observer. That’s critical for tasks like long-distance inspections, infrastructure monitoring and drone delivery.
Part 108 aims to standardize and streamline how these operations happen, making BVLOS more widely accessible for commercial and governmental drone use.
“When Part 108 get approved, you’re going to see a lot of growth in the use of drones and UAS systems across the whole U.S. airspace, said Bill Irby, CEO of AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. AgEagle is an American drone company based in Kansas that builds hardware, high-precision sensors and ground control and analytics software for drones. One of its key products is the eBee X drone.
“The great part about it is that Part 108 will enable not only drone operations like the missions we do, but also AAM, drone delivery and a whole bunch of other drone uses. There are whole a bunch of innovators out there who have really advanced platforms that they’re investing in just to be ready for that market.“
While the rule is still in development, the FAA’s Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) released recommendations in early 2022. That document laid the groundwork for what Part 108 could look like—though the final rule may differ.
What will Part 108 likely include?
While the final FAA rule hasn’t dropped yet, here’s what we expect based on ARC recommendations and industry buzz:
1. Operator qualifications
Pilots may need advanced training or certifications beyond Part 107. Think of it like getting your drone “commercial driver’s license.”
2. Aircraft and equipment standards
You’ll likely need:
- Detect-and-avoid (DAA) tech
- Secure command and control links
- Possibly Remote ID compliance
3. Operational risk-based categories
Similar to EASA’s model in Europe, flights may fall into different categories (low-, medium-, high-risk) depending on:
- Where you’re flying (urban vs rural)
- Who/what is below
- Your drone’s capabilities
4. Shielded and corridored operations
Shielded operations (within 100 feet of vertical structures) and corridor flights (like along powerlines or railways) might get special allowances.
Who benefits from BVLOS?
Irby predicts a wide range of verticals will be positively affected by Part 108. Think sectors like:
- Infrastructure inspection: Railways, highways, and powerlines
- Event security: Monitoring crowds from the sky at large venues
- Law enforcement: Improved situational awareness in active scenarios
- Environmental monitoring: Especially across hard-to-reach terrain
- Drone delivery and AAM (Advanced Air Mobility): Particularly in rural or suburban regions
And of course, those businesses benefit, but customers do too. For example, drone deliveries right now are largely limited to very specific areas. Often, drone deliveries don’t span more than a mile, which sort of defeats the purpose of a drone delivery. After all, walking that mile might be easier. Finally, a broader swath of residents might be eligible for drone deliveries.
And it extends beyond that too. Costs will come down as paperwork is presumably reduced, and timelines will speed up as Part 108 unlocks more efficiencies. For example, police departments (funded by tax payers) that use drones should see costs come down as work is streamlined.
How drone companies should prepare for Part 108
Even though Part 108 isn’t here yet, savvy drone pilots can start preparing now. Here’s what you can do:
1. Stay plugged in
Bookmark the FAA’s UAS page, subscribe to industry newsletters, and follow trusted voices (cough cough) like The Drone Girl.
2. Know Part 107 inside out
Understanding the existing rulebook is crucial for adapting to whatever Part 108 brings. If you’re not certified yet, get your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
3. Evaluate your gear and mission planning software
Part 108 may require higher-grade safety systems, especially detect-and-avoid. Keep tabs on drones that are likely to be compliant, like those from U.S.-based Skydio or Swiss-manufactured AgEagle units.
AgEagle, which sells both complete drone systems and payload components like U.S.-made multispectral cameras, is working proactively to align its ground control software, eMotion, with the anticipated requirements of Part 108.
“Our systems already allow for pre-programmed and autonomous flight profiles,” Irby said. “We may need to tweak altitude limits, but it’s not a heavy lift for us.”
His advice to other operators? Stay plugged into FAA communications and industry consortiums, and ensure mission planning software can adapt to new regulatory boundaries.
What are the potential drawbacks of Part 108?
Irby’s main concern isn’t the regulation itself, but the assumptions some may make.
“It’s not going to be free and open airspace,” he said. “There will be constraints. But that’s okay, because it’s all in the interest of safety.
It’s a familiar balancing act in the drone world: opening the skies without compromising the safety of people or crewed aircraft. Still, most companies — including AgEagle — are bullish.
“The growth is going to come,” he said. “We don’t know the full boundaries yet, but it’s going to enable a lot.”
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