A Shift in the Skies
For years, BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) flights felt like chasing a mirage, possible, but wrapped in endless waivers, delays, and red tape. And while some companies pushed forward, most were left asking: “Is this really worth it?”
Now, the FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule has arrived. It’s not just a regulation, it’s the clearest roadmap yet for scalable, compliant BVLOS operations. And if you’re serious about safety, efficiency, and growth, this is the moment to lean in.
The FAA’s Timeline You Can Count On
Here’s how the rollout looks today:
- Published: August 2025
- Comment Period Closes: October 6, 2025
- Final Rule Expected: January 2026
That means right now, businesses have a short window to prepare, and to shape the final rule with their feedback.
Two Paths Forward: Permits or Certificates
Part 108 introduces a two-tier system:
- Permits → For lower-risk, route-specific operations like agriculture surveys or solar inspections. Faster approval, simpler requirements.
- Certificates → For complex or high-volume operations such as continuous utility inspections, automated drone fleets, or large-scale logistics.
The difference? One gives you speed, the other gives you scalability. At BEAD Global, we help organizations choose the right path and build a compliance strategy that pays off.
Security & Organizational Responsibility
The FAA isn’t just focused on where drones fly, it’s focused on who’s accountable.
Under Part 108:
- Organizations, not just individual pilots, will be held responsible.
- TSA threat assessments and staff vetting will be required.
- Secure data protocols, Remote ID, and detect-and-avoid systems become non-negotiable.
This is where the guidance of an aerial drone consulting company matters. Building the right roles, safety systems, and processes up front keeps you compliant, and gives you confidence in every flight.
The Tech That’s Mandatory
Part 108 makes certain tech baseline for compliance:
- Remote ID
- Anti-collision lighting
- Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) systems
- Access to Automated Data Service Providers (ADSP)
If your fleet isn’t ready, now is the time to audit and upgrade. As a drone consulting company, BEAD Global is already helping clients evaluate what stays, what gets retrofitted, and what needs replacing.
What does it Mean for Your Industry?
Here’s how Part 108 translates into real-world benefits:
- Energy & Utilities: Cover 100+ miles of transmission lines in hours, not weeks.
- Solar: Use a solar panel inspection drone to spot thermal anomalies in a single pass, saving weeks of labor.
- Railways & Transportation: Monitor tracks, erosion, and right-of-way with safer, faster inspections.
The opportunity is clear: fewer risks, faster data, stronger ROI.
Your Part 108 Readiness Checklist
- Assign a Part 108 project lead.
- Audit fleet for Remote ID, lighting, and DAA.
- Choose your clearance path (Permit vs Certificate).
- Prepare TSA vetting for key staff.
- Submit your comments before October 6, 2025.
- Update or implement your Safety Management System.
Tip: The FAA’s BVLOS fact sheet is another essential resource for staying on top of compliance requirements and clarifying what’s needed for operational readiness.
Why BEAD Global?
At BEAD Global, we’re more than just consultants, we’re your co-pilots. We design, audit, and implement drone programs that are:
- Scalable under BVLOS
- Aligned with FAA and TSA requirements
- Built for ROI and resilience
With drone consulting services designed for organizations that want to lead, not lag, we make sure your drone program is ready for Part 108 and beyond.