In the world of drone technology, we’ve been living in a state of flux for the past several years. Drone technology has advanced at a breathtaking pace. Drones can now fly longer, carry heavier payloads, and produce incredibly detailed data, but the regulatory framework has lagged behind. We’ve had innovation without consistent rulemaking, and that gap has frustrated both investors and professionals who want to operate responsibly.
Several times over the past decade, the drone industry has experienced major growth spurts. Each surge brought excitement, new companies, and ambitious projects. Yet each time, enthusiasm waned when investors realized that the absence of clear, comprehensive regulations made large-scale adoption difficult. Without firm FAA rules, businesses could not plan long-term or scale operations with confidence.
That all began to change on June 6, 2025, when the President signed the executive order titled “Unleashing America’s Drone Dominance.” According to the order “The United States must accelerate the safe commercialization of drone technologies and fully integrate UAS into the National Airspace System. The time has come to accelerate testing and to enable routine drone operations, scale up domestic production, and expand the export of trusted, American-manufactured drone technologies to global markets. Building a strong and secure domestic drone sector is vital to reducing reliance on foreign sources, strengthening critical supply chains, and ensuring that the benefits of this technology are delivered to the American people.” The announcement outlined a clear federal commitment to fully integrate drones into the National Airspace System and introduced two new regulatory frameworks: Part 108 and Part 146 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
These new parts form the backbone of a long-awaited rule known as Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations, or BVLOS. For years, flying beyond line of sight has been the holy grail of drone operations. It’s what enables pipeline inspection, utility monitoring, large-scale mapping, and emergency response without a pilot constantly watching the aircraft. Until now, such operations required time-consuming waivers or exemptions.
The FAA’s new rule-making aims to change that. With the comment period closing on October 6, 2025, we can expect final rules within approximately 240 days. Once that happens, the United States will finally have a standardized regulatory pathway for BVLOS operations, something that has eluded the industry for nearly a decade.
The anticipation of this rule has already re-energized the industry. Investors are returning, companies are developing new aircraft, and States are racing to attract drone corridors, test sites, and aerial mobility projects. Behind the scenes, manufacturers, software developers, and data providers are preparing for the arrival of Aerial Delivery Systems and Aerial Taxi Systems.
That means our airspace is about to become more complex and more congested. For those of us already operating in this field, one phrase says it all: it’s time to get your house in order.
If you haven’t been flying by the rules, now is the time to start. Compliance will be the foundation of future opportunity. Whether you are a real estate appraiser, construction inspector, or aerial data provider, the only way to participate in this next chapter of aviation is to demonstrate that your operation meets FAA and client standards.
Let’s revisit what that means in practice.
Every commercial drone operator must hold a valid Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. This certification confirms that the pilot understands airspace classification, weather effects, emergency procedures, and operational limitations. To stay current, pilots must complete recurrent training every 24 months through the FAA’s IACRA system. It’s not just about passing a test, it’s about maintaining professionalism and situational awareness. A government-issued ID is also required to verify the operator’s identity.
All drones used for commercial purposes must be registered with the FAA. In addition, federal and state agencies are increasingly restricting the use of aircraft manufactured in certain countries of origin. Operators must verify that their drones meet approved sourcing and cybersecurity standards.
Equally important is Remote Identification (Remote ID), the digital license plate of the sky. Drones with built-in Standard Remote ID broadcast their identity automatically, while legacy drones can attach a Remote ID module. Either way, Remote ID is now mandatory for legal flight.
Insurance is becoming a necessity, not an afterthought. A responsible operator carries general liability insurance that covers property damage and bodily injury claims. Clients, especially in real estate, construction, and utilities are increasingly requiring proof of coverage before awarding contracts. In many cases, insurance is the deciding factor between winning or losing a job.
A professional operation runs on documented Standard Operating Procedures. SOPs outline mission planning, crew responsibilities, pre- and post-flight checklists, emergency contingencies, and data management practices. They also demonstrate to clients and regulators that you take safety seriously. In the near future, the FAA may require operators seeking advanced permissions under Part 108 to submit their SOPs as part of the approval process.
Detailed recordkeeping is the hallmark of a compliant program. Two types of logbooks are essential: a Flight Logbook and a Maintenance Logbook. The Flight Log tracks missions, battery cycles, weather conditions, and any incidents that occur. The Maintenance Log documents software updates, propeller changes, motor replacements, and other service actions. Together, these records protect both the operator and the client. They also prove your professionalism if an incident or audit ever occurs.
For appraisers and other real estate professionals, these changes aren’t just regulatory, they represent opportunity. Drones provide a unique advantage for inspection, documentation, and verification. With high-resolution imagery, thermal sensors, and 3D modeling, drones can reveal property conditions that would otherwise remain hidden.
However, as BVLOS operations become mainstream, clients will expect more than just great footage. They will expect certified pilots with documented procedures, insurance, and safety credentials. In short, compliance will be the new currency of credibility.
I have had the privilege of speaking with many of the policymakers and industry leaders shaping this transition. Their message is clear: the drone industry is about to turn a corner and become far more professionalized. The introduction of Part 108 and Part 146 will accelerate that process and finally bring stability to a rapidly growing field.
As we move into this new era, the key to success is preparation. Update your certifications, review your equipment, create or refine your SOPs, and start logging every flight. Build good habits now—because once these rules go into effect, compliance will no longer be optional.
The world of unmanned aviation is about to change. Get ready, because here it comes. Happy Flying.
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