US unveils rule to dominate air mobility and unlock drone innovation
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President Trump issued Executive Order 14307, a directive intended to reestablish American leadership in the unmanned aerial systems sector. Following that order, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy introduced a proposed rule aimed at accelerating commercial drone operations across US airspace. The central change eliminates the requirement for individual waivers for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, a long-standing barrier to scale.
Under the proposed regulation, certified operators could fly routine BVLOS missions under standardized safety protocols. The rule sets conditions including height limits, collision-avoidance systems, background checks, and remote identification capabilities.
This regulatory approach replaces a waiver-dependent system with a broader framework that encourages preapproved, scalable operations. The White House and Department of Transportation imposed a 240-day deadline for the final rule, underscoring their focus on speed and alignment with national innovation goals.
A policy pivot toward commercial acceleration
For years, BVLOS waivers have been a bottleneck. As of early 2025, fewer than 700 were granted, hindering drone deployment in industries such as delivery, utilities, and emergency response. Each waiver required time-consuming FAA review and lacked consistency.
The new policy creates an operational path based on safety and performance metrics. Operators would be able to conduct regular flights at altitudes below 400 feet if they meet specific safety benchmarks. This approach reduces regulatory friction while maintaining oversight.
The FAA will have flexibility to adjust criteria as drone systems evolve. For businesses, this reduces uncertainty and supports planning for capital investment. For regulators, it creates a framework that can adapt without repeating lengthy approval cycles.
Industry reaction and expectations for deployment
Industry leaders responded positively. The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, National Retail Federation, and major logistics firms praised the policy shift. Amazon, which resumed drone testing in 2025, cited the rule as vital to its goal of delivering 500 million packages annually by 2030.
Public and private sector stakeholders expect rapid deployment after final approval. The FAA anticipates completing its review and public comment process by late 2025. Implementation could begin in early 2026.
Startups and suppliers are also preparing. Companies focused on drone traffic management, AI flight planning, and lightweight airframe production are seeing increased investor interest. The market outlook suggests accelerated development cycles across the ecosystem.
Airspace sovereignty and domestic supply chain strategy
Alongside regulatory reform, the administration is reinforcing domestic production requirements. The new rule includes a federal procurement directive that favors US-made drones for government use.
The Department of Commerce is expected to release a Covered Foreign Entity list within 30 days of the executive order. This list will identify companies with ties to strategic competitors, particularly China.
The shift reflects growing concerns about dependence on foreign-manufactured systems in critical applications. The administration’s strategy includes promoting domestic innovation while excluding untrusted components from national infrastructure. That approach mirrors broader supply chain policies across other sectors.
The executive order also initiates an eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. This initiative will test electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft in five locations, supporting applications such as rural medicine delivery, urban logistics, and short-range passenger transport.
These efforts will operate alongside the drone integration framework. The goal is to ensure that airspace, navigation systems, and infrastructure support a future that includes both unmanned and piloted vehicles.
The current rule is more than a regulatory update. It represents a strategic plan to scale commercial drone operations, promote domestic production, and prepare for a new class of aerial mobility.
Sources:
US Department of Transportation