BVLOS Drone Buyer’s Guide: What You Need to Know Under FAA Part 108

If you’ve been watching the drone industry for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the term BVLOS drone thrown around as if it’s the holy grail of unmanned flight. BVLOS (short for Beyond Visual Line of Sight) is what enables a pilot to operate a drone farther than they can physically see. It’s the difference between inspecting a single tower from a field and scanning an entire transmission corridor in one mission.

Until recently, BVLOS operations in the U.S. were largely stuck behind a wall of FAA waivers. Each request was a one-off approval, slow to process, and limited in scope. That bottleneck meant most businesses couldn’t justify BVLOS as part of their core operations.

That’s where Part 108 comes in. Announced by the FAA in August 2025, Part 108 lays out clear, performance-based rules that replace most waiver requirements for BVLOS flights. For buyers, this shift changes how you evaluate aircraft, accessories, and software from day one.

Part 108 at a Glance: What Changed

Part 108 is the FAA’s answer to years of industry pressure for a workable BVLOS framework. Instead of relying on time-consuming waivers, it creates a standardized pathway for routine BVLOS operations. It’s also paired with a new, more visible role for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in overseeing certain missions.

Here are the biggest takeaways buyers need to know:

• From Waivers to Rules: Operators no longer have to submit individual BVLOS waivers for most flights. Instead, they follow Part 108’s operational limits and equipment requirements.
• Dual Oversight: The FAA still governs flight safety and airspace use, but the TSA now regulates security for specific BVLOS operations, particularly package delivery and flights near sensitive infrastructure.
• Performance-Based Standards: Instead of specifying one fixed technology, the FAA sets performance requirements. For example, your drone must have detect-and-avoid capability, but you can meet that with onboard sensors, ground-based systems, or a combination, as long as it meets the detection range and reliability standards.
• New Weight Ceiling: The maximum takeoff weight jumps to 1,320 lbs, opening BVLOS to larger, more capable platforms without requiring a traditional FAA type certificate. Aircraft must still meet industry consensus airworthiness standards, which manufacturers will need to document.
• Core Operational Limits: Flights must remain at or below 400 ft AGL (unless otherwise authorized) and originate from controlled sites that can ensure safety and security.
• Equipment Requirements: BVLOS drones must be equipped with Remote ID, position and anti-collision lighting, and compliant DAA systems.

If you need a deeper understanding of how each change affects purchase decisions, here’s a breakdown you can use when evaluating platforms and suppliers:

Part 108: Key Changes and What They Mean for Buyers

Key Change	What It Means for Buyers
From Waivers to Rules	No more case-by-case BVLOS waivers for most flights. Follow Part 108’s operational limits and equipment requirements instead. This speeds up deployment but puts the burden on you to ensure compliance before purchase.
Dual Oversight	FAA regulates flight safety; TSA enforces security for certain missions like package delivery or flights near sensitive sites. Buyers should budget for possible security clearances, vetted staff, and operational audits.
Performance-Based Standards	FAA sets performance outcomes (e.g., DAA detection range, reliability) rather than prescribing one technology. You can choose from onboard, ground-based, or hybrid DAA solutions — but must verify vendor compliance claims.
New Weight Ceiling	Maximum takeoff weight increases to 1,320 lbs, allowing larger, more capable drones. Useful for heavy-lift, advanced imaging, or large-area mapping — but platforms must meet industry consensus airworthiness standards with documented proof.
Core Operational Limits	Flights capped at 400 ft AGL (unless authorized) and must launch from controlled sites. Impacts where you can operate, what site infrastructure you need, and how you plan your missions.
Equipment Requirements	BVLOS drones must have Remote ID, position lighting, anti-collision lighting, and compliant DAA. Look for integrated solutions to avoid costly retrofits and confirm FAA compliance through manufacturer documentation.

For buyers, this isn’t just regulatory trivia. These changes directly affect what you should ask a manufacturer before purchase, what add-on systems you may need to budget for, and how you’ll structure your pilot training and operational workflows.

Key Operational Requirements Under Part 108 

Part 108 might read like an operator’s checklist, but as a buyer, these rules should directly influence your purchase decisions. If your BVLOS drone can’t meet these requirements out of the box or with minimal upgrades, you risk grounding your investment before it ever flies.

Core compliance points to keep in mind:

• Operates at or below 400 ft AGL unless specially authorized.
• Launches and recovers from controlled sites with managed safety and security.
• Equipped with detect-and-avoid (DAA) tsystem hat meets FAA performance standards.
• Built-in Remote ID capability for identification and tracking.
• Position and anti-collision lighting to FAA visibility specs.
• Meets industry consensus airworthiness standards — documented by the manufacturer.
• Weighs 1,320 lbs or less at maximum takeoff weight.
• Includes TSA security compliance if mission profile triggers it.

If you want a more practical way to apply these requirements to your buying process, use the table below as a reference during vendor discussions.

Part 108 Compliance Requirements — Buyer’s Quick Guide

Requirement	What It Means for Buyers
≤ 400 ft AGL	Drone must operate within altitude limit unless specially authorized. Check autopilot settings and mission planning software.
Controlled Launch Site	Ensure your facilities qualify as “controlled sites” and have the right access controls.
Detect-and-Avoid (DAA)	Must meet FAA detection range and reliability standards. Integrated systems are easier to document for compliance.
Remote ID	Built-in systems are preferred to avoid retrofit complexity and downtime.
Lighting	Position and anti-collision lighting must meet FAA visibility range.
Industry Airworthiness Standards	Request manufacturer documentation; essential for audits.
Weight Limit (≤ 1,320 lbs)	Enables larger platforms but requires compliance proof.
TSA Security Requirements	May require security program enrollment and staff vetting.

BVLOS Mission Profiles & Matching Drone Types

One of the advantages of Part 108 is that it levels the regulatory field for different sectors, but your mission type will still dictate which BVLOS drone makes sense.

Examples of mission-specific needs:

• Public Safety & SAR: Requires rapid deployment for time-sensitive incidents, with drones capable of carrying thermal imaging payloads for heat detection, high-zoom optical cameras for scene detail, and low-light sensors for nighttime operations. Airframes should be rugged enough to withstand rough landings and variable weather, with batteries or swappable power packs that minimize downtime between flights.
• Infrastructure Inspection: Needs high-resolution zoom cameras for detailed visual assessments, RTK/PPK positioning for precise geotagging, and extended hover capability for close-up inspections without drift. Stability in crosswinds is critical for accuracy, and interchangeable payload systems are a plus for switching between optical, thermal, or LiDAR sensors.
• Agriculture: Demands multispectral imaging for crop health analysis, the ability to cover large acreages in a single mission, and long endurance flights for maximum coverage efficiency. Autonomous flight planning with repeatable routes allows for consistent monitoring across growing seasons, while weather resistance ensures uptime during variable field conditions.
• Package Delivery: Requires cargo integration for payload handling, robust detect-and-avoid systems for route safety, and TSA-compliant security features such as payload locks or tamper detection. Extended range with consistent reliability is key, along with redundancy in propulsion or power systems to ensure safe deliveries over longer distances.
• Surveying & Mapping: Needs high-accuracy GNSS for centimeter-level positioning, photogrammetry-grade cameras for detailed terrain modeling, and efficient flight patterns for covering large survey areas quickly. Integration with cloud-based processing platforms streamlines data upload and analysis, while support for PPK workflows reduces reliance on ground control points.

Mission Profiles and Best-Fit BVLOS Platforms

Mission Type	Key Requirements	Best-Fit Platform
Public Safety / SAR	Thermal + zoom payloads, low-light sensors, rugged build, rapid deployment, swappable batteries	Mid- to large multirotor with integrated DAA
Infrastructure Inspection	High-res zoom, RTK/PPK positioning, extended hover capability, crosswind stability, payload flexibility	Multirotor with interchangeable gimbals and precision GNSS
Agriculture	Multispectral imaging, large-area coverage, long endurance, autonomous repeatable routes, weather resistance	Fixed-wing VTOL or long-endurance multirotor
Package Delivery	Cargo integration, robust DAA, TSA-ready security features, extended range, redundant safety systems	Heavy-lift multirotor or hybrid platform
Surveying & Mapping	High-accuracy GNSS, photogrammetry-grade cameras, efficient flight patterns, cloud-based processing, PPK support	Fixed-wing with PPK capability and integrated mission planning software

Bottom line: when you’re comparing models, compliance isn’t just a spec sheet footnote. It’s the dividing line between an operational asset and an expensive paperweight.

Choosing the Right BVLOS Drone for Part 108 Compliance

With Part 108 in effect, the “right” BVLOS drone isn’t just the one with the best camera or the longest flight time. It’s the one that meets compliance standards today and can adapt to future ones.

When evaluating options, consider:

• Integrated vs. Retrofit DAA: An integrated detect-and-avoid system ensures tighter software-hardware integration and easier compliance documentation. Retrofitted solutions can work but may introduce compatibility or calibration issues.
• Remote ID Integration: Drones with native Remote ID support reduce maintenance headaches and potential compliance gaps.
• Payload Versatility: Look for platforms that can carry a variety of payloads (thermal, zoom, multispectral), so you’re not locked into a single mission profile.
• Endurance and Range: Even with BVLOS clearance, your flight time dictates your operational radius. Consider drones that balance endurance with payload capacity.
• Environmental Resilience: Weather resistance (wind, rain, temperature tolerance) is critical if you plan to operate in variable conditions.
• Support and Documentation: Manufacturers should provide clear compliance documentation for FAA and TSA requirements. If they can’t, walk away.

For most buyers, this comes down to matching mission requirements with compliance features,  and making sure your chosen drone can evolve with software updates, sensor swaps, and regulatory changes. In other words, you’re buying a platform, not just a product.

How the TSA Factor Affects BVLOS Drone Operations

Most drone buyers expect to deal with the FAA. Fewer expect to see the TSA in the mix. Under Part 108, that changes, especially for BVLOS missions involving package delivery or operations over critical infrastructure.

The TSA will issue its own rule alongside the FAA’s, and while the details will vary by mission, buyers should be prepared for these possible requirements:

• Security Program Enrollment: For certain operations, you or your organization will need to participate in a TSA-approved security program. This can include site security plans, personnel vetting, and cargo screening.
• Security Coordinator Role: You may be required to designate a security coordinator: someone trained to implement security measures, respond to incidents, and liaise with TSA.
• Chain-of-Custody Protocols: Expect procedures for handling payloads from pickup to delivery, ensuring no tampering occurs.
• Operational Security Checks: TSA may require preflight and postflight security checks, especially for launch sites in sensitive areas.

Buyer takeaway: If you’re procuring drones for delivery, inspections over power plants, pipelines, or other high-value assets, make sure your vendor understands TSA compliance as well as FAA rules. Look for manufacturers or integrators that can provide documentation, training, and hardware configurations designed with security requirements in mind.

BVLOS Mission Profiles & Matching Drone Types

One of the advantages of Part 108 is that it levels the regulatory field for different sectors, but your mission type will still dictate which BVLOS drone makes sense. Here’s how to match the right platform to the job:

Mission Type	Key Requirements	Best-Fit Platform Type
Public Safety / SAR	Thermal + zoom payloads, rugged build, rapid deployment	Mid- to large multirotor with integrated DAA
Infrastructure Inspection	High-res zoom, RTK/PPK, stability in wind	Multirotor with interchangeable payload gimbal
Agriculture	Multispectral imaging, long endurance, autonomy	Fixed-wing VTOL or endurance multirotor
Package Delivery	Cargo integration, robust DAA, TSA-ready	Heavy-lift multirotor or hybrid platform
Surveying & Mapping	High-accuracy GNSS, efficient coverage, and photogrammetry	Fixed-wing with PPK capability

The right BVLOS drone isn’t just compliant—it’s mission-fit. Start with your operational needs, then layer compliance requirements on top, not the other way around.

Budget and Procurement Considerations

Buying a BVLOS drone under Part 108 isn’t just about the sticker price. Compliance has a cost, and you need to factor it in before signing a purchase order.

Here’s what to include in your budget planning:

• Compliance Features: Integrated detect-and-avoid, Remote ID, and compliant lighting systems often increase upfront cost, but they prevent costly retrofits or downtime.
• Security Requirements: If TSA rules apply to your mission, budget for security program enrollment, training, and possibly hiring or assigning a security coordinator.
• Software Licenses: Mission planning, fleet management, and data analysis software often require annual fees. Some packages also bundle cloud storage, which is critical for long-range missions with heavy data capture.
• Training and Certification: Even with clear FAA rules, pilot and crew training is essential. This may include DAA system operation, TSA security protocols, and BVLOS-specific emergency procedures.
• Support and Maintenance: Factor in warranty coverage, spare parts, and the manufacturer’s repair turnaround times. BVLOS missions often involve larger, more complex drones — meaning higher maintenance costs.
• Financing or Leasing: Many suppliers offer payment plans for heavy-lift or advanced BVLOS platforms. Spreading costs can free up budget for payloads or training in the same fiscal year.

Buyer takeaway: A BVLOS procurement plan should read like a mini business case. Know your total cost of ownership (not just the acquisition price) and ensure your supplier can outline all compliance-related expenses upfront.

Future-Proofing Your Fleet

Regulations change, technology advances, and mission requirements evolve. The BVLOS drone you buy today should still be relevant and compliant several years down the line.

To keep your investment viable:

• Choose Upgradeable Platforms: Invest in drones with modular airframe designs that allow you to swap in new sensors, updated detect-and-avoid hardware, or larger battery packs without replacing the entire aircraft. This approach extends the service life of your platform, keeps it adaptable as mission requirements evolve, and reduces long-term costs compared to full replacements.
• Confirm Firmware and Software Support: Ask manufacturers for a documented update roadmap that covers compliance-related software changes, such as adjustments to Remote ID broadcasting protocols or TSA security functions. Timely firmware updates are critical not just for performance, but for staying legally operational when standards shift. A supplier’s track record for releasing updates on schedule is a strong indicator of reliability.
• Plan for Payload Flexibility: Even if your immediate need is narrow (e.g., thermal imaging for inspections), choose a platform that can accommodate a range of payloads down the line, from high-zoom optical sensors to multispectral cameras for agriculture. This flexibility lets you expand into new service areas without the expense of acquiring entirely new airframes.
• Monitor Regulatory Shifts: Part 108 compliance is a moving target. FAA rule changes or TSA directives could require operational or hardware adjustments within a few years. Assign someone on your team to track industry updates and assess whether upcoming changes affect your fleet’s readiness, catching issues early can save you from costly grounding.
• Select Trusted Manufacturers: Work with established, reputable suppliers that have a history of meeting compliance deadlines, delivering on promised features, and providing detailed airworthiness documentation. These manufacturers are more likely to anticipate regulatory changes, maintain parts availability, and support your platform for years, which is essential for BVLOS operations under ongoing oversight.

Treat your BVLOS drone like a core asset, not a disposable tool. Building upgrade potential into your purchase now will save significant costs and operational downtime later.

Buyer’s Quick-Reference Checklist

When evaluating a BVLOS drone for purchase under FAA Part 108, use this checklist as both a compliance reminder and a decision-making tool.

Compliance Readiness

• Operates at ≤ 400 ft AGL unless specially authorized: Ensures your drone can stay within FAA altitude limits without constant manual adjustment.
• Launch/recovery from controlled site possible: Confirms your operational locations meet the FAA’s definition of a secure and managed site.
• Integrated or compliant detect-and-avoid (DAA) system: Reduces risk of mid-air conflict and meets FAA performance requirements.
• Built-in Remote ID capability: Simplifies compliance and avoids retrofit costs or downtime.
• Position and anti-collision lighting meets FAA specs: Maintains visibility to other airspace users, especially during low-light operations.
• Conforms to industry consensus airworthiness standards: Provides manufacturer-verified safety documentation, essential for audits.
• Weight rating within 1,320 lb FAA limit: Ensures eligibility for Part 108 operations while allowing for larger payload capacities.

Security Requirements (TSA-Applicable Missions)

• Security program enrollment supported: Guarantees your platform can operate under TSA oversight when required.
• Security coordinator role filled and trained: Ensures your team has a designated point of contact for TSA compliance.
• Chain-of-custody procedures in place for payloads: Prevents tampering and satisfies TSA package handling rules.

Operational Fit

• Matches mission payload needs (thermal, zoom, multispectral): Aligns platform capability with your primary mission profile.
• Endurance/range aligns with operational radius: Supports complete mission coverage without multiple relaunches.
• Rated for expected environmental conditions: Withstands wind, rain, and temperature extremes typical for your operational region.
• Compatible with planned software ecosystem: Integrates with flight planning, fleet management, and data processing tools you already use or plan to adopt.

Support and Longevity

• Manufacturer provides compliance documentation: Saves time during audits and regulatory reviews.
• Firmware and hardware upgrade paths available: Future-proofs your fleet against regulatory or technological changes.
• Supplier offers training, support, and spare parts: Reduces downtime and ensures operational continuity.

Preparing Your BVLOS Drone Strategy for the Part 108 Era

Part 108 is more than a policy update. It’s a reset for how U.S. buyers approach BVLOS drone procurement. The FAA’s move from waivers to performance-based standards, paired with the TSA’s new security role, means you can now plan BVLOS operations with far greater certainty — but only if your hardware, workflows, and budget align from the start.

For buyers, the key shift is that compliance is now part of the purchase decision, not something you solve after delivery. If your drone can’t meet detect-and-avoid requirements, doesn’t have integrated Remote ID, or lacks the documentation to prove it meets industry airworthiness standards, it’s not ready for Part 108, no matter how impressive the specs look.

Your next steps should be:

1. Define Your Mission Profiles: Whether it’s infrastructure inspection, agricultural mapping, or package delivery, map out the exact requirements before comparing models.
2. Filter by Compliance Features: Shortlist only platforms with native DAA, Remote ID, lighting, and documented airworthiness to avoid retrofit delays.
3. Assess TSA Applicability Early: If your missions trigger TSA oversight, factor in security program enrollment, staffing, and chain-of-custody procedures during procurement.
4. Plan for Total Cost of Ownership: Include compliance-driven expenses like training, software licenses, and maintenance in your budget, not just the acquisition price.
5. Demand Documentation and Support: Work with suppliers who can produce compliance records, provide upgrade paths, and offer post-sale technical support.

In short, Part 108 has opened the door to scaling BVLOS, but it’s also raised the entry threshold. The drones you choose in the next 12–18 months will determine whether your operation is ready to capitalize on the expanded BVLOS market or be left reworking your fleet when enforcement begins.