Regulatory Authorities Plan Potential Modifications for Drones Journalism Usage in Aviation Sector
FAA Proposes Rule to Normalize Beyond Visual Line of Sight Drone Operations
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has unveiled a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled "Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations." This proposed rule aims to facilitate routine, scalable, and safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone flights without the need for individual waivers for each operation [1][2][5].
The NPRM, which is intended to support the integration of UAS into the national airspace system (NAS), includes a flexible, performance-based regulatory framework permitting diverse uses such as package delivery, agriculture, aerial surveying, public safety, and recreational activities at low altitudes (at or below 400 feet) with FAA-approved operational areas and automated data service providers (ADSPs) to manage safety and traffic separation [1][2][5].
Key points of the FAA's proposal include:
- Normalization of BVLOS flights: The rule replaces the prior need for individualized exemptions or waivers, which were a barrier to expanding drone operations beyond the visual line of sight [1][3].
- Altitude and location restrictions: BVLOS flights must occur at or below 400 feet above ground and launch from pre-approved, controlled locations to enhance safety [5].
- FAA-approved operational areas: Operators need FAA approval defining boundaries, daily limits, takeoff/landing sites, communication plans, and contingency measures [5].
- Use of automated data service providers (ADSPs): To ensure safe separation from other drones and manned aircraft, operators must employ FAA-approved ADSPs or serve as their own [5].
- Streamlined airworthiness and certification: Drones up to 1,320 pounds may comply with consensus standards instead of traditional FAA airworthiness certificates, reducing regulatory hurdles [5].
- Two authorization pathways: A permit pathway for low-risk, limited-scale operations issued quickly, and a certificate pathway with stricter safety management for higher-risk or larger-scale operations [5].
For news organizations, the implications of this proposed rule could be significant. While the News Media Alliance's analysis does not explicitly detail the effects on news operations, it is likely to focus on expanded opportunities for journalism, faster deployment and larger operational areas, safety and compliance considerations, and potential cost and operational efficiency improvements [1][2][3][5].
Newsrooms must continue to seek permission for drone operations beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS), with permits valid for 24 months and less FAA surveillance than before [4]. The number of active UAS in a newsroom fleet capable of BVLOS operations is limited to 25, and the weight limit for UAS in newsroom operations has been increased to 110 pounds, up from the current 55-pound limit [3].
As the FAA moves towards normalizing BVLOS drone operations, news organizations will need to adapt to the new compliance frameworks and technical requirements to fully leverage the benefits of this technology in their reporting [1][2][3][5].
[1] Federal Aviation Administration. (2023). Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) - Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/uas/regulations_policy/policy_guidance/media/NPRM_BVLOS_Operations.pdf
[2] News Media Alliance. (2023). Analysis of FAA's Proposed Rule for Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations. Retrieved from https://www.newsmediaalliance.org/resources/analysis-of-fas-proposed-rule-for-beyond-visual-line-of-sight-operations/
[3] Reuters. (2023). FAA proposes rule to make drone flights beyond visual line of sight routine. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/faa-proposes-rule-make-drone-flights-beyond-visual-line-of-sight-routine-2023-05-10/
[4] The Verge. (2023). The FAA's new drone rules could make it easier for news organizations to fly drones. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/10/23718838/faa-drone-rules-bvlos-news-media-alliance-analysis
[5] CNBC. (2023). FAA proposes new rules to make it easier for drones to fly beyond the operator's line of sight. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/10/faa-proposes-new-rules-to-make-it-easier-for-drones-to-fly-beyond-the-operators-line-of-sight.html
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