On August 5, the FAA released a long-anticipated Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that could fundamentally change how drones operate in U.S. airspace. The proposal aims to establish routine, safe use of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations—something that, until now, has required hard-to-get waivers. For the lidar industry, this could mark a turning point, expanding the scale, lowering the cost, and boosting the feasibility of a wide range of aerial applications.
Key Operational Requirements Under the FAA’s BVLOS Proposal
While the promise of BVLOS is exciting, the FAA’s proposal comes with a detailed set of requirements. Flights would be limited to 400 feet above ground level and must take off from pre-designated, access-controlled locations. Operators would need FAA approval for each area they intend to fly, including clearly defined boundaries, designated launch and recovery zones, and estimated daily flight volumes. They’ll also need to maintain reliable communications coverage and have clear procedures in place for lost-link scenarios.
A major component of the rule is the creation of Automated Data Service Providers (ADSPs)—FAA-approved entities responsible for helping drones safely navigate BVLOS operations. These services would separate uncrewed aircraft from each other and from crewed aircraft, following tested and vetted industry standards. The proposal also allows for larger aircraft—up to 1,320 pounds including payload—and permits flights over people, though not over large, open-air gatherings like stadiums or festivals.
Why BVLOS for Lidar Is a Game-Changer
For remote sensing professionals—especially those working with lidar—the impact of BVLOS normalization could be transformative. BVLOS has long been one of the biggest obstacles to scaling drone-based mapping. Today, many lidar flights require visual observers on the ground or even backup manned aircraft—both of which drive up cost and complexity. With BVLOS for lidar becoming a regulatory reality, long linear surveys of railways, pipelines, and highways become faster and more affordable. Large-area scans of forests, farmlands, and flood zones become accessible to smaller teams and emerging businesses.
This rule could reshape the way lidar is deployed—allowing crews to map more area with fewer people, in less time, and in tougher environments. It also lays the groundwork for more autonomous, multi-mission operations, where fleets of drones can handle complex tasks with minimal human involvement.
What’s more, the rule underscores the growing connection between drones, lidar, and artificial intelligence. BVLOS operations will lean heavily on automated detect-and-avoid systems, many of which depend on real-time 3D data from lidar sensors. These systems feed into AI algorithms that make on-the-fly navigation decisions in cluttered or dynamic environments. In this context, lidar isn’t just a mapping tool—it’s a key part of the autonomy stack that makes next-generation drone operations possible.
What Comes Next
The FAA’s proposal is part of a broader shift toward deregulating commercial drone operations. That trend has gained momentum under the Trump administration, which has pushed for faster BVLOS access and stronger support for U.S.-made drone systems. Industry groups like AUVSI have welcomed the proposed rule as a major step toward enabling drone operations at scale.
Still, this is just the beginning. The rule is in its public comment phase, and final implementation isn’t expected until 2026. Systems like ADSPs are still conceptual, with many technical and operational questions left unanswered. For companies working with BVLOS for lidar, this moment presents both opportunity and uncertainty. Those who prepare now—by upgrading systems, training teams, and helping shape the final rule—will be better positioned to lead as the industry transitions into a new era.
For more information, visit the FAA Fact Sheet. It is a well-written easy to read document that summarizes the 700 page complete proposal.
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There are UAV mapping companies already flying beyond visual line of sight and flying over people. We bid on a project that was for flying lidar on a 1,000 acre wooded lot legally with a manned aircraft. The client went with the cheaper price from someone who said they would fly it with a drone. Simply not possible to fly within visual line of sight on a project like that. It’s possible they had a waiver but I doubt it and not sure how to look that up. There have been more instances of this lately where we lose projects to drones despite it being a project where I don’t believe it is possible to fly within visual line of sight.