What Is FAA Part 108 and Why Drone Operators Should Care
As the drone industry continues to push the limits of what’s possible, FAA Part 108 is quietly shaping up to be the regulatory framework that could unlock more advanced operations—without all the red tape.
What Is Part 108?
Part 108 is a proposed FAA regulation designed to expand and formalize complex drone operations, including:
- Autonomous flights
- Cargo delivery
- Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) missions
In short, it’s about giving drone operators and companies the freedom to fly further and do more, without constantly applying for waivers. Julia, an industry expert and Solutions Architect at FlyGuys, put it perfectly: “The intent for the 108 is to remove obstacles from individuals to fly beyond line of sight. It will allow you to do what you currently need a waiver for.”
Why Does It Matter?
The purpose of Part 108 is two-fold:
- Create a safer framework for autonomous and complex missions.
- Enable more advanced operations in key industries like agriculture, delivery, energy, and infrastructure inspections.
Right now, BVLOS operations require cumbersome waiver applications. With Part 108, that process could be streamlined—or even eliminated for certified operators. As Julia explained, “It will help to avoid spending time getting waivers before a flight. I believe the intent is to certify pilots at that level to mitigate waivers.”
How Does Part 108 Differ From Part 107?
While Part 107 focuses on basic commercial drone operations and certifications, Part 108 will introduce more advanced layers:
- Accountability shifts from the individual pilot to the employing corporation.
- A new role: the “flight coordinator,” tasked with overseeing autonomous flights.
- Increased pilot competency requirements, such as radio communications or integrating with Airspace Service Providers (ASPs).
Julia summed it up like this: “The Part 107 is really the first section of a real pilot test. The Part 108 integrates even more into that.”
What’s the Current Status?
The FAA has committed to releasing a draft of Part 108 by late 2024 or early 2025. That said, industry experts—Julia included—are cautious about expecting fast action: “The FAA had a revision at the end of 2024, but I would not assume it’s happening this year. These things take time.”
What Could This Mean for Drone Businesses?
- For enterprise operators: Expect new opportunities for long-range operations, virtual piloting from drone docks, and faster deployments.
- In agriculture: BVLOS operations paired with gas-powered drones could make wide-area monitoring more practical and profitable.
- For first responders: Roof-deployed autonomous drones could be on scene before humans even suit up.
Will Everyone Need Part 108?
Not necessarily. Julia clarified that for many routine Part 107 pilots, the impact might be minimal: “It will not affect FlyGuys’ pilots unless they were operating from a dock offering services as a virtual pilot or in utilities to scan super long distances.”
But if you’re looking to push boundaries and offer advanced drone services, Part 108 will be key to scaling your operations without the bureaucratic headache.
Check back for updates on the Part 108.