DRIVING THE NEWS: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unleashes American Drone Dominance
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy unveiled a new proposed rule – Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) during a press conference earlier this week. The proposal marks a milestone in safely integrating unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace and will be a game changer for industries beyond transportation. Key stakeholders, leaders, and businesses are praising the move. Here’s what they are saying:
Michael Robbins, President & CEO, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI):
“For too long, the United States has lacked a clear regulatory path to expand safe, scalable BVLOS operations,” said Michael Robbins, President & CEO of AUVSI. “This draft rule is a critical step toward enabling drone operations that will enhance safety, transform commercial services, and strengthen public safety with drones as a force multiplier. A final risk-based BVLOS rule will unlock new commercial and public safety applications, including infrastructure inspections, precision agriculture, package delivery, disaster response, and more, enhancing public safety, driving billions in economic growth, and creating high-quality jobs.”
“For far too long, outdated regulations have held back the tremendous potential of the commercial drone marketplace. Today’s action marks a pivotal advancement toward modernizing U.S. drone policy,” said Lisa Ellman, CEO of the CDA. “This long-awaited announcement is the result of years of collaboration between the FAA, CDA, and our membership to create a comprehensive framework for safe, scalable BVLOS operations. We appreciate the Administration’s focus on advancing this crucial initiative.”
“Unlocking BVLOS is essential to realizing the full economic, safety, and societal benefits of drone technology for all Americans,” added Liz Forro, Policy Director of the CDA. “This proposal represents a significant step toward developing the low-altitude economy in this country, and we welcome the opportunity to fully engage in the policymaking process. Everyone who benefits from drone operations today should raise their voice in support of this progress, and provide concrete advice to regulators on how to further refine the proposal.”
Neil Bradley, Vice President and Chief Policy Officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce:
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley issued the following statement in response to Secretary Sean Duffy’s announcement today unveiling the Trump Administration’s plan to unleash American drone dominance:
“Chamber applauds Secretary Duffy's leadership on today's announcement to help ensure the United States leads the world in drone use and that Americans reap the benefits. Crucial to ensuring American dominance in drone use is the Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rule, which we have long supported and are pleased to see included in Secretary Duffy's proposal. We look forward to working with the administration and Congress to ensure unmanned aerial system use is safe, secure, and routine.”
Amit Ganjoo, Founder & CEO, ANRA Technologies:
“We look forward to reviewing the NPRM in depth and contributing meaningful feedback during the comment period. For now, we take a moment to celebrate this important step forward. Well done to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, and all the stakeholders who helped bring this draft rule to life.”
Ian Jefferies, President & CEO, Association of American Railroads:
Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and CEO Ian Jefferies issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Transportation’s release of its proposed rule on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations:
“It is encouraging to see this long-overdue BVLOS rule released. America’s freight railroads commend Secretary Duffy and the USDOT, for advancing a forward-looking policy that could help unlock the full potential of unmanned aircraft systems across our national transportation network.
“Routine BVLOS operations hold tremendous potential for railroads—enhancing safety, speeding up inspections, and improving emergency response in ways that were previously limited. AAR members have long advocated for a rule that offers clarity, scalability, and meaningful safety benefits, and while we are still reviewing the rule in full, we are optimistic that today’s action represents a significant milestone toward that goal.”
Harrison Shih, Head of Drone Program, DoorDash:
“We’re encouraged by this important step by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration towards making drone delivery a scalable, safe, and reliable option for more communities across the country,” said Harrison Shih, Head of the DoorDash Drone Program. “We believe drones are a key part of the future of local commerce, and we need smart, clear rules that let companies like ours operate safely and predictably at scale. We appreciate the administration’s collaboration with us to help unlock the full potential of drone technology.”
Ed Bolen, President & CEO, National Business Aviation Association:
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said, “NBAA and UAS operators commend the FAA for issuing this proposed rulemaking, which will unlock new capabilities and commercial opportunities for many organizations. While still just a proposed rule with opportunity for public comment and modifications, the long-awaited NPRM is a crucial step in advancing safe, efficient UAS operations in the National Airspace System and offers an effective framework for providing UAS operators confidence in developing future business and operational plans.”
Margaret Stewart Nagle, Head of Policy, Regulatory and Community Affairs, Wing:
“I am thrilled to see the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for beyond visual line of sight operations published today.
Getting this rule right is key to unlocking the full potential of drone delivery, enabling safe, efficient, and scalable services for communities across the country. I look forward to reviewing the rule in-depth, and I expect discussion and input from voices across the aviation community as the industry works alongside the Administration to get this right. Wing will be providing feedback during the comment period.
Much more to come, but I am excited to take a moment to celebrate this landmark day. Congratulations to U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration and the many contributors to this draft rule.”
“We applaud the @WhiteHouse, @USDOT, @FAANews, and Congress for their continued leadership in advancing a framework that supports safe, scalable drone operations like @Amazon’s Prime Air drone delivery. We look forward to reviewing the FAA’s proposed rule that is meant to enable routine, safe operations of drones beyond visual line of sight and to participating in this important rulemaking.”
Joby Aviation:
“The U.S led the jet age, enabling a boom in global trade and transport, and now we’re doing the same with the low altitude economy thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Duffy. These new rules pave the way to a world where air travel amplifies our potential and, at Joby, we’ve purposefully built a next generation aerospace company so that we can play a foundational role in making the most of these important developments.”
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