The FAA has released the long-anticipated Part 108 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), setting the stage for scalable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations in the U.S.
For the team at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS), this isn’t just a regulatory milestone. Part 108 is the result of more than a decade of dedicated leadership, flight testing and public-private collaboration to help define the future of uncrewed aviation.
Decades in the Making: A Data-Driven Approach to Policy
Since its formation, NPUASTS has been at the forefront of safe UAS integration into the National Airspace System (NAS). Our efforts include:
- Tens of thousands of flight hours under FAA-issued Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COAs)
- Comprehensive safety case development for both public and commercial BVLOS missions
- Detailed flight data submissions used by the FAA to inform real-world risk modeling and support the transition to performance-based rulemaking
This operational data, gathered over more than 10 years, has directly shaped how the FAA evaluates risk and develops scalable regulatory frameworks.
Our Role in Shaping Part 108: Leadership on the BVLOS ARC
The NPRM builds on work done by the BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), assembled by the FAA to draft recommendations for a modern regulatory framework.
NPUASTS played a leadership role and served as Group Lead for the Air and Ground Risk Working Group, where we helped develop policy and operational recommendations that are now reflected in Part 108. Our contributions included guidance on:
- Defining risk-based operational categories
- Establishing performance expectations for aircraft and operators
- Creating a regulatory structure that balances innovation with safety
These recommendations served as the foundation of the newly proposed rule.
What’s Next
We are currently reviewing the full NPRM and preparing formal comments. As the public UAS test site responsible for Vantis, the first statewide UAS system in the U.S., NPUASTS remains committed to:
- Supporting FAA rulemaking through real-world flight testing and data
- Driving forward operational safety and reliability
- Enabling economic development through secure, scalable drone infrastructure
A Milestone for the Industry and a Moment of Pride for North Dakota
This NPRM demonstrates the powerful results of collaboration between government, industry and test sites. We’re proud of the work North Dakota and NPUASTS have contributed—and we’re even more excited for what’s ahead.
Have questions about Part 108?
Contact the BVLOS experts at NPUASTS by email or phone at 701-777-6100.