US Proposes Federal Rules Easing Commercial Drone Use Beyond Visual Sight

The Trump administration has proposed a landmark federal rule that would allow commercial drones to fly beyond the visual line of sight of operators without the need for cumbersome waivers, potentially transforming industries such as package delivery, infrastructure inspection, and agriculture. The rule, championed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is designed to be adaptable to evolving technology and shifts away from prescriptive checklists to approvals based on industry consensus standards. This move is expected to streamline operations for companies like Amazon, Alphabet's Wing, and Walmart, enabling them to scale drone delivery and other services. The Federal Aviation Administration will require safety measures, such as collision-avoidance technology and restrictions on drone weight and altitude, to ensure airspace safety. Industry leaders have hailed the draft rule as a critical step toward enhancing safety, transforming commercial services, and strengthening public safety, while the administration asserts it will help the U.S. lead in drone innovation. The proposal follows executive orders from President Trump aimed at both accelerating drone integration and addressing security concerns.