Can You Fly BVLOS in the U.S.?

BVLOS U.S. drone rules are one of the most misunderstood areas of American drone regulation. Many pilots assume that flying beyond visual line of sight is simply another operational choice under Part 107.

In reality, standard commercial drone operations in the United States must maintain visual contact with the aircraft at all times. Flying beyond visual line of sight, commonly called BVLOS, generally requires special authorization from the FAA.

For most operators, the default answer is no.

BVLOS in the U.S. – What the Regulation Says

Drone operations in the United States are governed by 14 CFR Part 107, enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration. The rule requires the remote pilot or a visual observer to maintain visual line of sight with the aircraft throughout the entire flight.

You can review the regulation here:

• 14 CFR §107.31 – Visual Line of Sight Aircraft Operation
• FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Operations
• FAA BVLOS Integration Program

Under this rule, pilots must be able to see the aircraft with unaided vision and maintain awareness of its location, altitude, direction of flight, and surrounding airspace.

If the aircraft travels beyond that visual range, the flight becomes BVLOS.

What Counts as BVLOS in the U.S.?

Beyond Visual Line of Sight means the pilot can no longer see the aircraft directly with unaided vision.

Using binoculars, FPV screens, or telemetry data does not replace the visual requirement. Even if the aircraft’s video feed is clear, the FAA still considers the operation beyond visual line of sight once the pilot cannot see the drone.

Because of the increased risk of collision with crewed aircraft or obstacles, BVLOS operations fall into a higher regulatory category.

Why BVLOS in the U.S. Is Restricted

The FAA restricts BVLOS operations primarily to protect other airspace users. When a drone is outside the pilot’s direct line of sight, it becomes much harder to detect nearby aircraft, changing weather conditions, or unexpected hazards. Crewed aircraft often operate at low altitudes, especially near infrastructure, agricultural areas, or emergency response scenes.

Visual observation remains one of the most important safety layers in small unmanned aircraft operations.

When BVLOS Can Be Allowed

Although standard operations require visual line of sight, BVLOS flights may be approved through an FAA waiver. These waivers require operators to demonstrate that their operation maintains an equivalent level of safety through procedures, technology, or operational design.

Large industrial operators such as energy companies, infrastructure inspectors, and long-distance delivery services sometimes receive these approvals for specialized missions.

For most commercial pilots, however, BVLOS remains outside normal operational privileges.

The Future of BVLOS in U.S. Operations

The FAA is actively developing new regulatory frameworks to expand BVLOS capabilities in the United States. Programs such as the BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) and the BEYOND program are exploring how long-distance drone operations could safely integrate into national airspace.

These efforts aim to support future applications like cargo delivery, pipeline inspection, and large-scale infrastructure monitoring. However, full regulatory expansion has not yet been finalized.

Practical Compliance Standard

Professional operators treat BVLOS operations as a specialized authorization category rather than a routine flight option.

If a drone will travel far enough that the pilot cannot maintain visual awareness of the aircraft, the flight likely requires additional FAA approval.

Until broader BVLOS regulations are adopted, maintaining visual line of sight remains the standard operating requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions About BVLOS in the U.S.

Can FPV goggles replace visual line of sight?
No. The pilot must still maintain unaided visual contact with the aircraft.

Can a visual observer allow BVLOS flights?
No. Observers assist with visual awareness but cannot extend operations beyond visual line of sight.

Do commercial pilots commonly receive BVLOS waivers?
Most waivers are issued to specialized operators with advanced safety systems.

Is BVLOS legal for recreational pilots?
No. Recreational pilots must also maintain visual line of sight.

Helpful Tools

• Flight Check
• U.S. regulation guide
• FAA Part 107 practice exams
• Acronym directory

FlyEye Perspective

BVLOS U.S. drone rules reflect one of the most important safety principles in aviation: pilots must maintain awareness of their aircraft and the surrounding airspace.

While long-distance drone operations are expanding through testing programs and regulatory development, visual line of sight remains the baseline rule for most pilots today.

Understanding that boundary is essential for safe and compliant operations.