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16. July 2026
Drone Industry Sees Breakthrough In Safe Airspace Regulations
As the commercial drone industry continues to expand its reach and influence, regulatory bodies around the world are working tirelessly to create a framework for safe and sustainable operations. At the heart of this effort is the development of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone regulations, which will enable drones to operate in airspace without human visual line of sight.
Commercial UAV Expo has announced its second keynote speaker for 2026, featuring representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The session, titled “Two Skies, One Conversation: Comparing FAA and EASA Approaches to BVLOS Drone Operations,” will take place on September 3 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
The keynote panel will bring together experts from both agencies to compare their approaches to BVLOS drone operations, with a focus on the current state of commercial drone regulation in the United States and Europe. The discussion will address key areas such as progress on BVLOS drone operations, operational waivers and exemptions, risk-based regulatory frameworks, and the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA).
The SORA is a key component of the EASA’s approach to BVLOS regulations, which involves a thorough assessment of risks associated with drone operations. In contrast, the FAA has taken a more cautious approach, with a focus on incremental rulemaking and waivers for specific use cases.
Despite differences in approach, both agencies are committed to developing regulatory pathways that will enable scalable and routine BVLOS operations. The keynote session will provide attendees with an opportunity to hear directly from regulators about their strategies and challenges, as well as insights into how the industry can work together to create a safer and more efficient commercial drone ecosystem.
The FCC Drone Exemption List has been updated, offering clues to Trusted Supplier Requirements for drones operating beyond visual line of sight. These updates will impact tech companies looking to expand their drone operations.
One of the key areas of focus for both agencies is operational waivers and exemptions. As drones become increasingly used in various industries, such as construction, agriculture, and surveying, operators will need to demonstrate that their operations can be safely conducted without human visual line of sight. The FAA and EASA have established processes for granting waivers and exemptions.
The FCC Drone Exemption List has been expanded to provide more clarity on Trusted Supplier Requirements, which are essential for ensuring the safe operation of drones beyond visual line of sight. The list offers insights into how operators can meet these requirements and demonstrate compliance.
Risk-based regulatory frameworks are another area where the FAA and EASA differ. While both agencies recognize the importance of risk assessment in regulating drone operations, they approach this challenge from different angles. The FAA has emphasized the need for a more prescriptive approach, with clear guidelines and standards for operators to follow. In contrast, the EASA has taken a more flexible approach, with a focus on monitoring and adapting to emerging risks.
The keynote session will provide insight into how these regulatory differences are being bridged, as well as potential lessons that can be learned from successful implementations around the world.
BVLOS drone operations have the potential to transform various industries, but they also pose significant challenges for regulators. The ability to scale up operations without human visual line of sight requires a high degree of reliability and safety. As such, regulatory bodies will need to develop frameworks that balance the needs of operators with the need to protect public safety.
The Chippewa County Drone Project successfully demonstrated advanced digital airspace infrastructure for commercial and public safety operations. This achievement demonstrates the potential for BVLOS drone operations to transform various industries.
Commercial UAV Expo’s keynote session promises to provide attendees with a clearer understanding of where global drone regulations are headed. By bringing together experts from both the FAA and EASA, the event is offering a unique opportunity for industry stakeholders to engage with regulators and learn about best practices in BVLOS operations.
“The commercial drone industry is no longer a collection of regional markets,” said Adrianne Madden, Event Director of Commercial UAV Expo. “It is one global industry with shared ambitions and shared growing pains.” The keynote session reflects this reality, with a focus on how the FAA and EASA are working together to address the industry’s most pressing challenges.
The final Commercial UAV Expo keynote will take place on September 3, and will be available to all registrants. With the event featuring both the opening keynote and the FAA and E ASA keynotes, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with regulators and learn about best practices in BVLOS operations.
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In conclusion, the commercial drone industry is at a critical juncture, with regulatory bodies working to create frameworks for safe and sustainable operations. Commercial UAV Expo’s keynote session promises to provide valuable insights into the approaches of both the FAA and EASA, as well as lessons from successful implementations around the world. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be essential to engage with regulators and learn about best practices in BVLOS operations.
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