On August 7, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) took a major step toward expanding the deployment of drones in U.S. airspace by jointly releasing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would establish comprehensive, performance-based regulations for UAS operations beyond visual line of sight. To learn more, please
White House Issues Executive Order to Accelerate Commercial Space Activities
The White House has issued a highly anticipated Executive Order aimed at improving the competitiveness of the U.S. commercial space industry. The Order, titled “Enabling Competition in the Commercial Space Industry,” was issued on August 13, 2025 and directs multiple federal agencies to overhaul regulatory requirements in four key areas: (1) commercial launch and reentry licensing, (2) spaceport infrastructure, (3) novel space authorizations, and (4) leadership and accountability. A high-level overview of the EO’s provisions in each of these areas is below.
Commercial Launch and Reentry Licensing: The EO orders a thorough overhaul of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) launch and reentry regulations, contained in 14 CFR Part 450, instructing the FAA to “reevaluate, amend or rescind” Part 450 requirements, including determining if certain types of launch vehicle should be subject to less stringent licensing requirements.Continue Reading White House Issues Executive Order to Accelerate Commercial Space Activities
Coming Soon: “Drone & Order” – A series on FAA rulemaking, BVLOS, and the future of UAS
The FAA recently released its long-anticipated proposed rule on Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations—a major step toward enabling more advanced and scalable commercial drone use in the U.S. The rule proposes a new regulatory framework with defined operational categories, right-of-way rules, and requirements for remote pilot qualifications, equipping industry stakeholders with clearer
DOT OIG Releases BVLOS Audit Report
On June 30, 2025, the Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General (DOT OIG) released its audit report assessing the FAA’s efforts to advance beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations outside the parameters of existing drone regulations. Among many findings, DOT OIG found that the FAA has approved increasingly complex BVLOS drone
DOT Announces Progress on Key Drone Regulations
On May 14, 2025, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced significant advancements in drone regulations. FAA’s proposed rules related to Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations (BVLOS) and restricting UAS operations at a fixed site facility have been submitted to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) at the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) marking a significant step forward. Continue Reading DOT Announces Progress on Key Drone Regulations
FAA Final Rule on Online Aircraft Registration
In January 2025, the FAA published its final rule allowing online submission of aircraft registration documents. Electronic processing brings welcome efficiency to the process by eliminating the need for manual steps used today when buying or selling an aircraft, such as requiring (i) the buyer to obtain a hard copy, printed certificate of registration from
The FCC Seeks to Modernize Spectrum Rules Related to Growing Advanced Air Mobility Sector
The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has proposed new rules affecting the aviation industry. Proposed changes aim to generate new operational bandwidths and support the growing advanced air mobility (AAM) sector, most specifically Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, while simultaneously ensuring efficient spectrum use and minimizing interference with any existing spectrum services.Continue Reading The FCC Seeks to Modernize Spectrum Rules Related to Growing Advanced Air Mobility Sector
Trump Picks New FAA Administrator
On March 17, 2025, President Donald Trump nominated Bryan Bedford to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the agency’s new Administrator. Mr. Bedford’s nomination comes as the FAA faces heightened scrutiny over safety incidents and challenges to the air traffic control workforce. Mr. Bedford will take over the role from Chris Rocheleau, who was named Acting Administrator soon after Mike Whittaker, the former FAA Administrator, stepped down from the position on January 20, 2025.Continue Reading Trump Picks New FAA Administrator