FAA PART 108

What Is FAA Part 108?

The Next Evolution in Drone Regulation

The FAA has officially proposed Part 108, a sweeping new rule designed to allow routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations in the U.S. airspace.

If finalized, Part 108 will unlock a new wave of use cases like:

  • Long-range infrastructure inspections

  • Persistent surveillance

  • Agricultural spraying and surveying

  • Industrial asset monitoring

  • Scalable package delivery

At Porche Aerial, we're already preparing for this next chapter in commercial drone operations!

Why Part 108 Exists

The FAA currently requires drone pilots to operate within visual line of sight (VLOS) unless granted special exemptions. This has limited the reach and scalability of drone programs nationwide.

The newly proposed Part 108 creates a standardized framework for safe, repeatable BVLOS flights without relying on case-by-case waivers.

The proposal is part of the FAA’s broader effort to:

  • Integrate drones more fully into the National Airspace System (NAS)

  • Maintain safety while enabling innovation

  • Compete globally with countries like Japan, Australia, and the EU, where BVLOS is already scaling

How It Works:

Permits vs Certificates

FAA Part 108 proposes two tiers of operational approval. Porche Aerial is preparing to qualify for both, allowing us to offer scalable solutions tailored to every use case.

Operating Permit:

For lower-risk missions (e.g., mapping, ag spraying, training):

  • Lightweight drones

  • Lower speeds

  • No over-people operations

  • No SMS required

Operating Certificate:

For higher-risk operations (e.g., delivery, corridor inspection):

  • Larger drones (up to 1,320 lbs)

  • Over-people permission possible

  • Multiple drones per operator

  • Requires a formal Safety Management System (SMS)

  • Additional FAA oversight and data reporting

Key Concepts OF Part 108

Part 108 isn’t just about increasing drone range. It introduces a comprehensive operating framework built around these core principles:

Performance-Based Rules

Operators must demonstrate how they will maintain safety through performance, rather than simply checking boxes. The focus shifts from static rules to dynamic risk mitigation.

Shift in Personnel Roles

Instead of requiring individual pilot certificates, Part 108 places accountability on the operator organization:

  • Operations Supervisor – Oversees the overall safety of the operation

  • Flight Coordinator – Monitors live missions and intervenes if necessary

This structure allows companies like Porche Aerial to scale operations while maintaining clear internal responsibility.

Airworthiness Acceptance

Rather than full FAA type certification, drones must meet defined standards related to:

  • Battery health and lifecycle management

  • Software integrity and update traceability

  • System redundancy and communication reliability

This enables safer, scalable BVLOS operations without overburdening operators with legacy certification processes.

UTM and Automated Data Services

Part 108 depends on the integration of third-party services to manage low-altitude airspace. These include:

  • UAS Traffic Management (UTM)

  • Conformance Monitoring

  • Strategic Deconfliction

These systems will be regulated under the forthcoming Part 146. Porche Aerial is already aligning with UTM-capable platforms to meet these anticipated requirements.

Shielded Operations

Strategic Deconfliction, and More

Additional highlights from the NPRM include:

  • Shielded Area Flights – Special rules for operations near buildings or critical infrastructure

  • Remote ID Required – As expected, all BVLOS ops must use compliant drones

  • No Manned Pilot License Needed – Just documented internal competency and training

These provisions make BVLOS far more accessible to commercial operators like us and safer for the public.

Looking ahead

When the final rule is published, Porche Aerial will be ready to deploy BVLOS services immediately, leveraging the infrastructure, technology, and procedures we’ve already put in place.

We're committed to helping our clients adapt, stay compliant, and take full advantage of the new capabilities Part 108 will unlock.

Stay tuned as the FAA moves forward with this industry-changing implementation.