BVLOS Is (Almost) Here: What the FAA’s New Proposal Means for Construction & Utilities in AZ

Posted August 2025 • By Sky Grid Imaging

On August 5, 2025, the FAA dropped a long-anticipated proposal that could transform how drones operate across the United States — and it’s especially big news for Arizona’s construction and utility sectors. For years, routine beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights have been held back by strict waiver requirements, limiting how far drones could fly without a visual observer. The new Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) could finally change that, unlocking safer, faster, and more cost-effective long-range drone missions.

For companies managing large or remote sites, this is the kind of regulatory shift that can make a direct impact on schedules, budgets, and safety outcomes. And at Sky Grid Imaging, we’re already preparing to leverage these changes the moment they become law.

What Is BVLOS, and Why Has It Been Limited?

BVLOS simply means flying a drone so far from the pilot that it’s no longer visible to the naked eye. While it sounds simple, the safety implications have been the FAA’s main concern. Without line-of-sight, operators can’t see unexpected obstacles, low-flying aircraft, or sudden changes in the environment.

Until now, any BVLOS operation required an FAA waiver — a long, technical, and often slow approval process that discouraged all but the largest companies. This meant many valuable missions couldn’t happen efficiently:

• Linear inspections (pipelines, transmission lines, canals)
• Large-site mapping (solar farms, mines, distribution yards)
• Rapid response after storms or accidents

“Routine BVLOS flights could cut mobilization costs by up to 40% for large linear inspections.”

The proposed rule changes that — creating a predictable, standardized path to BVLOS flights.

Key Highlights from the FAA’s August 5, 2025 Proposal

• Flights up to 400 feet AGL from FAA-approved launch sites — No constant visual observer required, provided the flight follows the approved profile.
• Automated Data Service Providers (ADSPs) — FAA-approved services that transmit real-time airspace and traffic data to pilots.
• Two Approval Paths — Operating Certificates for broad BVLOS capabilities, and Permits for specific missions.
• Airworthiness via Consensus Standards — Manufacturers can follow recognized standards instead of lengthy certifications.
• Safety Management Systems (SMS) — Larger operators must document hazard identification and mitigation processes.
• Security & Compliance — TSA security checks and Remote ID remain mandatory.

The FAA’s comment period runs until October 6, 2025, and a final rule could arrive in early-to-mid 2026.

What This Means for Arizona Construction & Utilities

1. Cover More Ground with Fewer Mobilizations

Long linear inspections — like transmission lines running through rugged terrain — currently require crews to reposition or set up visual observers every few miles. BVLOS removes most of that overhead.

2. Faster Turnarounds on Progress Tracking

Large projects, from master-planned communities to solar farms, can be documented in fewer flights. Orthomosaic maps, volumetric measurements, and aerial photography can be turned around faster.

3. Safer Operations

ADSP-enabled situational awareness keeps drones clear of manned aircraft corridors while reducing human exposure to hazards.

4. Lower Overall Costs

Fewer crew members on-site, less travel time, and more efficient data capture save money — especially on recurring flights.

5. Real Arizona Use Cases

• Utility companies inspecting mountain-area power lines
• Pipeline operators monitoring remote desert routes
• Solar and wind farms verifying build progress
• Transportation agencies inspecting rural bridges and embankments

Sky Grid Imaging’s BVLOS Advantage

• BVLOS-Capable Hardware — Long-range drones with high-resolution optical, thermal, and mapping payloads.
• Precision Mapping Expertise — Orthomosaics, 3D models, volumetric reports, and thermal overlays are our bread and butter.
• Safety Management Systems in Place — Pre-existing operational protocols align with FAA SMS requirements.
• Local Arizona Knowledge — We understand terrain, climate, and operational logistics unique to the region.

“From pipelines to power lines, Arizona’s infrastructure is about to get a safer, faster view from above.”

The Road Ahead

The FAA is still in the comment phase, and the final rules could shift before enactment. But the direction is clear: routine BVLOS operations are coming, and they will open the door for faster, safer, and more cost-effective aerial data collection.

For Arizona’s construction and utility sectors, now is the time to:

• Identify projects where BVLOS would create clear efficiency gains
• Engage with drone partners already preparing for the change
• Consider joining the FAA comment process if you have operational insights