The Federal Aviation Administration has denied a request to extend the reopened comment period for its proposed Part 108 rule on beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) unmanned aircraft operations, maintaining a deadline of this Wednesday for public input.
The agency reopened the comment period on Jan. 28 to seek additional feedback on electronic conspicuity and right-of-way provisions tied to the broader BVLOS proposal first published in August 2025. The FAA said the additional comment window focuses on topics that were already addressed during the original 60-day comment period, which drew roughly 3,100 submissions.
According to the FAA, the reopened comment period was intended to gather more detailed responses on limited areas related to Part 108, including detect-and-avoid requirements and the role of ADS-B Out and alternate electronic conspicuity devices in integrating unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system. The agency said the 14-day reopening provides sufficient time for stakeholders to respond, noting the issues had been previously discussed in the rulemaking process. The FAA also said a lapse in Department of Transportation funding does not affect the ability of stakeholders to review materials or submit comments.
In its notice, the FAA stated that extending the comment period could delay finalization of the rule and affect stakeholders planning operations tied to BVLOS capabilities.
The Part 108 proposal would establish performance-based regulations for BVLOS low-altitude unmanned aircraft operations, along with third-party services supporting those flights, including UAS traffic management.
Comments on the reopened proposal close Wednesday, after which the agency will continue developing the final rule.
