This Week in the News

First, the regulatory pipeline for BVLOS just got a second track. TSA announced it's holding closed-door, NDA-bound technical roundtables to build the security requirements that will accompany Part 108. The FAA sets the flight rules; TSA is now writing the security rulebook that rides alongside them — things like appointing a security coordinator, controlling access to your aircraft, and background checks for certain operational roles. For most of us flying Part 107 today, this changes nothing yet. But if you're planning to move into BVLOS work once Part 108 lands, know that there will be two rulebooks, not one, and the security half is being written without public visibility. Requests to participate are due October 19.

Second — actual good news for a change. California's AB 2113 passed the legislature 76-0 and is headed to the governor's desk. It bans unauthorized drone flights within 400 feet of ticketed outdoor entertainment venues with 1,000+ capacity — concerts, sporting events, big shows. [If you've ever had a client event near a stadium or amphitheater, this is a good spot to mention it.] Here's the part that matters to us: the bill explicitly exempts Part 107 certificate holders operating for commercial purposes in compliance with FAA rules. It's aimed at recreational operators buzzing concerts, not licensed commercial pilots. That said, aviation attorneys are already flagging a federal preemption question, since airspace is supposed to be the FAA's exclusive turf — so this one may end up in court before it ever gets tested on the ground.

Third, Commercial UAV Expo wrapped in Las Vegas last week, and the FCC's Covered List enforcement was reportedly the hottest topic on the show floor — no surprise given everything we've covered the past month. Also spotted: a $1,595 commercial Remote ID detector hitting the market, which tells you something about where security and enforcement tech is headed for the rest of us, not just the feds.

Net takeaway this week: the Federal side keeps getting more complex, but California's newest rule is actually one that protects legitimate operators instead of squeezing us. Stay licensed, keep your paperwork current, and know your exemptions — they're becoming as important to understand as the restrictions.