Autonomous drones are no longer just a future concept or something limited to large commercial airports. As federal regulations evolve, small city airports are beginning to see more questions and interest around pilotless aircraft and long-range drone operations.
One proposed FAA rule that airport managers may hear more about is Part 108. While it is not yet final, Part 108 would establish a new framework for how autonomous drones operate in the national airspace. Understanding the basics now can help airport managers, city staff, and elected officials respond confidently to questions from pilots, residents, and industry partners.
This overview from the Aviation team at Bollig Engineering explains what FAA Part 108 is, how it differs from current drone regulations, and why it matters for small city airports.
What Is FAA Part 108?
FAA Part 108 is a proposed federal regulation designed to standardize Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for unmanned aircraft systems, also known as drones.
BVLOS operations allow a drone to fly beyond the operator’s direct visual range. Today, most drone flights are limited to what a human pilot can see from the ground. Part 108 would create rules specifically for autonomous aircraft, meaning drones that are operated primarily by onboard computer systems with limited human involvement.
As testing and pilot programs continue across the country, airports of all sizes will likely encounter autonomous drone activity. Having a working understanding of Part 108 helps airport managers anticipate how these aircraft may operate near existing aviation activity.
How Is Part 108 Different From Current Drone Rules?
Most drones today operate under FAA Part 107, which includes several key requirements:
- A human pilot actively controls the aircraft
- The drone must remain within visual line of sight
- The operator must hold a remote pilot certificate
The proposed Part 108 framework would change this approach:
- Aircraft would operate autonomously using onboard systems
- Flights could occur beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)
- A traditional UAS pilot certificate would not be required
- Operations could cover longer distances and extended mission areas
For airport managers, this shift is important because autonomous drones may operate differently around airports than today’s recreational or commercial drones, requiring clear communication and coordination.
Who Could Operate Under FAA Part 108?
If adopted, Part 108 would apply to a wide range of autonomous drone operations, including:
- Autonomous package delivery
- Autonomous agricultural applications
- Autonomous aerial surveying and mapping
- Autonomous civic or public-interest operations
- Autonomous UAS training activities
- Autonomous demonstrations and testing
- Autonomous flight testing
- Autonomous recreational flying
Several of these uses could take place near small city airports, making awareness and education especially important for airport managers and city leadership.
What Is the Current Status of Part 108?
As of now, FAA Part 108 is still proposed and has not been adopted. The rule must move through additional regulatory review before becoming official.
Even so, its development signals the FAA’s long-term direction for integrating autonomous aircraft into the national airspace. Monitoring its progress allows airports and cities to prepare ahead of time rather than reacting once new operations appear locally.
Why FAA Part 108 Matters for Small City Airports
Small city airports often serve as trusted sources of information for both aviation users and the broader community.
- Airport managers may be asked how autonomous drones operate, what rules apply, and how traditional pilots should operate safely around them.
- City staff and elected officials may field questions from residents concerned about seeing pilotless aircraft overhead.
- Community members often want reassurance that new technology is regulated, legal, and safe.
Being informed helps airports and cities provide clear, accurate information, reduce confusion, and prevent misinformation as autonomous drone activity increases.
What Is the Next Step and How Can Bollig Help?
Airport managers do not need to become drone experts overnight, but understanding what is coming is a smart first step. Bollig works alongside small city airports and municipal clients to help navigate regulatory changes, plan responsibly, and communicate clearly with stakeholders. If you have questions about how FAA Part 108 could affect your airport or have other airport planning needs, our aviation team is here to help – contact us online or call us 320-235-2555.
FAA Part 108 Resources
Part 108 Explained: The FAA’s New Drone Regulations – Pilot Institute
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Fact Sheet – FAA (PDF)
Understanding Part 108: UAS Regulations | Part 108
Federal Register: Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations
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