The commercial UAS industry is awaiting the final rule for Parts 108 and 146, which will standardize and help scale BVLOS operations across industries. Anticipation for this rule has been building for years, and while it was originally hoped to be finalized early in 2026, the FAA has yet to publish it. At Commercial UAV Expo 2026, Rob Reckert, Acting Division Manager of the FAA's Emerging Technologies Division, said during a keynote discussion that the process was at the "10-yard line,” and that he hopes for a final rule before the end of the calendar year.

As was discussed throughout the week in Las Vegas, the day the rule is published won't mark the end of the road to scaled BVLOS operations. One of the next hurdles will be security, with the TSA playing a key role, as previously discussed at Commercial UAV News. To that end, the agency released a notice on September 4 soliciting participation in roundtable discussions that will inform TSA-approved security programs for these operations.

In its official notice, the TSA said it is “soliciting individuals to participate in technical roundtables that will provide input to TSA relevant to the development of model language for TSA-approved security programs that will provide for the secure operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).” 

The statement also clarifies that the roundtables will not be open to the public, and all participants must be validated by the TSA as a representative of either a BVLOS operator or an industry association. All participants must obtain TSA approval to access Sensitive Security Information and must sign a non-disclosure agreement. Participation will be capped at two individuals per company or association.

These conversations will take place after the final rule is published, and requests to participate are due on October 19, 2026. That said, the TSA said it may adjust the registration window depending on when the final rule is published. 

In its public notice, the TSA acknowledges that some procedures already in place by those currently performing BVLOS operations may “adequately satisfy some of TSA’s security program requirements,” and that it intends to use inputs from these roundtables to inform approaches other operators can use to meet security program requirements. Ultimately, the agency says that these meetings will not seek consensus recommendations from participants, but instead provide an opportunity to “provide individual views and information to TSA, and position TSA to provide guidance informed by current industry practices as described by participants.”

Anyone interested in participating in these roundtables can reach out to Kristine Adams at [email protected].