BVLOS NPRM: Comment Period Reopened (Electronic Conspicuity & Right-of-Way), January 2026
Read the official document (2026-01644)
Who should care: Anyone following the proposed BVLOS rule.
Historical notice. This January 28, 2026 document reopened a comment window on a proposed rule; it did not change any operating rule, and that window closed on February 11, 2026.
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Who this affectsWhat the document saysWhat changes in practiceWhat it does not doDoes this affect the Part 107 exam?Comment period (closed)Who this affects
No one's operations changed. The notice gave anyone with views on electronic conspicuity or right-of-way in the BVLOS rulemaking a further chance to comment, until February 11, 2026.
What the document says
FAA reopened the comment period for the NPRM 'Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations' (originally published August 7, 2025). It asked for more comment on two linked topics: electronic conspicuity, meaning manned aircraft broadcasting their position through ADS-B Out or an approved alternate electronic-conspicuity device, and how that would affect the proposed right-of-way rules for unmanned aircraft, including how BVLOS operators would detect aircraft that are not broadcasting. The docket is FAA-2025-1908 (the notice itself misprints it as FAA-FAA-2025-1908). The reopened period closed February 11, 2026.
What changes in practice
Nothing changed because of this notice. It was a procedural step in a proposed rule; it did not adopt, amend or finalize anything. Whether and when a final BVLOS rule takes effect is a separate event with its own effective date.
What it does not do
It does not authorize BVLOS operations. It does not change any existing Part 107 requirement. It does not create new waiver criteria. It does not define what electronic conspicuity or right-of-way rules will look like. It does not close the docket or signal imminent finalization. It is a single procedural notice within a larger rulemaking that is still in the proposal stage.
Does this affect the Part 107 exam?
This reopening notice itself changes no operating rule or published knowledge-test requirement. Study current FAA regulations and the Airman Certification Standards; assess any eventual final rule and FAA testing updates when they are issued.
Comment period (closed)
The reopened comment period closed on February 11, 2026. The comments filed are public in docket FAA-2025-1908 on regulations.gov.
Gear mentioned on this page
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. This never affects which products we recommend or what the practice questions say. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Amazon · search results
Portable ADS-B receivers
Useful background for the electronic-conspicuity discussion: an ADS-B receiver shows you nearby manned traffic that is broadcasting its position. It receives only; it does not broadcast your drone's position or meet any proposed conspicuity requirement.See options on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Reviewed and updated September 2026.
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