There’s a common misconception that starting a drone program requires a law degree or an advanced understanding of FAA regulations. The reality is that advancements in autonomy and compliance tools, along with clearer regulations, have made success well within reach of teams across government and enterprise organizations. If you've been hesitant to enter the drone space because of concerns around compliance, rest assured—it’s easier than ever.

While understanding the basics of established FAA regulatory frameworks is important you don’t need to be a regulatory expert to get started. With the right support, anyone can quickly bring drones into their operations. In this post, we’ll explore how simple it is to overcome regulatory challenges and the incredible benefits awaiting organizations that embrace drone technology.

Overcoming Regulatory Challenges: A Step-by-Step Approach

Launching a commercial drone program means complying with a few basic FAA rules and regulations—but these are far less complex than they sound. Here are the essentials:

  1. Obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107): Individuals need to pass a basic aeronautical knowledge test, meet a few requirements, and they’re ready to operate.
  2. Apply for Waivers for Advanced Operations: For activities like flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), you’ll need an FAA waiver. This involves demonstrating that your operations can be done safely, but resources are readily available to help you navigate the process.
  3. Leverage Regulatory Expertise: Many companies, including Skydio, offer regulatory services to simplify compliance. From helping secure waivers to guiding you through certification, these resources are designed to make compliance as straightforward as possible.

Success Stories: Unlocking the Power of Drones

Real-world examples show how overcoming regulatory hurdles can lead to significant operational gains.

  • Dominion Energy and New York Power Authority broke regulatory barriers to scale their remote drone operations, achieving “true BVLOS” with no flight crew on site. This allowed them to perform longer utility inspections, enhance safety, and cut operational costs.
  • North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) leveraged BVLOS waivers to inspect over 13,500 bridges with Skydio drones, vastly improving efficiency and reducing the risks faced by inspectors.
  • BNSF Railway received the first national approval for remote, dock-based operations. By deploying drones to conduct BVLOS inspections, BNSF enhanced efficiency, improved worker safety, and reduced carbon emissions.

These success stories highlight that navigating regulations isn’t a roadblock—it’s an opportunity to elevate operations and achieve new levels of efficiency and safety.

A Strategic Approach to Compliance

Aviation is a unique field with specific rules and protocols, but compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to leverage available resources: 

  • Training Programs: Numerous programs are available to help pilots pass the Part 107 test and familiarize themselves with regulatory basics.
  • Regulatory Assistance: Solutions like Skydio’s Regulatory Services make it easier to obtain necessary waivers and scale operations safely.
  • Partnership with Experts: Relying on experienced aviation professionals can help ensure that your drone program is built on solid regulatory footing from day one.

The regulatory environment for drones is also improving. The FAA has streamlined its waiver processes, making it easier to get approvals, and is working on new regulations (dubbed “Part 108”) that promise even greater clarity and efficiency for drone operators.

Why Early Adoption Matters

Early adoption of drone technology offers a competitive edge. Companies that embrace drones now are ahead of the curve—taking advantage of improved efficiency, safety, and data accuracy while their competitors play catch-up. Whether in energy, agriculture, construction, or public safety, drones provide tangible benefits:

  • Energy and Utilities: More regular and accurate inspections, reduced risks, and lower costs.
  • Construction and Engineering: Enhanced data accuracy, greater safety, and significant time and cost savings.
  • Public Safety: More effective search and rescue missions, better situational awareness, and increased community safety.

Delaying drone adoption can mean missing out on significant opportunities—higher costs, reduced efficiency, and the risk of being outpaced by competitors who are using drones to transform their operations.

Regulation as an Opportunity, Not a Barrier

Overcoming regulatory challenges is easier than many imagine, and the benefits of working through compliance far outweigh the perceived complexity. By utilizing the right resources, your organization can gain a significant advantage over competitors who mistakenly believe it’s too complicated to implement drones.

With advancements in autonomy, improved regulatory clarity, and support from industry experts, there’s never been a better time to start a drone program. Don’t let outdated fears about regulation hold you back—the path to success is clearer than ever, and the benefits are too significant to ignore.