White House executive orders have sweeping impact on UAS activities VAI is reviewing the implications for vertical aviation and will issue a members-only VAI Debrief in the coming days. US President Donald Trump issued two executive orders (EOs) on Jun. 6 that have broad implications for the use and sale of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) in the United States—“Unleashing American Drone Dominance” and “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty.” These EOs seek to accelerate the safe commercialization of drone technologies, fully integrate UASs into the US National Airspace System (NAS), and highlight the potential for drones to enhance public safety and solidify US leadership in global aerospace innovation. VAI is closely reviewing the orders to assess their full impact on the entire vertical aviation community. Once that review is completed, we will offer our members a VAI Debrief outlining these impacts. Briefly, the executive orders seek to: Accelerate Key FAA Rulemakings and Processes • Expedite final rulemaking for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations (Part 108) within a set time frame—directing the FAA to provide the proposed rule within 30 days and a final rule within 240 days • Finalize rules restricting drone flights over fixed site facilities and critical infrastructure (Section 2209) • Streamline UAS waiver applications by deploying AI tools to accelerate reviews. Advance UAS and eVTOL Integration into the NAS • Update the FAA’s UAS integration roadmap and expand the use of test ranges • Launch an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft integration pilot program to support safe operational deployment • Evaluate how to expand airspace and spectrum access. Strengthen US Drone Supply Chain and Domestic Manufacturing • Prioritize US-manufactured drones across federal agencies • Update the Covered Foreign Entity List to identify supply chain risks • Direct action by the US Department of Commerce to secure the US drone supply chain from foreign exploitation. Promote the International Competitiveness of US Drone Technology • Amend export controls to enable easier export of US-made drones • Encourage interagency support for US drone exports to allies and partners. Enhance UAS Security, Counter-UAS Capabilities, and Enforcement • Establish task forces to address UAS threats and integrate counter-UAS responses for mass gatherings • Improve enforcement of drone-related laws, including access to remote ID data by relevant agencies.
