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Part 108 Update Summary

The FAA shared some big news about UAS development. Here’s a short summary or deep dive into 3 key points about the Part 108 UAS news:

  1. The FAA has published a draft/planned pathway to fly drones beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS), which historically has been the range limitation. Up to this point under Part 107 certificates, remote pilots can fly Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones as far as they can see the aircraft, within certain airspace limits. Spoiler: it’s not as far as you think. Sometimes pilots can get BVLOS exemptions but visual contact is the norm.
  2. The proposed BVLOS rules, known as Part 108, will allow routine drone flights using a lot of flight control tools focused on performance and safety. Maybe the most important requirement is that drones must monitor other nearby aircraft using detect-and-avoid and/or ADS-B to prevent collisions. I thought it’s intriguing that the maximum takeoff weight was over 1000 lb and propulsion systems could use batteries OR fuel.
  3. There are other precedents for increasing deployment of long range UAS. Heavy usage of BVLOS drones in contested airspace like Ukraine is demonstrating the skills, software, and parts needed for frequent drone operations. And starting in November 2025 in Canada, we’ll see BVLOS drone operations under their regulations.

So when will we see commercial cargo drones in the US? We’ll have to wait because Part 108 is expected to be finalized sometime in 2026. Until then, manufacturers can prep their game plans.

Wheel Bearing Teardown

Ted got his car’s aging wheel bearings replaced and did a teardown to see the worn out parts.

SAE Design Contest

Check out Ted’s entry in the SAE Create The Future Design Contest! It presents an innovative part that addresses the critical problem of fastener loosening in utility-scale solar farms. It’s a practical choice for the industry to support a reliable and sustainable public power supply.

https://contest.techbriefs.com/2023/entries/sustainable-technology/12409