TSA Seeks Drone Industry Input on BVLOS Security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is asking the drone industry for help. The agency wants companies to join technical roundtables focused on security rules for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights under the proposed Part 108 framework. TSA published a notice in the Federal Register on September 4, 2026, with requests to participate due by October 19.

For years, operators have focused on getting permission to fly BVLOS missions. The forthcoming Part 108 rule from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aims to make such operations routine. TSA's parallel effort involves finalizing security requirements that will accompany the new flight rules. The roundtables are designed to bridge the gap between regulation and practical implementation.

From Rulemaking to Implementation

The FAA's Part 108 proposal seeks to create a standard pathway for routine BVLOS operations, eliminating the need for individual waivers. However, it is not only a safety rule. TSA has proposed associated security mandates. These include vetting certain personnel and requiring some unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operators to maintain TSA-approved security programs.

TSA is now finalizing these requirements alongside the FAA. The new roundtables aim to answer a critical practical question: what will an acceptable UAS security program look like? According to the Federal Register notice, TSA wants to discuss the organizational, physical, structural, and technological measures companies currently use to secure their BVLOS operations.

Information from these meetings may be used to develop model approaches for compliance. TSA acknowledges that security procedures already used by companies operating under existing FAA waivers might satisfy parts of the new rules. The roundtables offer a chance to understand these practices before issuing final guidance.

Participation Requirements

TSA is primarily seeking representatives from specific segments of the industry. The agency wants to hear from companies already conducting BVLOS under FAA waivers, as well as those expecting to operate or support BVLOS under Part 108. Industry associations representing these businesses are also invited.

Participation will be limited. Each company or association can send no more than two representatives, and TSA may limit the total number of participants. The discussions will be closed to the public. All participants must be approved to handle Sensitive Security Information (SSI) and sign nondisclosure agreements.

TSA says the closed format is necessary because talks may cover security measures or vulnerabilities that could be harmful if disclosed. The agency clarifies that the meetings are not meant to produce consensus recommendations. Instead, individual participants will describe their own experiences and existing security practices.

Timing and Logistics

Although TSA is recruiting now, the technical roundtables will only occur after the FAA and TSA final rules are published. This timing is significant. Participants will know if the new requirements apply to them and can discuss compliance using the final regulatory text, not the initial proposal.

TSA has not yet announced specific meeting dates or locations. The sessions may be held in person with a virtual option, or conducted entirely online. The agency's notice states that "information gathered through the meetings may be used to develop model approaches that operators could use to meet TSA security program requirements."

Companies and associations interested in participating must submit their requests by October 19, 2026. Full details are available in the Federal Register notice. The initiative highlights the collaborative approach regulators are taking as they move to enable widespread commercial BVLOS drone operations.