AirData Becomes Member of Commercial Drone Alliance Ahead of Part 108 Implementation
AirData UAV Joins Commercial Drone Alliance to Support BVLOS Operations
As the U.S. drone industry anticipates the FAA‘s forthcoming Part 108 rule, AirData UAV has announced its membership in the Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA). This move aims to bolster support for the next phase of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
AirData’s fleet management and compliance platform is positioned as a critical infrastructure for operators gearing up for expanded commercial BVLOS operations. The anticipated Part 108 framework is expected to introduce new requirements concerning documentation, personnel oversight, operational risk management, and continuous reporting.
Implications of the Part 108 Rule
While the FAA has yet to finalize Part 108, it is widely regarded as a pivotal step toward enhancing routine BVLOS operations in the United States. Industry stakeholders believe this rule will facilitate advancements in drone delivery, infrastructure inspection, public safety operations, and other sophisticated drone applications.
Operational Readiness
AirData asserts that its existing platform already accommodates many operational functions anticipated under Part 108. Key features include:
- Automated compliance documentation
- Digital checklists
- Flight logging
- Pilot tracking
- Fleet-wide analytics
Lisa Ellman, CEO of the Commercial Drone Alliance, noted, “We are at a critical moment for the drone economy. As the industry moves toward broader BVLOS operations and frameworks like Part 108, access to scalable, reliable operational data such as that which AirData provides will help to safely unlock the full potential of the drone economy.”
Currently, AirData’s system supports over 61 million flights involving 450,000 pilots and 850,000 drones globally. The platform is utilized by enterprise operators, public safety agencies, and commercial drone programs across various countries.
Increasing Compliance Expectations
As BVLOS operations become more prevalent, compliance expectations are anticipated to rise. These may encompass:
- Maintenance records
- Pilot currency tracking
- Operational histories
- Documented procedures for risk management
CDA’s Influence on Drone Policy
The Commercial Drone Alliance has been instrumental in shaping drone policy discussions in Washington, particularly regarding BVLOS operations, airspace integration, and regulatory modernization. The organization comprises drone manufacturers, operators, and technology providers focused on advancing commercial drone adoption.
By joining the CDA, AirData aims to contribute to the development of policy and operational standards as the industry transitions to more advanced operations. Eran Steiner, CEO and Founder of AirData UAV, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with CDA members to foster the growth of the U.S. drone economy.
The announcement underscores a broader trend within the drone industry as companies prepare for more structured operational oversight linked to BVLOS expansion. While much of the discourse surrounding Part 108 has centered on aircraft and flight permissions, operational compliance systems are expected to gain importance as regulators assess large-scale drone operations.
AirData’s platform is currently available for agencies and operators preparing for these impending changes.