H.R. 4686: Local Innovation for Flight Technologies Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Local Innovation for Flight Technologies Act of 2025, aims to enhance the use and regulation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, in the United States. Below are the key aspects of the bill:

Expansion of BVLOS Operations

The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to:

• Issue a proposed rule within 30 days after enactment, which would enable routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for unmanned aircraft.
• Issue a final rule based on the proposed rule within 6 months of the bill's enactment.

Safety Metrics and Regulation

The Secretary of Transportation is also mandated to:

• Establish performance and safety metrics for BVLOS operations within 30 days of enactment.
• Identify regulatory barriers to BVLOS implementation within 180 days and provide recommendations to address these challenges.

International Compliance

The bill directs the Secretary to explore compliance options for UAS operating over international waters. This includes identifying barriers to operating without adhering to rules that apply to manned aircraft under international aviation conventions.

Artificial Intelligence in Waiver Applications

Within 120 days after enactment, the Secretary is to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) tools to expedite the review of UAS waiver applications. These AI tools would:

• Evaluate operations based on performance and risk.
• Identify similar previously approved operations to streamline the process.
• Assist in determining categories of operations that may not need individual waivers.

eVTOL Pilot Program

The bill proposes the establishment of a pilot program for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The Secretary of Transportation will:

• Coordinate with the Office of Science and Technology Policy to provide grants to local, state, and tribal governments for eVTOL deployment.
• Issue a request for proposals to select projects that include partnerships with private sector entities experienced in eVTOL development.
• Evaluate and report on pilot program implementation within specified timeframes, including progress and any challenges encountered.

Prioritization of Domestic Manufacturing

The bill emphasizes a preference for integrating UAS that are manufactured in the United States into the national airspace, whenever legally permissible.

Reporting and Oversight

The Secretary is tasked with submitting regular reports to Congress on the progress of the initiatives outlined in the bill, including an initial report on pilot program implementation within 180 days and annual reports thereafter for ongoing oversight.

Relevant Companies

• BA (Boeing) - As a major player in the aerospace industry, Boeing may benefit from advancements in UAS operations and potential involvement in eVTOL projects.
• UAL (United Airlines) - United might explore integrating eVTOL services into their operational framework for urban air mobility solutions.
• AAPL (Apple) - Apple has shown interest in drone technology and may see implications for its product development relative to UAS integration.
• AMZN (Amazon) - Amazon's delivery drone initiatives could align with the bill's provisions for BVLOS operations and accelerated regulatory processes.