The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has announced a major expansion of its BEYOND program as of August 27, 2026.

This Phase 2 expansion will select up to eight additional state, local, tribal, or territorial lead participants. The goal is to broaden advanced drone operations, specifically beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and in complex airspace environments.

The program will focus on enhancing data collection efforts and advancing the integration of drones across the United States, supporting innovation in unmanned aircraft system operations.