LIFT Act of 2025

The Local Innovation for Flight Technologies Act of 2025 (the LIFT Act) would, if enacted, push the federal government to accelerate and expand the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the United States. Key elements include fast-tracking rules to allow routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, creating safety metrics and scoping regulatory barriers, exploring international airspace rules for UAS over the high seas, deploying artificial intelligence to speed up waivers for Part 107 operations, establishing an eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) integration pilot program with grants to state/local/tribal governments and private partners, and prioritizing U.S.-made UAS in the national airspace. The legislation also directs ongoing reporting to Congress and contains a sunset provision for the eVTOL pilot program after three years (subject to extension in the national interest). In short, the bill aims to modernize and scale UAS operations—especially BVLOS and urban air mobility—while promoting safety, domestic manufacturing, and interagency coordination, with a mix of regulatory actions, pilot programs, and oversight requirements.