Rapid advances in drone technology are reshaping construction, from jobsite safety and progress tracking to automation and AI-powered insights. And with the FAA’s newly proposed Part 108 rule for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, the industry may soon see its biggest leap yet.
In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Max Nelson sits down with:
Spencer Phillips, Counsel, Regulatory and Litigation Advocacy
AGC of America | https://www.agc.org/
Grant Hagen, Head of Community
DroneDeploy | https://www.dronedeploy.com/
Together, they break down what contractors need to know about the proposed rule, including:
How BVLOS operations differ from the current Part 107 limitations
What “airworthiness acceptance” means and how it could impact the drone market
How contractors would certify their drone programs, not just individual pilots
The shift toward autonomous and remote piloting
The opportunities and risks as drones integrate into the national airspace
The timeline for FAA rulemaking and how contractors can engage in the process
Whether your firm is already using drones or just considering what’s next, this conversation helps demystify the regulatory landscape and paints a clear picture of what the future of drone usage in construction may look like.
Resources:
2026 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7VFSFT2
AGC's Comments on FAA 108: https://news.agc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FAA-2025-1908-2836_attachment_1.pdf
Article Overview on AGC News: https://news.agc.org/advocacy/faa-moves-to-allow-for-expanded-usage-of-drones/
The 2025 AI Resource Guide for Construction Professionals: https://www.agc.org/system/files?file=Files/TechHub/2025%20AI%20Resource%20Guide%20for%20Construction%20Professionals%20%28Final%29.pdf
DroneDeploy's Built Different Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-different/id1620061125
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Rapid advances in drone technology are reshaping construction, from jobsite safety and progress tracking to automation and AI-powered insights. And with the FAA’s newly proposed Part 108 rule for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, the industry may soon see its biggest leap yet.
In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Max Nelson sits down with:
Spencer Phillips, Counsel, Regulatory and Litigation Advocacy
AGC of America | https://www.agc.org/
Grant Hagen, Head of Community
DroneDeploy | https://www.dronedeploy.com/
Together, they break down what contractors need to know about the proposed rule, including:
How BVLOS operations differ from the current Part 107 limitations
What “airworthiness acceptance” means and how it could impact the drone market
How contractors would certify their drone programs, not just individual pilots
The shift toward autonomous and remote piloting
The opportunities and risks as drones integrate into the national airspace
The timeline for FAA rulemaking and how contractors can engage in the process
Whether your firm is already using drones or just considering what’s next, this conversation helps demystify the regulatory landscape and paints a clear picture of what the future of drone usage in construction may look like.
Resources:
2026 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7VFSFT2
AGC's Comments on FAA 108: https://news.agc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FAA-2025-1908-2836_attachment_1.pdf
Article Overview on AGC News: https://news.agc.org/advocacy/faa-moves-to-allow-for-expanded-usage-of-drones/
The 2025 AI Resource Guide for Construction Professionals: https://www.agc.org/system/files?file=Files/TechHub/2025%20AI%20Resource%20Guide%20for%20Construction%20Professionals%20%28Final%29.pdf
DroneDeploy's Built Different Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-different/id1620061125
ConstructorCast - Behind the Bench: AGC's Litigation Strategy
ConstructorCast
42 minutes 30 seconds
1 year ago
ConstructorCast - Behind the Bench: AGC's Litigation Strategy
In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of the Associated General Contractors of America's (AGC) litigation program, which serves as a crucial component of its broader advocacy efforts. We explore how AGC strategically engages in judicial matters to safeguard and improve the business environment for construction contractors, aligning with its overarching goal of advancing industry interests and protecting against disruption.
AGC’s legal staff discuss the decision-making process behind legal action, the importance of partnerships, updates on current judicial actions, and the vital role of funding through the Construction Advocacy Fund (CAF). Additionally, we outline guidelines for AGC chapters and members to request support for impactful cases, emphasizing the significance of national impact and broader industry implications in AGC's decision-making.
Guests:
Stephen Sandherr
CEO – AGC of America
Jimmy Christianson
Vice President, Government Relations – AGC of America
Leah Pilconis
General Counsel and ConstructorCast Host – AGC of America
For details on current issues visit https://advocacy.agc.org
The Construction Advocacy Fund:
The Fund helps finance a host of critical campaigns, including AGC’s ongoing efforts to fight for federal infrastructure investments, push back against costly and needless regulatory burdens, promote workforce development and workplace safety, and enhance construction technology. Visit https://constructionadvocacyfund.agc.org to learn more.
Timestamped Topics:
• 00:00 - Introduction
• 01:35 - Overview of AGC's litigation program and its alignment with advocacy goals
• 05:37 - Goals and strategies for challenging government regulations
• 8:08 - Decision-making process for legal action
• 10:25 - Partnerships and collaborations within the industry
• 11:58 - Updates on current judicial actions and recent US Supreme Court victories
• 36:27 - AGC’s litigation program funding
• 39:53 - Guidelines for AGC chapters and members to request support for impactful cases
• 41:22 - Conclusion
ConstructorCast
Rapid advances in drone technology are reshaping construction, from jobsite safety and progress tracking to automation and AI-powered insights. And with the FAA’s newly proposed Part 108 rule for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, the industry may soon see its biggest leap yet.
In this episode of ConstructorCast, host Max Nelson sits down with:
Spencer Phillips, Counsel, Regulatory and Litigation Advocacy
AGC of America | https://www.agc.org/
Grant Hagen, Head of Community
DroneDeploy | https://www.dronedeploy.com/
Together, they break down what contractors need to know about the proposed rule, including:
How BVLOS operations differ from the current Part 107 limitations
What “airworthiness acceptance” means and how it could impact the drone market
How contractors would certify their drone programs, not just individual pilots
The shift toward autonomous and remote piloting
The opportunities and risks as drones integrate into the national airspace
The timeline for FAA rulemaking and how contractors can engage in the process
Whether your firm is already using drones or just considering what’s next, this conversation helps demystify the regulatory landscape and paints a clear picture of what the future of drone usage in construction may look like.
Resources:
2026 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7VFSFT2
AGC's Comments on FAA 108: https://news.agc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FAA-2025-1908-2836_attachment_1.pdf
Article Overview on AGC News: https://news.agc.org/advocacy/faa-moves-to-allow-for-expanded-usage-of-drones/
The 2025 AI Resource Guide for Construction Professionals: https://www.agc.org/system/files?file=Files/TechHub/2025%20AI%20Resource%20Guide%20for%20Construction%20Professionals%20%28Final%29.pdf
DroneDeploy's Built Different Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-different/id1620061125