Are there different rules for tethered drones?

[Lennon]

Right now, all Part 107 rules still apply to tethered drones. You need a pilot monitoring it at all times.

In theory, it could stay up until the motors burn out. The tether usually carries DC power and fiber (or Ethernet) for control and payload connectivity.

Here’s an article about Verizon using this setup for disaster response:

https://dronelife.com/2022/10/04/verizons-response-team-in-florida-launches-tethered-drone-to-restore-communications-to-sanibel-island/