BVLOS Drone Flight: FAA Approvals & EU Regulations 🚀🗺
Senior Associate Copy Editor
Soaring Beyond the Horizon: Decoding BVLOS Drone Flight Approvals and Regulations
Hey fellow drone enthusiasts! As a gearhead who spends as much time tinkering in my workshop as I do in the air, I know how thrilling it is to push the boundaries of what our rigs can do. Recently, I’ve been diving deep into the fascinating world of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations and all the legal hoops we have to jump through to get there. This isn’t just about flying further for the sake of it; BVLOS unlocks possibilities for more efficient inspections, precise surveying, and even long-range deliveries. We’re talking game-changing stuff here! This page is your go-to source for unpacking the complexities of BVLOS Drone Flight, specifically focusing on FAA approvals in the US and the regulations in the EU. Forget dry legal jargon, we’re getting down to the nitty-gritty with these insights drawn directly from leading YouTube channels covering real-world drone developments. Get ready to expand your aerial horizons!
Key Takeaways from the Airwaves
FAA Authorizes Commercial BVLOS: Major news! The FAA has approved its first commercial BVLOS operation without requiring a visual observer on site. Zipline and Wing Aviation are leading the charge, utilizing Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems to share flight paths with other airspace users. This paves the way for more routine BVLOS applications once a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) is released.
"Countering CCP Drones Act" Amendment: A proposed amendment to the NDAA could significantly impact our hobby and drone industries by revoking FCC approvals for DJI and Autel products, essentially banning new products from these manufacturers. The legislation is controversial, and now is a great time to contact representatives to voice an opinion about it.
Category 2 Drone Approvals: The DJI Matrice 3D and 3DT have received Category 2 & 3 certifications, allowing operations over people when coupled with an approved parachute system. It also brings DJI’s dock operations to the forefront, requiring even more diligence about meeting operational rules and legal standards.
DJI Dock 2 and BVLOS Operations: DJI is clearly positioning its Dock 2 system as a critical component for streamlined BVLOS operations and compliance, especially when using a "drone in a box" for various purposes like surveying and infrastructure inspections. Companies like DJI Telink are exploring its potential in conjunction with remote flights in locations where compliance is often the greatest challenge.
EU’s SORA Process: Navigating BVLOS regulations in Europe requires an understanding of the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) process. DJI is providing extensive documentation to facilitate application for those regulations.
Safety is Paramount: Whether you are focusing on obtaining an FAA waiver or understanding EU’s SORA process, you must emphasize strict safety protocols and thoroughly document these to support waiver and application approvals, including using visual observers, creating a shielded operation or employing detect and avoid systems when appropriate.
Charting a Path to BVLOS Possibilities
One of the key trends that emerges is the increasing convergence of drone technology, regulatory processes, and real-world applications. The FAA’s approval for commercial BVLOS operations signifies that the agency is committed to finding a place for drones to fill gaps in the national air space. It also underscores the growing sophistication of Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems, which are rapidly becoming crucial for BVLOS drone integration into the skies. The ongoing work towards an NPRM suggests we’re not far from normalized BVLOS, and those who are working now toward developing safe operating systems will benefit the most from this. Additionally, drone dock technology, like DJI’s Dock 2, is proving essential to streamlining operational workflows as drone pilots continue to pursue more applications that increase the value of their work.
Next Steps: Soar Into More Information
The world of BVLOS drone flight is dynamic and constantly evolving. To stay ahead of the curve, dive into the videos below for a visual demonstration of all the above topics. These video clips from industry leaders are rich in both information and insight! Learn how to navigate through complicated FAA and EU BVLOS regulations, and better equip yourself for the rapidly evolving world of aerial flight!
View the videos just below
About the Author
Patryk Alexander is an associate copy editor at 4kVideoDrones.com, where he sharpens articles and helps keep the website's content clean and error-free. With a background in creative writing, Patryk brings a unique perspective to his editing that helps make 4kVideoDrones.com's content engaging and informative. When he's not editing or writing, Patryk enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors.