Industry professionals express their views on the Federal Aviation Administration's Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) regulations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has unveiled its long-awaited Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rule, marking a significant step towards expanding commercial drone operations. The public comment period for this rule is open until October 6, 2025.
Under the proposed framework, the FAA introduces a new category of company: the Automated Data Service Provider (ADSP). These entities will provide real-time data to drone operators, ensuring safety by sharing weather, real-time traffic, airspace, and other crucial information.
The rule also calls for all BVLOS operators to use Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems. This shift in responsibility for BVLOS operations from individual drone pilots to companies and organizations is a key aspect of the new regulation.
In a corporate-centric framework, smaller operators and individual pilots may face challenges adapting. However, the rule makes it easier for drone operators to fly BVLOS missions without needing special permissions for each mission.
The role of Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) is replaced or supplemented by a "Flight Coordinator" who oversees autonomous operations. This Flight Coordinator is not required to hold an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) rating, easing the entry barrier for companies.
To ensure the safety of BVLOS flights, the rule requires all drones flying BVLOS to be equipped with onboard detect-and-avoid technology. Matt Sloane, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of SkyfireAI, has expressed concerns about these detect-and-avoid requirements.
Companies and organizations, known as operators in the rule, are the ones who can get BVLOS permissions from the FAA. The FAA has created another rule called the Part 146 to detail the requirements for a company to be designated an authorized ADSP.
The FAA will carefully review all feedback to shape the final rule. AUVSI has issued a public statement about the FAA's BVLOS rule, with experts generally viewing it as a positive step for expanding commercial drone operations. They praise the increased opportunities for innovation and efficiency, while some express concerns about safety and regulatory complexity.
The new BVLOS rule paves the way for a future where drones can fly highly automated BVLOS missions with little or no direct pilot intervention. To submit comments on the FAA's website, follow the instructions provided.
As the public comment period for the FAA's BVLOS rule is now open, stakeholders are encouraged to share their thoughts and insights to help shape the future of commercial drone operations.
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