When Can You Fly a Drone Beyond Visual Line of Sight

Flying a drone beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) is a regulated capability in the United States that enables long-range missions, complex surveying, and advanced infrastructure inspections. This article explains what BVLOS means, how to obtain authorization, and the safety and operational considerations pilots must address. It highlights the key terms and steps required to operate legally and safely beyond sight of the pilot.

What BVLOS Means And Why It Matters

BVLOS stands for Beyond Visual Line Of Sight. It refers to flying a drone farther than the operator’s unaided visual capability allows. BVLOS opens opportunities for utility inspections, search-and-rescue, agricultural monitoring, and large-scale mapping. It also introduces increased safety and airspace complexity, making formal authorization and a robust safety case essential. Operators must account for weather, terrain, air traffic, and the potential for system failures that cannot be managed by a pilot using visual cues alone.

Regulatory Pathways For BVLOS In The United States

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates BVLOS operations in the United States. In general, BVLOS flights are not permitted under standard Part 107 operations without explicit authorization. Two main pathways exist to conduct BVLOS missions:

• Part 107 Waiver For BVLOS: Operators can apply for a waiver to perform BVLOS flights under Part 107. This requires a compelling safety case, risk assessment, and demonstrated capabilities to mitigate hazards such as sense-and-avoid, communications reliability, and contingency planning.
• COA Or Other Special Authorizations: Government agencies, research organizations, and certain commercial operators may obtain a Certificate of Authorization (COA) or other FAA approvals for BVLOS missions. This route often includes a tailored set of conditions, airspace coordination, and safety requirements.

In addition to these pathways, certain BVLOS activities may be conducted under research, demonstration, or pilot programs supported by FAA initiatives. Each route requires rigorous documentation, airspace coordination, and ongoing compliance with remote ID and other regulatory requirements.

Common Requirements For BVLOS Waivers

Applicants pursuing BVLOS authorization typically must address multiple safety and operational criteria. Common requirements include:

• Detect And Avoid Capabilities: A robust system or procedure to detect other aircraft and avoid collisions, including on-board technology or independent observers.
• Communication And Telemetry: Reliable, redundant communications links and continuous telemetry to monitor the aircraft and mission status.
• Safety Case And Risk Assessment: A formal assessment identifying hazards, probabilities, and mitigations for the proposed BVLOS operation.
• Operational Procedures: Clear SOPs for mission planning, emergency return, and contingency actions in case of loss of control or data links.
• Airspace Coordination: Coordination with air traffic control (ATC) and adherence to LAANC or other airspace authorization mechanisms as applicable.
• Maintenance And Reliability: Evidence of aircraft maintenance, reliability metrics, and failure mode analyses to support mission safety.
• Remote ID And Compliance: Compliance with Remote ID requirements to enable tracking of drones during BVLOS flights.

Expect a detailed safety case, including environmental and mission-specific data, along with a demonstration of the operator’s capability to maintain safe operations throughout the flight.

Operational Considerations And Safety Measures

Beyond regulatory approval, successful BVLOS operations hinge on practical safety measures. Key considerations include:

• Weather And Visibility: BVLOS flights typically require favorable weather and robust decision thresholds for visibility, wind, and precipitation to minimize risk.
• Terrain And Obstacle Management: Planning must account for terrain, urban environments, and man-made obstacles that affect navigation and emergency return paths.
• Emergency Procedures: Well-defined abort, return-to-home, and no-fly zone avoidance strategies must be tested and rehearsed.
• Redundancy: Redundant power, flight control, and communication systems reduce the risk of a mission-ending failure.
• Data Security And Privacy: BVLOS missions often collect sizable data; operators should implement data protection measures and comply with applicable privacy laws.
• Insurance And Liability: Adequate insurance coverage helps manage financial exposure from accidents or regulatory changes.

Integrating comprehensive safety measures not only supports regulatory approval but also builds confidence with customers, partners, and regulatory bodies.

Getting Started: Steps To Seek BVLOS Authorization

Proactive preparation can streamline the BVLOS process. A practical sequence of steps includes:

1. Define The Mission: Outline objectives, coverage area, flight duration, and data requirements to shape the safety case.
2. Assess Airspace: Determine whether the operation occurs within controlled airspace and what approvals or waivers are needed.
3. Prepare The Safety Case: Develop a risk assessment, mitigations, and verification methods for detect-and-avoid, comms, and contingencies.
4. Develop Operational Procedures: Create detailed SOPs, maintenance schedules, and training plans for the flight crew.
5. Engage With The FAA: Initiate discussions, submit the waiver or COA application, and respond to feedback promptly.
6. Test And Demonstrate: Conduct controlled tests to validate systems, recovery strategies, and mission reliability before full-scale deployment.
7. Document And Monitor: Maintain thorough records of flights, incidents, maintenance, and performance metrics for ongoing compliance.

Collaboration with aviation authorities, industry groups, and technology providers can facilitate access to the necessary tools and guidance for BVLOS authorization.

Future Trends And Practicalities

As technology evolves, BVLOS feasibility expands with better detect-and-avoid suites, autonomous navigation, and more capable onboard systems. Regulatory pilots and standardization efforts aim to lower the barriers to BVLOS while maintaining safety. In practice, pilots should stay informed about updates to Part 107, remote ID, and airspace requirements, as well as emerging test programs that may offer new pathways for BVLOS operations.

Key Takeaways

• BVLOS is allowed in the United States only with FAA authorization, typically via Part 107 waivers or COAs for specific missions.
• A strong safety case, reliable detection and avoidance, and robust operational procedures are essential.
• Airspace coordination and compliance with Remote ID are critical components of any BVLOS plan.
• Thorough planning, testing, and documentation facilitate a smoother approval process and safer operations.