FAA Issues Report on BVLOS Regulations

Get your acronym cheat sheet out because we’ve got a bunch for you. 

From Forbes

The FAA’s Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) released its report on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The much-anticipated report recommends an overhaul of existing regulations and the creation of new ones—a step many hope will remove barriers to aerial drone industry growth. 

Currently, drone operators must fly within their visual line of sight. BVLOS waivers are available but expensive, time-consuming, and oft-denied. 

An overhaul of BVLOS regulations could open up opportunities for efficiencies and scaling of drone programs and applications that have already been proven to improve safety, reduce downtime, and provide cost advantages. 

The 400+ page report has about 70 recommendations, ranging from flight rules, remote pilot qualifications, and aircraft qualifications to remote air carrier and remote commercial operator requirements.

The report was just a first step. The FAA must now decide if it wants to undertake the rulemaking process for BVLOS, which, based on similar past projects, would take around two years to complete. 

h/t to Dawn Zoldi, host of the “Dawn of Drones” podcast on DroneLife.com (among many other credentials). Read her full insights on the ARC report on Forbes and on Inside Unmanned Systems. 

Can’t get enough acronyms? Join us for the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit this June in Houston, Texas. We’ll have sessions on regulatory updates, projects and use cases of BVLOS, and so much more.