Industry professionals express their views on the Federal Aviation Administration's Beyond Visual Line of Sight rule.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently implemented its Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rule, marking a significant milestone in the drone industry. This rule, designed to support Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) and ensure safer flying beyond the pilot's line of sight, has far-reaching implications for the future of drone operations.

One of the key aspects of the BVLOS rule is the requirement for all operators to use UTM systems for safe drone separation from crewed aircraft in shared airspace. This necessitates the use of advanced technology, such as optical or radar-based methods, to enable drones to avoid colliding with crewed aircraft. Matt Sloane, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of SkyfireAI, has expressed concerns that this requirement could put a significant burden on manufacturers and operators.

The BVLOS rule also calls for all drones flying BVLOS to be equipped with onboard detect-and-avoid technology. This technology is crucial for ensuring the safety of drone operations, particularly in complex and high-risk missions. The rule further paves the way for a future where drones can fly highly automated BVLOS missions with little or no direct pilot intervention.

In line with this, the FAA has created a new category of company: the Automated Data Service Provider (ADSP). These companies will provide real-time data to drone operators to ensure safety, sharing weather, real-time traffic, airspace, and other information. The FAA has also detailed the requirements for a company to be designated an authorized ADSP through Part 146.

The BVLOS rule shifts responsibility for BVLOS operations from individual drone pilots to companies and organizations, called operators. Operators can obtain either a Part 108 permit for smaller, less risky BVLOS operations or a Part 108 certificate for larger, more complex BVLOS operations. This creates a "corporate responsibility model" for BVLOS operations.

Experts view the new BVLOS regulations as a step toward granting permanent licenses for BVLOS drone operations, enabling more complex and higher-risk missions, particularly those involving coordination with air traffic control and heavier payloads. However, challenges such as technological limitations, public perception, and regulatory hurdles continue to influence the broader acceptance and growth of UAV markets globally.

It's important to note that timely participation is crucial, as the FAA has stated it will not extend this deadline. The public comment period for the BVLOS rule is open until October 6, 2025. This provides an opportunity for stakeholders to voice their opinions and contribute to the shaping of this important regulatory framework.

The proposed framework for BVLOS flights will rely on automation not only for navigation but also for real-time decision-making, obstacle avoidance, and compliance with airspace rules. The role of the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) is replaced or supplemented by a "Flight Coordinator" who oversees autonomous operations, but is not required to hold an IFR rating.

The FAA's BVLOS rule makes it easier for drone operators to fly beyond the pilot's line of sight without special permissions for each mission. This rule is expected to open up new opportunities for various industries, such as delivery services, infrastructure inspections, and more. However, it also signifies a cautious approach to expanding BVLOS operations, reflecting the ongoing efforts to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Industry professionals express their views on the Federal Aviation Administration's Beyond Visual Line of Sight rule.