As FAA representatives at Business UAV Expo speak concerning the agency’s plans to hurry and streamline the permissions process, two recent exemptions for business drone operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) have been announced. uAvionix has received authorization to fly their Rapace inside North Dakota’s Vantis network to check detect and avoid technologies. UPS Flight Forward, an entirely owned subsidiary of logistics company UPS, has received authorization for BVLOS small package delivery using the type-certified Matternet M2.
The authorizations follow quickly upon the August 24 authorization of Phoenix Unmanned to operate a big UAS for linear infrastructure inspection.
As FAA Head of Aviation Safety, David Boulter indicated in his Business UAV Keynote address this morning, the brand new approvals could function templates to smooth the best way for future firms, and as a method of gathering more data on BVLOS operations.
In a press release, uAvionix explained why the approval is different than one other waiver:
A waiver is actually a one-off with every waiver theoretically receiving the identical amount of rigor and safety evaluation (as they need to). Approval under an exemption provides for repeatability – an exemption (which is technically rulemaking) could be referenced for future approvals in a much faster manner. More importantly it doesn’t just apply to the unique applicant; it really works for the entire industry! With this exemption approval, the best way is evident(er) for BVLOS operations, especially in North Dakota, where the infrastructure could be leveraged for repeatable operations. The identical, or similar infrastructure could be utilized in other geographies. Yes, there continues to be a process, however the steps are proven, repeatable, and lead to demonstrably protected operations.
The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) also commended the FAA motion, with the next statement from Chief Advocacy Officer Michael Robbins:
“These approvals mark a crucial step in the event of business drone delivery operations at scale within the national airspace system – one which, over time, will expand to learn many communities nationwide. The exemptions will increase access to rural areas, improve the fast transport of products, and support using drones for critical infrastructure inspections.
AUVSI applauds the FAA for its timely finalization of templates that can streamline certain business drone operations, which can further the agency’s progress toward its vision of a future where all users of the airspace can operate together under the very best safety standards.
Because the agency moves toward a final BVLOS rulemaking, AUVSI urges the FAA to contemplate the holistic safety picture and success these firms will show. AUVSI stays committed to working with the FAA and Congress to support U.S. advanced aviation leadership and realize the immense advantages this industry stands ready to supply.”