Regulatory Moves for Drones Down Under- Australia introduces recent BVLOS exam
by DRONELIFE Staff Author Ian McNabb
Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has introduced a brand new exam to permit Beyond Visual Line of Sight operation in non-controlled airspace for distant pilots. This 40 query, multiple-choice exam, which covers content regarding BVLOS flights, aeronautics, instrumentation, and human aspects, could be taken as a substitute of the Instrument Rating Exam which was previously required. Australia, the primary country to enact drone-specific laws in 2002, has a comprehensive licensing program for drone operators that features each Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator certificates for firms looking for to operate drones commercially, in addition to a Distant Pilot’s License for the drone operators themselves, but BVLOS operations have been hampered by the IREX requirement established by 101.400(b). The brand new exam, which covers a narrower range of fabric, will allow for more Distant Pilot licensees to conduct BVLOS operations without requiring the specialized knowledge crucial for IREX certification.
This move has been welcomed by figures within the Australian drone industry as a vital step forward within the regulatory structure around UAVs within the unique Australian market, which features diverse operating environments and has massive potential for growth as mining, agricultural, and industrial firms begin incorporating UAV technology into their operations. As CEO Philip van der Burg of Carbonix, a serious Australian drone manufacturer, said in a press release, “Previously, the one option to enable BVLOS operations was to have an IREX qualified pilot either operating the UAS or as a supervising distant pilot. The pathway to having passed the IREX exam was long and arduous, requiring weeks if not months of studying complex industrial manned aircraft aviation procedures to pass an exam that had little to do with BVLOS operations.” He highlighted the introduction of the brand new exam for example of CASA’s growing ability to adapt to the changing needs inside the UAV space, a growing area of interest for aviation regulators worldwide.
While the brand new exam should make BVLOS certification and licensure simpler for distant pilots, Australian firms concerned about BVLOS operations still are required to receive approval from CASA to operate in a particular area here.
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