What is BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) & How Does it Work?

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https://www.flyeye.io/drone-acronym-bvlos/

What is BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) & How Does it Work?

What is BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) & How Does it Work?



Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)






BVLOS stands for Beyond Visual Line of Sight, and it refers to the operation of an unmanned aircraft (UAV) outside of the pilot's direct line of sight. In BVLOS operations, the drone uses technology like GPS, cameras, or sensors to navigate and observe the environment. 

BVLOS is useful for inspecting hazardous areas, remote infrastructure, or large-scale facilities, where maintaining a direct line of sight is impractical. Some benefits of BVLOS include: Reduced costs, Greater efficiency, Increased safety, and Saved time. 

To get BVLOS approval, you can: 

Review the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA)

Develop a Concept of Operations (CONOPS)

Establish a Fleet Safety

Select approved BVLOS aircraft

Assess the site or location

Address Risk/Hazard Mitigation Plan

Create, maintain, and follow established UAS documentation

In contrast, VLOS stands for Visual Line of Sight, and it refers to UAV/drone operation where the vehicle must remain physically seen by operators. In many jurisdictions, VLOS operations typically limit the distance between the pilot and the drone to around 500 meters. 



What is the difference between EVLOS VS BVLOS

EVLOS and BVLOS rules both allow operations Beyond Visual Line of Sight

EVLOS 및 BVLOS 규칙은 모두 시각적 시선 너머의 작업을 허용합니다


Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) allows operations outside the Remote Pilot’s direct line of sight.

Technically, they are both Beyond Visual Line of Sight. This technicality can make comparing the two confusing, it’s easiest to treat each independently as a rule set.

The maximum distance that can be flown is identical for both EVLOS rules and the BVLOS rules, at 80% of the published link range. So the ability to operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight isn’t the main consideration when comparing the two rule sets. Even the ability to operate via teleoperations, with the pilot potentially thousands of kilometres away, is the same.

The main difference between operating under EVLOS rules and BVLOS rules is in the number of staff required to conduct the operation. The question becomes, is a capital expense (CapEX) or an operating expense (OpEX) preferred?

Most organisations prefer to invest in new capabilities (CapEX) with the lowest possible ongoing costs (OpEX). EVLOS operations, is low on Capital Expenditure, all that is required is some templated procedures and a CASA fee and we are up and running. On the other hand the Operating Expense is high, as the ruleset requires an observer to be within 1500m of the Remotely Pilot Aircraft (RPA) at all times.

When operating under the BVLOS rules the observer requirement generally doesn’t exist, providing a more cost-effective method of conducting the task.