BVLOS Drone Operations: Some Suggestions

I. INTRODUCTION

In this post, we look at the global regulatory framework with respect to Beyond Visual Line of Sight ("BVLOS") Operations,¹ with a specific focus at the United States and Europe. We begin by describing the regulatory drone framework in the United States of America and Europe in brief (II), followed by an analysis of BVLOS regulations in the U.S. (III), and Europe (IV). Part V examines the relationship between Unmanned Traffic Management ("UTM") and BVLOS operations and Part VI concludes with suggestions for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ("DGCA"), on issues regarding improving DGCA-industry understanding, security, transparency, industry collaboration, and communications. The post will highlight the parameters used by regulators in the US and EU to assess operational risk and mitigation measures proposed for BVLOS operations.