As of 2022, the regulations in place monitoring and restricting drone operations within the U.S. air space have become a hindrance to maximizing the benefits of current drone technology. BVLOS, otherwise known as beyond the line of sight, flights are difficult, if not, nearly impossible to execute despite the potential for these flights to truly transform business operations which is why unlocking beyond visual line of sight flights is so important.
From the Microdrones blog by Christina Flygstad.
“Right now beyond visual line of sight, BVLOS as we call it, is definitely a huge issue in our industry. For years now, drone operators, not just in the delivery sector but in the inspection sector and other places, were looking to really make the most of line of sight operations and it can be difficult because by definition the drone cannot go beyond the naked eye of the remote pilot in command,” said Grant Guillot, Drones in America Podcast Host.
The inability of the FAA to keep pace with the advancing technology is preventing the industry from moving forward. Everything from being able to deliver medicine and commercial goods, rescuing stranded individuals, surveying land after a wildfire, and every vision and dream in between, drones have the ability to positively impact human life and help businesses expand operations safely and effectively.
BVLOS Approval Essential to the Advancement of Drone Applications
“Opening up beyond visual line of sight with drones is really what’s going to unlock 99% of the market use cases. Drones have a number of applications, particularly in delivery that really only open when beyond visual line of sight becomes acceptable,” said Ryan Walsh, CEO of Valqari.
Currently, the Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle market is estimated to grow from approximately 27.9 billion in 2021 to 58.4 billion in 2026 (Intelligent HQ). The industry has expanded with the introduction of BVLOS but has not nearly reached its full potential.
Vivien Heriard-Dubreuil, CEO of Microdrones, spoke about the technology that is increasing drone capabilities such as batteries, gas engines, and fuel cells that are enabling drones to fly up to two hours. “It doesn’t make any sense just having it flying above you for a couple of minutes to map an area within the visual line of sight. We need BVLOS approval to actually leverage the technology of drones.”
For the complete article on unlocking beyond visual line of sight CLICK HERE.
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