

But before the FAA grants exemptions that would allow them to move forward, the agency wants input on a range of logistical and safety questions surrounding BVLOS.

Right now, these companies need exemptions from existing FAA regulation in order to fly drones beyond pilots’ visual line of sight. “he FAA seeks public comments that address how advances in technology, standards, and operational strategies to safely demonstrate UAS BVLOS operations can be applied without adversely affecting safety.” “The FAA recognizes BVLOS operations provide significant safety, societal, and economic advantages and benefits,” said David Boulter, the FAA’s acting associate administrator for aviation aafety, in a request for comment posted to the Federal Register. Zipline Sparrow unmanned aircraft system (UAS), to operate in cargo delivery. Another is UPS Flight Forward, a subsidiary of the package delivery company that primarily focuses on developing drone technology. FAA titled the list of supporting documents as Zipline 44807 Exemption No. One of the drone operations seeking approval is Phoenix Air Unmanned, which uses drones to collect data and conduct power line inspections. This resource provides an introduction to rules and regulations of petitioning the FAA for a commercial unmanned aerial system Section 333 exemption. The companies involved reflect the range of potential BVLOS applications. The agency is looking for feedback on a range of regulatory questions that this next generation of drone technology could raise before giving these companies the go-ahead. The Federal Aviation Administration has requested public input, starting today, on four drone operators hoping to launch “beyond visual line-of-sight” operations at 400 feet or below.
