From now on, it is possible to apply for a generic permit for drone operations that occur beyond the pilots line of sight over controlled territory in atypical airspace. Drone operations beyond the pilots line of sight are referred to as Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). Previously, only precisely permitted BVLOS operations in atypical airspace over sparsely populated areas and generically permitted BVLOS operations in controlled airspace were possible.
Submitting an Application for Unmanned Aircraft Operation Permit
You can submit your application via the Unmanned Aircraft Operation Permit webpage.
To perform BVLOS operations over controlled territory and in atypical airspace generically, extra attention must be paid to the flight preparation procedures during your permit application. These procedures must be accurate for every possible situation. Additionally:
- You describe the limitations of atypical airspace and how this affects flight path planning.
- You ensure that the ground risk buffer is entirely within the controlled territory.
- You describe how the controlled territory is guaranteed for every situation. For example, through physical barriers.
- You ensure that a procedure is in place whereby everyone who may be present during an operation is briefed and, if necessary, trained. These individuals are within the controlled territory and are involved parties. They must explicitly agree to their involvement.
Submitting a detailed example of an operational plan helps the ILT in assessing this type of operation.