Beyond Sight, Beyond Expectations: The Game-Changing Potential of BVLOS in Unmanned Aviation

Within the landscape of unmanned aircraft technology, a ground-breaking innovation is rising to the forefront and set to redefine the industry —and it’s all about the things you can’t see. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations allow properly equipped drones to travel beyond the pilot’s direct visual line-of-sight, thereby extending their operational range and capacities. This advancement offers several advantages and outpaces traditional Visual Line-of-Sight (VLOS) operations.

BVLOS will be a catalyst in the evolution of the drone industry by providing the potential for drones to be operated remotely over long distance, even in different geographic areas. This is a game changer for various industries and services, paving the way for a host of commercial applications and leading to numerous benefits for governments, consumers, and businesses alike.

The capacity to reach remote or inaccessible regions represents a major benefit of BVLOS operations. From indigenous communities to mining sites to offshore oil rigs, BVLOS enhances delivery in times of crisis, providing essential supplies, medical aid, and emergency response equipment that could otherwise have life-threatening delays.

Beyond time critical deliveries, BVLOS technology can also enhance everyday quality of life. Drones capable of flying longer distances can bridge the gap between urban and rural communities, connecting remote regions and making consumer package deliveries more accessible. In addition, the timely delivery of samples, tests, and pharmaceuticals can significantly upgrade healthcare in these areas.

BVLOS capabilities enable drone operators to significantly increase operational efficiency. By empowering a single remote pilot to oversee multiple drones simultaneously, BVLOS technology maximizes productivity and reduces overall labor costs. The ability to deploy drones over long distances without physical proximity also enables operators to optimize flight paths and reduce travel time, further streamlining operations.

By paving the way for drone companies to expand their operations, BVLOS capabilities will help to make drone delivery an increasingly viable and cost-effective logistics solution for a variety of sectors.

In June 2023, Canada positioned itself as one of the first countries to propose drone safety regulations for routine BVLOS operations that would eliminate the need for special approvals for each operation.

BVLOS operations are already making an impact on the delivery of time-critical medical supplies. Drone Delivery Canada recently received approval for its Care by Air project, facilitating BVLOS flights in the Golden Horseshoe/Southern Ontario area to transport medical isotopes, which are used in cancer treatment and classified as dangerous goods.

To achieve this, DDC worked with regulators, including Transport Canada Civil Aviation, Transport Canada Dangerous Goods Directorate and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to ensure stringent safety processes and procedures were adhered to. The measures implemented include new checklists, notification processes, emergency response plans, and a company radiation protection program.

Transport Canada’s proposed BVLOS regulations mark a major milestone for the drone industry, fortifying the future of scaled drone delivery operations in Canada and signalling the government’s commitment to innovation as it expands the scope of the regulatory framework. A vanguard in the drone sector, Drone Delivery Canada is perfectly poised to tap into the opportunities offered by these draft regulations.

Contact us today to learn how integrating drone deliveries into your logistics can unlock new opportunities for your business.