BVLOS Operations

Topic: Operational Limitations

Introduction

Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations represent a significant advancement in drone technology and capabilities, enabling drones to perform tasks over longer distances without requiring the remote pilot to maintain direct visual contact. BVLOS operations are essential for applications such as infrastructure inspections, agricultural mapping, delivery services, and emergency response. However, operating BVLOS comes with additional operational limitations and regulatory requirements to ensure safety and compliance in European airspace.

This lesson will guide you through the foundational concepts of BVLOS operations, covering technology requirements, airspace integration, command and control links, and detect-and-avoid systems. By the end of this lesson, you will have a clear understanding of what is required to perform BVLOS operations safely and legally under EASA regulations.

Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Concepts

BVLOS operations involve flying a drone outside the remote pilot’s visual line of sight. This allows drones to cover greater distances and complete more complex missions, but it also introduces risks such as loss of control or conflict with other airspace users.

Key points to understand:

• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Under VLOS, the remote pilot must always be able to see the drone without the use of aids (e.g., binoculars). BVLOS removes this limitation, relying on technology to maintain situational awareness.
• Operational Categories: BVLOS typically falls under the Specific category of operations as defined by EASA regulations (Reg 2019/947 Art. 5). Operators must obtain operational authorization from the competent aviation authority based on a risk assessment or use a pre-approved Standard Scenario (STS).

Technology Requirements for BVLOS

To safely operate BVLOS, drones must be equipped with advanced technology to compensate for the lack of direct visual observation.

Required Technologies:

1. Reliable Command and Control (C2) Links:

   • A robust communication link between the drone and the remote pilot is essential to ensure continuous control.
   • The C2 link must be resistant to interference and capable of handling loss-of-link scenarios (Reg 2019/947 Art. 11).

2. Detect and Avoid Systems:

   • BVLOS drones must use sensors and systems to detect and avoid obstacles, including other aircraft, buildings, and terrain.
   • Examples include radar, LiDAR, visual cameras, or Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) receivers.

3. Geofencing Technology:

   • BVLOS drones must incorporate geofencing systems to prevent entry into restricted or unsafe areas, such as airports or military zones.

4. Fail-Safe Mechanisms:

   • Automatic return-to-home (RTH) or landing systems must be in place in case of emergencies or loss of control.

Practical Example:
A drone performing BVLOS infrastructure inspection along a railway line may rely on a combination of LiDAR for obstacle detection, geofencing to avoid restricted zones, and a robust C2 link to maintain communication with the remote pilot stationed at a control center.

Airspace Integration for BVLOS

Integrating BVLOS operations into the airspace requires careful planning and coordination to ensure safety for both unmanned and manned aviation.

Key Considerations:

1. Airspace Classification:

   • BVLOS operations are typically conducted in controlled airspace or designated UAS zones. Operators must understand the airspace classification and obtain necessary permissions (Reg 2019/947 Art. 12).
   • Coordination with Air Traffic Control (ATC) is mandatory in controlled airspace.

2. U-Space Services:

   • U-Space is an airspace management framework designed specifically for drones. BVLOS operations often rely on U-Space services such as e-identification, flight planning, and dynamic airspace updates.

3. Operational Risk Assessment (ORA):

   • Operators must conduct an ORA to identify and mitigate risks associated with BVLOS flights. This is typically done using the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) methodology (Reg 2019/947 Art. 11).

Practical Example:
A logistics company planning BVLOS deliveries between cities may need to coordinate with U-Space service providers to ensure safe integration into shared airspace, while also submitting an ORA to the aviation authority.

Command and Control (C2) Links

The command and control (C2) link is the communication channel between the drone and the remote pilot. It is critical for maintaining control during BVLOS operations.

Requirements for C2 Links:

1. Frequency Spectrum:

   • C2 links must use approved frequencies, typically within the aviation or industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands.

2. Redundancy:

   • Redundant communication systems are required to ensure control is maintained even if the primary link fails.

3. Latency and Range:

   • The C2 link must have low latency to avoid delays in command execution, and sufficient range to cover the BVLOS mission area.

4. Interference Management:

   • Operators must ensure the C2 link is resilient against electromagnetic interference, especially in urban environments.

Detect and Avoid Systems

Detect and avoid (DAA) systems are essential for BVLOS operations to prevent collisions with other aircraft and obstacles.

Types of DAA Systems:

1. Passive Systems:
   • Cameras and sensors that rely on visual or infrared detection.
2. Active Systems:
   • Technologies such as radar or ADS-B that actively monitor the surrounding environment.
3. Integrated Systems:
   • Combining multiple DAA technologies for comprehensive situational awareness.

Regulatory Requirements:

• DAA systems must meet performance standards outlined in Reg 2019/947 Art. 13.
• BVLOS operators must ensure the drone can autonomously detect and avoid obstacles without relying solely on human intervention.

Practical Example:
A drone conducting BVLOS agricultural mapping uses a combination of LiDAR and ADS-B to avoid collisions with low-flying aircraft or birds while mapping large areas autonomously.

Key Takeaways

• BVLOS operations expand the capabilities of drones but require strict adherence to EASA regulations to ensure safety and compliance.
• Advanced technologies, including reliable C2 links, geofencing, and detect-and-avoid systems, are essential for BVLOS operations.
• Airspace integration requires coordination with ATC, understanding airspace classifications, and leveraging U-Space services.
• Conducting an Operational Risk Assessment (ORA) is mandatory for BVLOS operations in the Specific category.
• Detect-and-avoid systems must meet regulatory standards to ensure collision avoidance and operational safety.

By understanding and applying these principles, drone pilots can safely and confidently perform BVLOS operations while complying with European aviation standards.

This concludes the lesson on BVLOS operational limitations. In the next lesson, we will dive deeper into the specifics of Standard Scenarios (STS) and their application in BVLOS operations.