The FAA has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. While the document is traditionally lengthy, here is a breakdown of the key points based on the FAA’s fact sheet.
Operations
BVLOS drone operations would be permitted for package delivery, agriculture, aerial surveying, and civic interest, at or below 400 feet above ground level. All operators would need FAA approval, which would require identifying boundaries, landing and loading areas, and an approximate number of daily operations. Additionally, all drone operators would be responsible for understanding airspace and flight restrictions, reviewing NOTAMs, and identifying hazards.
Safe Separation
Operators would use Automated Data Service Providers (ADSPs) to keep BVLOS drones separated from each other and manned aircraft. The drones would be equipped with technologies to detect and avoid other aircraft automatically. Equally, the drones would broadcast their position to manned aircraft with ADS-B.
Aircraft
The drones could weigh up to 1,320 lbs, including cargo, and would not require traditional FAA airworthiness certificates. However, drones operating under Part 108 would be required to have lighting and to broadcast Remote ID.
Security
Operators would be required to address and manage a range of security risks, such as developing and implementing physical security policies to prevent unauthorised access to facilities, and cybersecurity policies and processes to protect networks, devices, and data from unauthorised access. Operators would also have to prepare for and mitigate cyberattacks and gather data to measure the effectiveness of cybersecurity policies. Drone manufacturers would need to protect aircraft from intentional electronic interference.
Operational Authorisations: Permits and Certificates
Two types of authorisations have been proposed: permits and certificates. Permits would be for lower-risk operations with limited fleet size, weight, and operational scope. These permits could be issued faster than certificates and would cover most operations. Meanwhile, certificates would be required for higher-risk operations due to aircraft size, weight, speed, and fleet size. To issue a certificate, the FAA would conduct reviews of the proposed operations, provide oversight of the operator and operations, and require operators to develop a safety management system and training programme.
Operational Responsibility for Certified Operators
Two positions have been raised: operations supervisor and flight coordinator. The operations supervisor would oversee safety and security, ensuring operations meet regulatory requirements and that personnel are trained. Flight coordinators would be responsible for aircraft operations and intervene when necessary.
Operations Over People
Drones would be allowed to operate over people but not over large gatherings such as concerts or sporting events. To manage this, five proposed categories based on population density would be established, with each density having its own restrictions.
Reporting
Operators would be required to report flight data, unplanned or precautionary landings, loss of control, malfunction, failure of an automated data service, security breaches that incur loss of control, unauthorised access to the operators’ facilities, networks or data, and any operation that results in more than USD 500 in damage to property.
Record Keeping
Finally, the NPRM outlines that operators must maintain records of each flight with the relevant details, mechanical issues, maintenance and alteration inspections, personnel training, and operations manual. For manufacturers, they would maintain records of compliance information and testing data, configuration control documentation, and continued operational safety data.
To read further into the NPRM, you can find the full 731-page report here.
Photo: FAA
