BVLOS

BVLOS

Beyond-visual-line-of-sight

A pivotal step from hobbyist to industrial application

In standard drone operations, pilots are legally required to maintain direct visual contact with their aircraft at all times, a restriction known as Visual Line of Sight (VLOS). This typically limits usable range to under 500 metres and confines drones to niche, short-range tasks.

BVLOS enables unmanned aircraft to travel kilometres from their launch point using onboard sensors, remote identification, detect-and-avoid (DAA) systems, and command-and-control (C2) links to operate safely without a pilot's eyes on the aircraft.

The practical implications are enormous: a single drone or a fleet managed by one operator, can survey pipelines, deliver medicine to rural hospitals, inspect power lines, or monitor wildfires across vast geographies that were previously inaccessible or prohibitively expensive to reach.

VLOS vs BVLOS

Attribute

VLOS

BVLOS

Typical Range

~500m

100km+

Pilot Required

On-site

Remote / Automated

Fleet Scalability

1:1

1:Many

Regulatory Status

Standard

Waiver / Approved

Key Technology

Basic RC

DAA, C2, ATC Link

Commercial ROI

Limited

High

Frequently asked questions.

Answers to your questions, every step of the way.

Do I need a special license to fly BVLOS?

Yes. In most jurisdictions, BVLOS operations require explicit regulatory approval beyond a standard drone pilot licence. In the US, this means an FAA Part 107 waiver or, increasingly, approval under a type-certificated system. In the EU, operators typically need to hold an LUC (Light UAS Operator Certificate) or obtain specific operational authorisation from their national aviation authority. Requirements vary by country, so early engagement with your regulator is essential.

Is BVLOS commericially viable today?

Yes; in specific sectors and geographies. For example in long linear assets like rail lines or power lines. The regulatory environment is still maturing, so operators working in approved corridors or with waivered routes have is an advantage. Broad commercial viability across all use cases will accelerate significantly as standardised, scalable rule frameworks replace the current rules.

Is BVLOS allowed over populated areas?

This is one of the most closely scrutinised areas. Flying over people significantly increases the ground risk score in a SORA assessment. It is possible — and is already happening in approved delivery corridors — but requires parachute recovery systems, airbag-equipped airframes, highly reliable DAA, and often a lower operational altitude. Regulators typically require a rigorous showing that the probability of an uncontrolled landing onto a person is below a defined threshold.

How long does it take to get a BVLOS approval

In the UK and EU, pathfinder schemes and the EASA U-Space framework mean most operators can wait 3–6 months. But as a LUC holder Avy can do this in a matter of days.

How do I find a BVLOS-certified operator to partner with or contract?

You're on the websie of a BVLOS-certifed operator, contact us to find out how we can help.

Do I need a special license to fly BVLOS?

Yes. In most jurisdictions, BVLOS operations require explicit regulatory approval beyond a standard drone pilot licence. In the US, this means an FAA Part 107 waiver or, increasingly, approval under a type-certificated system. In the EU, operators typically need to hold an LUC (Light UAS Operator Certificate) or obtain specific operational authorisation from their national aviation authority. Requirements vary by country, so early engagement with your regulator is essential.

Is BVLOS commericially viable today?

Yes; in specific sectors and geographies. For example in long linear assets like rail lines or power lines. The regulatory environment is still maturing, so operators working in approved corridors or with waivered routes have is an advantage. Broad commercial viability across all use cases will accelerate significantly as standardised, scalable rule frameworks replace the current rules.

Is BVLOS allowed over populated areas?

This is one of the most closely scrutinised areas. Flying over people significantly increases the ground risk score in a SORA assessment. It is possible — and is already happening in approved delivery corridors — but requires parachute recovery systems, airbag-equipped airframes, highly reliable DAA, and often a lower operational altitude. Regulators typically require a rigorous showing that the probability of an uncontrolled landing onto a person is below a defined threshold.

How long does it take to get a BVLOS approval

In the UK and EU, pathfinder schemes and the EASA U-Space framework mean most operators can wait 3–6 months. But as a LUC holder Avy can do this in a matter of days.

How do I find a BVLOS-certified operator to partner with or contract?

You're on the websie of a BVLOS-certifed operator, contact us to find out how we can help.

Must Read

We are one of the first BVLOS LUC holders in the Netherlands

Being granted an LUC signifies that Avy is compliant with specific standards and regulations approved by the European Commission with EASA as delegate agency - the regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945.

Dominik Kondziela

Dominik Kondziela

Marketing & Communications Lead

Regulation

Must Read

We are one of the first BVLOS LUC holders in the Netherlands

Being granted an LUC signifies that Avy is compliant with specific standards and regulations approved by the European Commission with EASA as delegate agency - the regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945.

Dominik Kondziela

Dominik Kondziela

Marketing & Communications Lead

Learn about VTOL→