Vantis has received a significant endorsement from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a safety mitigator for beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operations. This endorsement marks a major step towards more integrated and reliable drone operations by providing systemic risk management. The Northern Plains UAS Test Site, a North Dakota state agency, announced this development, further emphasizing the collaborative efforts in this initiative. This approval is expected to streamline the path for commercial drone companies seeking to operate BVLOS flights more effectively.
Previous reports on Vantis highlighted its formation with a $28 million investment from North Dakota in 2019, aimed at establishing a comprehensive network for UAV BVLOS flights. Over the years, Vantis has collaborated with aviation, telecommunications, and governmental sectors to build a network that promises to ease the operational challenges for UAV pilots. The latest FAA approval is a continuation of these efforts, providing an operational backbone that supports commercial drone operators.
Comprehensive Support for UAV Operators
Vantis has developed a robust infrastructure including remote surveillance sensors, control radios, and a reliable data network. It aims to provide UAV operators with an equivalent level of support as crewed flights, incorporating radar, air traffic control, and operations centers. This network allows for full BVLOS flights, enabling drones to traverse areas previously deemed unsafe or inaccessible due to lack of ground support.
Pathway to Recurring BVLOS Flights
The FAA’s letter of acceptance (LOA) can expedite the waiver process for future drone operations, making it a valuable asset for commercial drone operators. The LOA serves as a reference point for various safety cases and concepts of operations (ConOps), facilitating quicker approvals and repeatability for BVLOS flights. However, it must be noted that the LOA does not guarantee future approvals but can be crucial in the FAA’s evaluation for other exemptions or waivers.
Doug McDonald, General Manager of ISight Drone Services, stated,
“This LOA enables us to expand our operations to perform BVLOS flights in Vantis service volumes. This both enhances our operational capabilities and the value we deliver to our customers.”
Such endorsements from industry players underline the utility and potential of Vantis’s network in commercial drone operations.
The FAA’s latest approval adds to Vantis’s credentials, bolstering its role in facilitating more secure and scalable drone operations. For commercial UAV operators, this means not only improved safety standards but also a faster route to operational efficiency. The ongoing development and deployment of Vantis’s network infrastructure continue to shape the landscape for future BVLOS operations, presenting new opportunities and challenges for the industry.
