Beyond Visual Line of Sight: The Next Step for Drones in Public Safety

What if first responders could gain critical situational awareness before arriving at an emergency scene? As drone technology continues to improve, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations are expanding the capabilities of public safety agencies, allowing drones to operate beyond the direct visual range of an operator. When combined with Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs, these advancements are setting new standards for rapid and effective emergency response.

This blog explores how BVLOS is reshaping public safety operations, the role of DFR programs, and the steps agencies must take to secure a BVLOS waiver to maximize the potential of this technology.

What is Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)?

BVLOS, or Beyond Visual Line of Sight, refers to drone operations that extend beyond the operator's direct visual range. This capability unlocks unprecedented potential for tasks like search and rescue, disaster response, and emergency management, enabling drones to cover larger areas without being tethered to the operator's sight.

In public safety scenarios, BVLOS allows drones to:

• Conduct Search and Rescue Missions in vast or inaccessible areas.
• Monitor Disaster Zones without endangering human responders.
• Enhance Situational Awareness in real-time for ongoing incidents.

However, due to the increased complexity and potential risks, BVLOS operations require special FAA waivers to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Introducing Drone as First Responder (DFR)

The concept of Drone as First Responder (DFR) pioneers a new era in emergency response. Instead of waiting for human teams to arrive, drones can be dispatched immediately when a 911 call is received. This capability offers critical advantages:

• Rapid Deployment: Drones can respond within a 1-2 mile radius, often arriving before ground units.
• Real-Time Data: Provides live video feeds and data analytics to first responders en route.
• Flexible Operations: Can be operated manually or semi-autonomously depending on the situation.

DFR not only enhances the speed and efficiency of emergency responses but also improves the safety of first responders by providing valuable information before they enter potentially hazardous environments.

Why BVLOS and DFR Matter for Public Safety

1. Enhanced Situational Awareness

Drones operating under BVLOS provide real-time data over larger geographic areas, enabling emergency responders to assess situations before physically arriving on the scene. BVLOS drones can be deployed within minutes and offer high-resolution imagery, thermal imaging, and video feeds to first responders, helping them make informed decisions quickly.

2. Increased Operational Efficiency

Traditional VLOS operations require operators to be within a limited range, necessitating frequent redeployment to maintain visual contact. BVLOS capabilities eliminate this constraint, allowing for continuous, uninterrupted drone flights that improve response times and resource utilization.

3. Access to Hard-to-Reach Areas

In scenarios such as wildfires, floods, or chemical spills, BVLOS can allow drones to reach dangerous or inaccessible areas without risking human lives. This allows emergency teams to gather intelligence safely and efficiently before deploying personnel.

4. Scalability for Large-Scale Operations

Whether managing traffic accidents, tracking missing persons, or monitoring large events, the concept of BVLOS allows agencies to scale their drone operations without increasing personnel or logistical complexity.

Key Requirements for Obtaining a BVLOS Waiver

Securing a BVLOS waiver is a critical step for public safety agencies aiming to leverage the full potential of drone technology. Here are two of the essential paths to obtain certification:

Part 107 Certification: 

• Drone pilots must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA to conduct commercial or government drone operations.

Certificate of Authorization (COA):

• Only government agencies are eligible.
• Serves as the foundational approval for drone operations in public safety missions.

In addition, agencies need to prove:

Demonstrated Need for BVLOS:

Operations must fall under "extreme emergency to safeguard human life" scenarios, such as:

• Active crime scene surveillance (e.g., burglary in progress)
• Large-scale fire assessments
• Search missions for missing persons in challenging terrains

Strict Flight Conditions:

• The Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) or a Visual Observer (VO) must monitor the airspace within a 2-mile radius to prevent conflicts.
• Drones must operate below 400 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) unless within FAA-defined UASFM grids.
• BVLOS flights require adherence to Detect and Avoid (DAA) system limitations for enhanced safety.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a BVLOS Waiver

1. Obtain a COA: If your agency doesn’t have one, this is the first milestone.
2. Identify BVLOS Needs: Clearly define scenarios where BVLOS is critical for emergency response.
3. Develop Safety and Operational Plans (SOPs): Create detailed protocols addressing potential risks and mitigation strategies.
4. Submit the BVLOS Waiver Application: Provide comprehensive documentation to the FAA.
5. Demonstrate Safe BVLOS Operations: Include evidence from past operations or simulations showcasing safety measures.
6. FAA Review and Approval: Be prepared for potential feedback and revisions during the review process.
7. Implement the Approved Waiver: Integrate BVLOS capabilities into your agency's operational framework.

Overcoming Challenges in Implementing DFR

While the benefits of DFR are clear, there are challenges to address:

• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex FAA regulations can be daunting.
• Airspace Restrictions: Managing operations in controlled or congested airspace requires careful planning.
• Flight Time Limitations: Current drone battery technologies limit operational duration.
• Privacy Concerns: Addressing public concerns about surveillance and data security is crucial.

The DroneSense Solution: Simplifying BVLOS and DFR

To overcome these challenges, DroneSense Remote (DSR) offers a comprehensive solution designed for public safety agencies:

• BVLOS Waiver Support: Tools and resources to streamline the waiver application process.
• Fully Customizable Platform: Tailored to meet the unique needs of different agencies.
• Autonomous Flight Capabilities: Enables rapid, precise drone deployment.
• Geofencing & Airspace Management: Ensures compliance with regulatory boundaries.
• Real-Time Video Streaming: Enhances situational awareness during emergencies.
• Drone Fleet Management: Centralizes data and operational control for large-scale deployments.
• Tactical and Emergency Modes: Optimized for high-stakes situations.

The Next Chapter in Public Safety Drone Operations

The integration of BVLOS capabilities with DFR programs represents a transformative shift in public safety operations. Drones are no longer just tools for aerial photography; they are becoming indispensable assets in saving lives and protecting communities. By understanding the requirements, navigating the waiver process, and leveraging solutions like DroneSense Remote, public safety agencies can unlock the full potential of drone technology.

Ready to improve your public safety operations? Reach out to our team to take a closer look at BVLOS and DFR capabilities with DroneSense.