Unmanned Vehicle Technologies, LLC (UVT) and uAvionix have announced that UVT has received a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) waiver to operate small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) at their test site in Michigan. This waiver, granted under Part 107 regulations, allows UVT to significantly advance operational capabilities, opening new avenues for remote enterprise applications.
The waiver, identified as 107W-2024-01230, permits UVT to conduct BVLOS operations without the need for Visual Observers (VOs). This capability is made possible by the integration of the uAvionix Casia G ground-based detect-and-avoid (DAA) system, which provides comprehensive airspace awareness and ensures the safe operation of drones beyond the visual range of the remote pilot in command (PIC).
The uAvionix Casia G system is an advanced DAA solution designed to detect and avoid other aircraft, thereby enabling safe and reliable BVLOS operations. This technology was previously highlighted in the recent approval of UVT’s customer, the Oswego City Police Department’s Drone as a First Responder Program (DFR), which also utilizes the Casia G system.
“We are thrilled to have received this waiver from the FAA, which validates our commitment to safety and innovation in the UAS industry,” said Matthew Rybar, Vice President of Remote Operations at UVT. “The Casia G system from uAvionix is a game-changer, allowing us to expand our operational capabilities and explore new applications for our technology.”
The issuance of this waiver to UVT reflects a broader trend in the UAS industry, where both commercial entities and public safety agencies are increasingly obtaining BVLOS waivers. These approvals underscore the critical role of advanced DAA technologies like Casia G in ensuring the safety and efficiency of UAS operations.
“The success of our technology in securing BVLOS waivers for both UVT and the Oswego City Police Department is a testament to its reliability and effectiveness,” said Jon Damush, CEO of uAvionix. “We anticipate that more companies and departments will follow suit, leveraging the capabilities of Casia G to enhance their UAS operations.”
With the ability to conduct BVLOS operations, UVT is poised to explore a range of applications, including infrastructure inspection, agricultural monitoring, and emergency response. The Michigan test site will serve as a proving ground for these applications, demonstrating the potential of BVLOS operations to transform industries and improve operational efficiencies.
The FAA waiver includes several provisions to ensure safety, such as maintaining a maximum altitude of 240 feet above ground level, using geofencing to confine operational areas, and employing pre-planned routes for automated flights. Additionally, the Casia G system must be operational during all BVLOS operations, providing real-time airspace awareness to the remote PIC.
