Operating Beyond Visual Line of Sight

 Author: Dr. Michael Zimmer

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The DJI Matrice 300 RTK is the most advanced commercially available drone in the market. The DJI Matrice 300 RTK can perform a 55-minute flight time, 9.5-mile transmission, 6-pound payload, holds AI capabilities, 6 directional sensing and position axis, following track features, and at a starting price of $6,500. Similar to many long distant transmission drones, The DJI Matrice 300 RTK hold Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operation risk. As the FAA as noted increased risk with BVLOS operations, the FAA requires all Part 107 holders to request a BVLOS approval. Approval requests to the FAA can take up to 90 days. When submitting a request, one must:

  • Operational details: Where do you plan to operate? How high will you fly? Will you be in controlled airspace? What environmental conditions could affect your operations?
  • Aircraft details: What kind of drone will you be flying? How long is the flight time? What kind of flight termination system does the UAS have? Explain the kind of payload will it be carrying.
  • Pilot/Personnel Details: How much experience will the Remote Pilot in Command be required to have? How many personnel will be on site? Explain how they will be tested and prepared?
  • Operational Risks and Mitigations: What risks could be caused by flying your drone under this waiver? What steps will you take to mitigate those risks?

(Barrera, 2019, para. 14)

Within this paper, the researcher will discuss on BVLOS advantages and disadvantages, VLOS to BVLOS human factors issues, lost link, and commercial applications that may aid the private sector on future BVLOS operations.

BVLOS Advantages and Disadvantages 

Advantages. Performing BVLOS operations holds the freedom of flight without physically needing to be in an aircraft. A Pilot in Command (PIC) can extend his or her mission reach while traveling a greater distance. Furthermore, desired Ground Control Station (GCS) can be selected. 

Disadvantages. To perform BVLOS operations a lengthy and descriptive operation plan to the FAA is required. As the FAA reviews Part 107 request, a response can take up to 90 days. If the FAA deems that the requester is able to describe safety measures taken that is in align with flightpath in uncontrolled airspace, remain under 400 feet, day flight, and at speeds of 100mph, then BVLOS can occur. 

Regardless, of the advantages and disadvantages of BVLOS an operator needs to be educated on the FAA’s “Know Before You Fly” general measures. Eliminating risk is essential and can be easily performed by undergoing: recognizing, analyzing, eliminating, and strategizing (Aviation Safety Students, 2016). A number of safety resources can be developed within a preliminary hazard list (PHL), preliminary hazard analysis, operational hazard review and analysis (OHRA), and ORM assessment.

VLOS to BVLOS Human Factors Issues 

A VLOS to BVLOS switch carries similar human factors issues as PIC transfers. These issues typically surround fatigue and technical lapse (FAA, 2012). When switch occurs, so can risk. VLOS to BVLOS fatigue can occur due to operating flight time, weather, and PIC health. VLOS to BVLOS technical lapse can occur due to communication link, software/hardware misfunction, and equipment misfunction (i.e. FPV, control, drone antenna, etc.). To limit VLOS to BVLOS switch human factors full awareness of aircraft activity must occur. In addition, a thoughtfully planned out migration actions to be pre-construction for if an event occurs.

Lost Link 

Within UAS piloting aircrafts controls are dependent on a station to aircraft communicational link. Communicational links is typically made by a radio frequency or satellite linkage. It is possible for links to become lost or broken due to interference or improper software updates. The sensitivity of lost links requires monitoring to be performed by operational stakeholders (i.e. PIC, SO, mission commander, UAS technician, etc.). By eliminating a single point of failure through requiring the responsibility of multiple, monitoring of possible interface modes and software can limiting and avoid operation disruptions.  

Commercial Applications for BVLOS Operations

Operating BVLOS requires the use of specific technology to avoid MISHAPS. Applying drone platform geospatial, sensor, camera, and transmission software / hardware applications for BVLOS will allow for safe flight. Furthermore, control features specialized in FPV, custom display elements (i.e. GPS, weather, mapping, etc.), and telemetry will allow for safe GSC. Currently the commercial market offers such products relating to software, antennas, goggles, propellers, batteries, controls, cameras, and sensors that is easy purchasable. As items are attainable the private sectors are intergrading products to retrofit their platforms. Most notable private sector use have come from DJI’s private section product line (i.e. DJI Matrice 300 RTK). 

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References

Aviation Safety Study. (2016). 3 Main Components of Aviation Risk Management. SMS Pro Aviation Safety Software Blog 4 Airlines & Airports. NorthWest Data Solutions. Retrieved from http://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/3-main-components-of-aviation-risk-management

Barrera, D. (2019). Tips for Applying for a Part 107 Waiver. Skyward, para. 14. Retrieved from https://skyward.io/tips-for-applying-for-part-107-waiver/ 

FAA. (2012). Fitness for Duty. U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Aviation Administration. Advisory Circular. 117-3. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC%20117-3.pdf


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