BVLOS Drones Govt allows 20 entities to conduct BVLOS exper | UPSC PIB NEWS
BVLOS Drones
Govt allows 20 entities to conduct BVLOS experimental flights of drones.
Also, Telangana Government granted exemption to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) experimental flights of drones.
What’s in News?
◆ The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) & the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have granted conditional exemption to the Government of Telangana for conducting experimental Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone flights for delivery of vaccines.
◆ Exemption from Unmanned Aircraft System {UAS) Rules, 2021 has been granted as part of the government’s constant endeavour to enhance the scope of drone usage in the country and assist the nation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
◆ Earlier, 20 consortia were also granted permission to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) experimental flights of drones.
◆ BVLOS trials will help create the regulatory framework for drone deliveries and other major applications.
What is BVLOS?
◆ BVLOS describes operating UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and drones at distances outside the normal visible range of the pilot.
◆ BVLOS is the second stage of testing drones and UAVs, as drones are generally operated within the visual line of sight during the first phase of testing.
◆ If the two stages are completed successfully, further clearance will be sought from the authorities to explore the possibility of vaccine delivery using drones.
Advantages of BVLOS:
◆ BVLOS drone operations provide numerous advantages over regular line-of-sight flying.
◆ They are more cost-effective and efficient, as there are fewer takeoff and landing phases, so the UAV will cover more ground in a single mission.
◆ BVLOS flights typically require less human intervention as some or all of the mission may be automated.
◆ They may also allow easier access to remote or hazardous areas.
Concerns associated with BVLOS:
◆ BVLOS UAV operations carry more safety concerns due to the fact that the pilot may only be observing potential obstacles via a remote camera feed, or, in the case of automated flights, there may be no human observation at all.
◆ This means that there is additional risk of collisions with other aircraft, or damage to property and people, especially when flights take place in non-segregated airspace.
◆ BVLOS flights typically require additional equipment and extra training and certification, and are usually subject to permission from aviation authorities in many jurisdictions around the world.
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