At DP-Ops, we can collaborate with the CAA to enable BVLOS drone operations in the UK. This concept is relatively new in the commercial drone industry and is still in its developmental stages. BVLOS allows drone operators to cover distances beyond the visual line of sight. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight is considered superior to Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) flight for several reasons:

1. Extended Range: BVLOS allows drones to operate over much greater distances than VLOS, which is limited to the operator’s line of sight. This makes BVLOS ideal for large-scale operations such as pipeline inspections, agricultural surveys and security perimeter checks.

2. Increased Efficiency: With BVLOS, drones can cover more ground without requiring the operator to move to maintain visual contact. This enhances operational efficiency and reduces the time needed for certain tasks.

3. Enhanced Safety: BVLOS operations can be programmed to follow predefined flight paths, minimising the risk of human error. Additionally, advancements in technology, like obstacle detection and avoidance systems, enhance the safety of BVLOS flights.

4. Cost-Effective: By reducing the need for multiple operators and minimising downtime, BVLOS flights can lead to significant cost savings, particularly for industries that require frequent or extensive drone usage.

In summary, BVLOS flights offer greater range, efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness compared to VLOS flights. Currently, it necessitates detailed planning and obtaining specific permissions on an individual job basis. If you require this type of operation, we are happy to work with you to make it a reality.

While the complexity and volume of planning involved in BVLOS operations may initially make it an expensive process, it’s important to note that this type of operation is ideally suited to long-term projects, where its cost-effectiveness can be fully realised.

This flight operation would be specific to a geographical location or multiple locations within the same ORA.