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New Regulatory Framework for Safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight Drone Flights
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a new regulatory framework known as Part 146, designed to certify and regulate Automated Data Service Providers (ADSPs) that enable safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone flights.
Part 146 is a crucial regulation for the digital infrastructure behind BVLOS flights, facilitating large-scale drone traffic management and safety by monitoring potential collisions and ensuring compliance with flight plans. This foundational regulation works alongside Part 108, which governs the drone operators’ requirements, to create a safer environment for BVLOS operations.
ADSPs play a pivotal role in BVLOS missions, providing services such as strategic deconfliction, conformance monitoring, airspace data delivery, and conflict alerts. These services are essential for ensuring drones safely fly in coordinated and deconflicted airspace.
One such ADSP is AVSS, a Canadian drone company that has received a nationwide Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) to deploy its SnowDart system for avalanche control. The SnowDart tech combines low-cost, eco-friendly pyrotechnic darts deployed via drone to safely trigger controlled avalanches, reducing the need for helicopter use and risky on-the-ground operations, while offering greater precision and cost savings.
Meanwhile, in the world of FPV racing and other applications, BETAFPV has launched a featherweight drone, the Pavo Femto, optimized for 4K/60fps video capture. The drone comes with an F4 flight controller, onboard Serial ELRS 2.4GHz receiver, and flies on 2S LiHV batteries, offering around 5 minutes of flight time. The Pavo Femto includes powerful LAVA 1102 brushless motors (14,000KV) with a thrust-to-weight ratio exceeding 6.75:1.
For those seeking a selfie drone designed for water activities, HoverAir has launched the Aqua. Weighing under 249 grams, the Aqua is exempt from FAA registration and is designed for various water activities, including surfing, kayaking, and even in gusty winds up to 33 knots. The Aqua features a 1/1.3'' sensor, 4K at 100fps video, and over 15 waterproofing features.
In a separate development, filmmaker and FPV pilot Ellis van Jason has released an 8K FPV drone video tour of Africa, compiling 35 terabytes of his best work. The tour features shots from Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Namibia.
In conclusion, the FAA's Part 146 is a significant step towards ensuring the safe integration of drones into the national airspace system (NAS) by regulating the technology backbone that manages drone traffic data and operational safety for BVLOS missions. As the drone industry continues to grow and evolve, regulations like Part 146 will play a crucial role in facilitating safe, scalable, and innovative BVLOS operations.
[1] FAA Part 146: Automated Data Service Providers for Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations [2] FAA Part 108: Operation Over People and BVLOS Operations [3] Part 146: A New Framework for Safe BVLOS Drone Operations [4] AVSS Receives Nationwide SFOC for Drone-Enabled Avalanche Control [5] BETAFPV Launches Pavo Femto: A 4K/60fps Micro Drone [6] HoverAir Launches Aqua: The First Selfie Drone Designed for Water Activities [7] Ellis van Jason Releases 8K FPV Drone Video Tour of Africa
- The new FAA regulations, Part 146, aim to certify and manage Automated Data Service Providers (ADSPs), crucial for safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone flights.
- Part 146 and Part 108 work together to ensure a safer environment for BVLOS operations, building the foundation for managing drone traffic data and operational safety.
- ADSPs like AVSS, with technologies such as the SnowDart system, are revolutionizing industries, from avalanche control to precision applications.
- In the realm of FPV racing and other applications, BETAFPV's featherweight Pavo Femto drone offers 4K/60fps video capturing opportunities with a powerful yet lightweight design.
- HoverAir's Aqua drone, exempt from FAA registration, is designed for water activities, catering to various water-based hobbies and offering over 15 waterproofing features.
- Filmmaker Ellis van Jason showcases the capabilities of FPV drones through his 8K video tour of Africa, capturing breathtaking views from Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Namibia.
