FAA Approves BVLOS Drone Operations in North Dakota

uAvionix, a leader in avionics for unmanned aerial vehicles, has secured authorization from the Federal Aviation Management (FAA) to perform beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations with small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) in North dakota.This approval was achieved with the assistance of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, which demonstrated to the FAA that sufficient risk management strategies were in place to meet the necessary safety criteria for BVLOS operations within the national airspace.

Significance of the Approval

Christian Ramsey, President of uAvionix, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “We are thrilled to be at the forefront in North Dakota alongside our partners from Vantis and thales.Demonstrating our ecosystem in approved BVLOS operations marks a significant milestone for our company, our collaborators, and the entire aviation industry.”

Vantis: A Groundbreaking UAS System

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site, which oversees the Vantis initiative in North Dakota, has collaborated with Thales USA to create a UAS system that enables drone operators to control their aircraft while maintaining a safe distance from other air traffic during BVLOS flights.Vantis incorporates ground-based aviation infrastructure similar to that used in conventional aviation, thereby reducing the barriers for multiple users to engage in BVLOS operations.

Trevor Woods, Executive Director of the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, noted, “Vantis was designed to cater to a diverse range of drone operators across various industries. This initial approval is a pivotal moment for Vantis, serving as a model for broader commercial BVLOS integration.”

Collaboration with the FAA

Frank Matus, Director of ATC and Digital Aviation Solutions for the Americas at Thales USA, emphasized the importance of this approval, stating, “We appreciate the FAA’s recognition that our BVLOS approach in North Dakota adheres to the same safety standards expected for all users in the national airspace. We are committed to working with the FAA as regulations evolve to ensure Vantis meets the needs of all stakeholders.”

North Dakota’s Leadership in UAS Integration

North Dakota is at the forefront of safely and economically integrating UAS into commercial applications through the Vantis system. this achievement lays the groundwork for the next operational phase set for this summer, reinforcing the state’s leadership in automation and autonomy.

Governor Doug Burgum remarked, “This groundbreaking approval for our partners is a vital step that validates our state’s investment and years of effort to safely and economically introduce UAS into commercial sectors. Other states are looking to us as a national leader in UAS technology.”