Beyond Visual Line of Sight
Source : PIB
GS III : Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

Why in News ?

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) & 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.

Beyond Visual Line of Sight

• BVLOS capabilities enable a drone to cover far greater distances.
• Unlike VLOS flights, which are operated within the pilot’s line of sight, BVLOS flights are flown beyond the visual range.
• BVLOS has numerous applications and is cost-effective.
• It enables service providers to conduct complex drone operations and facilitate drones to fly without any human interference.
• The lower altitude of drone flight makes them ideal for high-resolution data collection.
• In many cases, drones prevent humans from being placed in a dangerous situation.

Key Facts

• Exemption from Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2021 has been granted as part of government’s constant endeavour to enhance the scope of drone usage in the country.
  • It aims to assist the nation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Exemption for conducting experimental delivery of Covid-19 vaccines within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Range using drones was allowed earlier.
• This exemption shall be subject to complete adherence to the conditions as stated in Annexure 1 and the directions/ exemptions issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
• Valid for a period of one year from the date of approval of the SOP or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Conditions for conducting experimental BVLOS drone flights for delivery of vaccines

• Basic documents to be submitted for the operation.
• Security clearance of the entities involved.
• The maximum permitted height for drone operations is 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL).
• BVLOS trials should be attempted only after all risks are mitigated to an acceptable level of safety.
• Drone pilots shall hold a valid certificate of training and have sufficient experience in drone operations.
• Before commencement of the trials, clearance from IAF and local administration shall be obtained.
• Drone operations shall be limited between local sunrise and local sunset.
• Payload should be restricted to the proposed use-case.
• This permission for BVLOS trial flights shall not be used for any commercial purpose.

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2021

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation has released the Unmanned Aircraft System Rules, 2021.
• UAS categorised as
  • Airplane, rotorcraft and hybrid with further categorisation as remotely piloted aircraft, model remotely piloted aircraft and autonomous unmanned aircraft system.
  • Nano, micro, small, medium and large unmanned aircraf
• Flying range 
  • Mandatory for individuals and companies to obtain approval from the DGCA to import, manufacture, trade, own or operate drones.
  • No Permission- No Take-off (NPNT) policy adopted for all UAS except for those in the nano category.
  • Micro and small UAS are not permitted from flying above 60m and 120 m.
  • UAS prohibited from flying in strategic and sensitive location.
• Delivery of good
  • Nano, micro and small UAS operations limited to within the visual line of sight and are prohibited.
  • Delivery of goods permitted by medium and large UAS.
• Penalties for Violatoin
  • Between rupees ten thousand and one lakh for individual
  • For organisations 200, 300 and 400% of the amount specified for individuals based on the size of the organisation.

Daily Current Affairs : Click Here