FAA Releases BVLOS Waiver Requests for Public Comment

Phoenix Air Unmanned, uAvionix, Zipline, and UPS Flight Forward are seeking relief from FAA restrictions.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 06:04 PM ET

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UPS Flight Forward and its Matternet M2 drone (pictured) is one of four firms seeking FAA exemptions. [Courtesy: UPS]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA is actively reviewing Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operation exemption requests from four companies: Phoenix Air Unmanned, uAvionix, UPS Flight Forward, and Zipline.
These anticipated approvals will enable diverse advanced drone operations, including infrastructure inspection, industry research and development, and expanded delivery services, often leveraging technology to replace traditional visual observers.
The FAA has published these specific requests and, in parallel, a broader petition for comment on a proposed BVLOS rule, seeking public input on both by June 14 to inform the development of a final regulatory framework.

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Earlier this week, the FAA announced it’s eyeing beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) exemption approvals for four top aviation firms, opening the door to expanded unmanned operations. Now we know exactly what permissions they’re asking for.

On Thursday, the FAA published the requests of the four companies—Phoenix Air Unmanned, uAvionix, UPS Flight Forward, and Zipline—and is seeking comments from the public. Stakeholders have until June 14 to share their suggestions or concerns with the requests.