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 reviewing Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) exemption requests from Phoenix Air Unmanned, uAvionix, UPS Flight Forward, and Zipline to expand their drone operations.
These requests seek permissions for diverse advanced applications, including aerial data acquisition, R&D for BVLOS infrastructure development, and enhanced drone delivery using technology to replace human visual observers.
The FAA has opened these specific exemption petitions and a broader proposed BVLOS rule for public comment until June 14, anticipating approval of the exemptions to gather data for future regulations.

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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.