Achieving a BVLOS approval is a process that involves meeting regulatory requirements, assessing risks, and ensuring all procedures are compliant and operationally sound. At Hover UAV, we streamline this into what we call the BVLOS Approval Cycle—a seamless flow of proceedings designed to get you from concept to approval efficiently.
Risk Assessment and Safety Case Development
Everything begins with understanding the risks that would be derived from your Concept of Operations (CONOPS). Using the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) framework, we evaluate the air and ground risks for your proposed operational area. This ensures a solid foundation for your BVLOS application, complete with effective mitigation strategies and a fully developed BVLOS Safety Case.
Creating BVLOS Procedures
Comprehensive procedures form the backbone of any BVLOS operation. These procedures apply to all flights, as well as location-specific procedures tailored to your operational area. Designed to align with CASA’s and the CAA’s standards while ensuring practical usability for your team is something of the highest priority at Hover UAV. BVLOS Approvals Made Easy.
Operations Manual Integration
The new procedures must be incorporated into your organisation’s Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC) Operations Manual. Hover UAV ensures a seamless update that meets all regulatory requirements.
Application Submission
Once the documentation is complete, the application is prepared and submitted to CASA or the CAA. This includes the BVLOS Safety Case, updated Operations Manual, and Form 101-09. Hover UAV manages this process on your behalf, ensuring accuracy and professionalism with complete transparency.
Flight Demonstration
For organisations pursuing their first BVLOS approval, CASA may require a demonstration flight. Hover UAV provides the guidance and preparation you need to successfully showcase your BVLOS operations, ensuring that your team is confident and ready.
Why Hover UAV is Your Trusted Partner
BVLOS Approvals Made Easy – Hover UAV’s BVLOS Approval Cycle is designed to make a complex process simple. Here’s why we’re the go-to choice for businesses aiming to expand their operations:
Proven Expertise: We have successfully obtained numerous successful BVLOS approvals for clients across Australia and New Zealand, showcasing our deep understanding of regulatory processes and our ability to meet regulator expectations for BVLOS operations.
Comprehensive Support: From risk assessments to flight tests, we handle every aspect of your approval process.
Tailored Solutions: Every BVLOS operation is unique, and our solutions are customised to suit your specific needs and operational goals.
Efficiency: With a deep understanding of CASA requirements, we streamline the process to minimise delays and get you approved faster.
Resources and Training: Hover UAV provides SORA training, BVLOS procedures, BVLOS OCTA exam preparation, and ongoing support to equip and empower your team for success in your BVLOS approval.
When you choose Hover UAV, you’re choosing a partner that is committed to your success with a proven track record of success.
Take the Next Step – BVLOS Approvals Made Easy
BVLOS operations have the potential to revolutionise your business. Don’t let the complexity of approvals stand in your way. Hover UAV’s BVLOS Approval Cycle takes the stress out of the process, allowing you to focus on the opportunities ahead.
Visit Hover UAV today to learn more and begin your journey toward BVLOS approval. Helping YOU move forward!
CASA releases new changes for qualifications required for EVLOS operations and BVLOS Enclosed Operations
CASA has just announced the release of a new instrument for RPAS operators in Australia – the CASA EX27/23 – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operations Beyond Visual Line of Sight Exemption 2023. This instrument, which comes into effect today, will be valid until August 31, 2024. It replaces the previous instrument, EX46/21, and requires those currently operating EVLOS and BVLOS to update their CASA operations manual.
“Now both EVLOS Class I and Class II no longer require a Remote Pilot to hold a pass in IREX or BVLOS OCTA Exam”
The new CASA EX27/23 instrument brings some exciting and additional changes for operators. Firstly, it now allows for the operation of both EVLOS Class 1 and EVLOS Class 2 without requiring the Remote Pilot to hold a pass in the IREX or the CASA-approved OCTA exam or the need for a supervising remote pilot to hold those qualifications. Whereas the old instrument only allowed this for Class 1. However, it’s important to note that the ReOC holder will still need to be approved for EVLOS Class 1 or EVLOS Class 1 and 2 and have approved documents and procedures.
“BVLOS enclosed operations no longer require a Remote Pilot to hold a pass in IREX or BVLOS OCTA Exam or need a supervising Remote Pilot with those qualifications ”
This new instrument still permits BVLOS enclosed operations without requiring the Remote Pilot to hold a pass in the IREX or the CASA-approved OCTA exam however there is now no need for a supervising Remote Pilot. Again, the ReOC holder will still need to be approved for BVLOS enclosed operations and have approved documents and procedures. Enclosed operations refer to RPA operations that take place within a building or other structure or a naturally occurring or manufactured space underground.
Like the previous instrument, the CASA EX27/23 instrument still allows for BVLOS operations to be conducted with a supervising remote pilot. This means that a remote pilot who doesn’t hold a pass in the IREX or approved BVLOS OCTA exam can have a supervising remote pilot who does hold these licenses supervise their flight. The supervising pilot will need to be located at the place where the remote pilot is operating, readily accessible to the remote pilot, and immediately available to advise and direct them.
Overall, the release of the CASA EX27/23 instrument brings some exciting opportunities for RPAS operators in Australia. If you require any assistance adding these changes into your current operations please reach out to the team at Hover UAV today.
A full copy of the instrument can be found here and is copied below. Changes to BVLOS EVLOS Requirements
Instrument number CASA EX27/23
I, CHRISTOPHER PAUL MONAHAN, Executive Manager, National Operations & Standards, a delegate of CASA, make this instrument under regulations 11.160 and 11.205 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.
[Signed Chris Monahan]
Christopher P. Monahan Executive Manager, National Operations & Standards
5 April 2023
CASA EX27/23 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operations Beyond Visual Line of Sight Exemption 2023
1 Name
This instrument is CASA EX27/23 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operations Beyond Visual Line of Sight Exemption 2023.
2 Duration
This instrument:
(a) commences on the day after it is registered; and
(b) is repealed at the end of 31 August 2024.
3 Repeal of instrument number CASA EX46/21
CASA EX46/21 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operations Beyond Visual Line of Sight Instrument 2021 is repealed.
4 Interpretation
Note In this instrument, certain terms and expressions have the same meaning as they have in the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the regulations. These include: operated within the visual line of sight, remote pilot licence and RPA.
(1) In this instrument:
documented practices and procedures has the meaning given by subsection 1.04(2) of the Part 101 Manual of Standards.
enclosed operation means an RPA operation in which an RPA is operated within a building or other structure, or a naturally occurring or manufactured space underground, in circumstances where:
(a) it is physically impossible for the RPA to escape and fly away from the building, structure or space if the RPA is no longer under the control of the remote pilot operating the RPA; and
(b) if the RPA collides with any part of the building, structure or periphery of the space, no material from the RPA, or building, structure or periphery of the space, can move or escape and cause injury to a person outside the building, structure or space.
EVLOS operation has the meaning given by section 5.04 of the Part 101 Manual of Standards.
exempted flight means a flight of an RPA that is operated beyond visual line of sight of the person operating the RPA at any time during the flight.
remote pilot means:
(a) the holder of a remote pilot license; or
(b) a person who is taken to hold a remote pilot license under sub regulation 202.461(3) of CASR.
RPA operator means a person who is certified as an RPA operator under regulation 101.335 of CASR.
supervising remote pilot, for an RPA operation, means a remote pilot who:
(a) meets the requirements of sub regulation 101.300(4) of CASR for operating an RPA beyond visual line of sight; and
(b) either:
(i) is the RPA operator of the RPA being operated during the RPA operation; or
(ii) if the remote pilot is not the RPA operator of the RPA — has been appointed by the RPA operator to supervise the person operating the RPA during the RPA operation.
(2) In this instrument, an RPA is operated beyond visual line of sight of the person operating the RPA if it is not operated within the visual line of sightof the person.
5 Exemptions
(1) A remote pilot who, as an RPA operator or member of an RPA operator’s personnel, operates an RPA for an exempted flight is exempt from compliance with paragraph 101.300(4)(a) of CASR.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), a remote pilot who, as a member of an RPA operator’s personnel, operates an RPA for an exempted flight is exempt from compliance with sub-regulation 101.073(1) of CASR.
(3) The exemption granted under subsection (2) only applies if the RPA operator holds an approval, under regulation 101.029 of CASR, for the operator’s personnel to operate the RPA beyond visual line of sight.
(4) The exemptions are subject to the conditions stated in section 6.
6 Conditions
(1) The remote pilot must ensure the RPA operation complies with the documented practices and procedures for operating the RPA for an exempted flight.
(2) Subject to subsection (4), the remote pilot must operate the RPA under the immediate supervision of the supervising remote pilot, for the RPA operation, who is:
(a) at the place where the remote pilot is located; and
(b) readily accessible to the remote pilot; and
(c) immediately available to advise, and direct, the remote pilot.
Note This subsection does not limit the supervising remote pilot observing multiple flights of RPAs, for the RPA operator, at the same time.
(3) Subject to subsection (4), the remote pilot must comply with the directions, in relation to the RPA operation, of the supervising remote pilot for the RPA operation. (4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply if the RPA operation is an enclosed operation or EVLOS operation.
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