North Dakota Expands Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operations Statewide with BVLOS Waiver for ISight
By DRONELIFE Options EditorJim Magill
Doug McDonald, flight operations supervisor at [corporate name], highlighted the significance of a current waiver permitting his organization to operate beyond visual line of sight in North Dakota, thereby enabling the development of extensive aerial operations within their home state.
According to McDonald, the majority of their projects involves straightforward, albeit crucial, infrastructure development such as wind turbines, cellular towers, and essential power line installations. “While I’m optimistic about the prospects, I think that once we obtain the BVLOS waiver and make progress on several sensor technologies, we’ll be able to tackle projects like inspecting utility poles and leveraging economies of scale through these endeavors.”
IHS Markit, a leading provider of aerial intelligence solutions, announced on August 8 that it had successfully secured its Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Near-Term Airspace Permission (NTAP) program. ISee obtained early approval for Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) operations under the National Unmanned Aircraft System Association’s (NUAA) Trusted Operator Program (NTAP), a rigorous process ensuring swift and reliable approvals, enabling environmentally friendly flights up to 400 feet.
The corporation successfully obtained a waiver thanks to the innovative operations of Vantis, North Dakota’s pioneering statewide detect-and-avoid system, a model of excellence nationwide.
According to McDonald, the waiver would permit the company to operate its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, specifically the “Tremendous Bolo” model, anywhere within the state that falls under the Vantis network coverage area. Prior to changes, ISight, a provider of drone services to agriculture, essential infrastructure, wildlife management, and insurance sectors, was bound by Part 107 regulations, requiring drones to fly within visual line of sight (VLOS) of a ground observer or within a 3-mile diameter.
“Now, thanks to the NTAP waiver’s flexibility, our team can optimize the use of Vantis’ infrastructure to conduct missions at a moment’s notice, anywhere protection is needed.”
Currently, the Vantis system, developed by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, primarily serves the sparsely populated western region of the state. “That’s where we conducted our testing and received FAA approval,” McDonald said. He estimates that the community of radars and sensors provides protection for approximately 3,000 square feet. miles of the state.
As the infrastructure develops in this region, it creates opportunities for local businesses to thrive, particularly around the radars and other facilities situated in the Japanese part of the state, thereby driving growth and development in this community. I envision a statewide network that leverages diverse perspectives and cutting-edge tools to foster a robust sense of community.
McDonald noted that the company’s initial focus on pursuing a BVLOS waiver aimed to facilitate conducting inspections along gravel roads used for transporting oil extracted from North Dakota’s vast Bakken Shale formation, which is renowned for its prodigious reserves.
When vehicles travel on these gravel roads, everything seems fine until a heavy rain occurs? As the vehicles gradually gain momentum, they inevitably start disrupting road infrastructure, resulting in significant costs for local authorities to restore them. “The goal is to conduct a reconnaissance mission to inspect these roads, with the objective of minimizing road closures to: firstly, ensure vehicle traffic continues uninterrupted, and secondly, prevent damage to the infrastructure.”
The imminent BVLOS waiver, allowing ISight to operate at greater distances, will pave the way for a broader range of drone applications, including the delivery of critical medical supplies to remote areas of the state.
“As soon as we complete our initial test flights, our primary route will likely head directly westward towards Satan’s Lake,” McDonald stated. Located approximately 90 miles west of Grand Forks, where ISight is headquartered, Satan’s Lake serves as the ancestral home and territory of the Spirit Lake Nation, a sovereign tribal entity.
The indigenous community is disproportionately affected by diabetes, necessitating a critical need for effective medications and equipment to manage this chronic condition. According to McDonald, utilizing drones to deliver medical supplies to the neighborhood offers a viable solution, thereby eliminating the need for tribal members to make lengthy trips to Grand Forks.
According to him, the Tremendous Bolo, with its capacity for a 5.5-hour journey, could be easily adapted to handle extended round-trip flights that require similar durations.
Once we’ve completed our initial assessments and development, we’ll proceed to implement it. “That flight will become a reality within the next year or two.” We’re very enthusiastic about it.”
The Tremendous Bolo is a revolutionary hybrid vehicle that seamlessly combines fuel efficiency with electric propulsion, boasting innovative battery-powered VTOL capabilities for unparalleled flexibility in aerial transportation. As the aircraft lifts off, it transitions seamlessly into gas-powered mode for vertical takeoff.
As McDonald explained, a key selling point lies in the aircraft’s ability to recharge its electric batteries during flight by harnessing energy from the fuel source. “The beauty of this concept lies in its flexibility – we’ll be able to depart from anywhere we prefer, and arrive at any destination we choose.”
McDonald noted a recent agreement between McDonald’s and Altru Health System, a leading provider in North Dakota, to explore the feasibility of using drones to transport medical supplies between Altru’s facilities?
The healthcare system’s aerial logistics service, in its initial stages, may involve short-distance drone flights, spanning just a few city blocks, and extend up to 40 miles for deliveries to more remote affiliated facilities, according to McDonald. While shorter intra-city flights won’t necessitate the use of a BVLOS waiver, they might still need FAA clearance.
As we prepare for lift-off, our sensors will capture detailed images of individuals and vehicles below.
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Miriam McNabb serves as both Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a leading provider of drone services. With a keen eye on the burgeoning drone industry and its evolving regulatory landscape, she is an astute observer of these developments. Miriam has written more than 3,000 articles focused on the business drone sector and is a renowned international speaker and authoritative figure in her field. Miriam holds a degree from the University of Chicago and boasts more than two decades of experience in high-tech sales and marketing, specializing in pioneering technologies.
For a wide range of clients seeking expert guidance on drone operations, consulting services are available to ensure compliance with regulations, optimize flight plans, and streamline data collection processes.
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