It might be in the wind. I just took part in a public feedback forum for Transport Canada. They are looking at a number of changes to the Regs including BVLOS in certain situations. One of the most useful ones is Sheltered operations - like real estate photography where a pilot may fly around a building and lose sight of the drone for a few moments.I saw a post on one of my Facebook groups that they were talking about a proposed part 108 license that would allow you to fly BVLOS. Has anybody heard any new news about this as all I can find are things from last year.
It'll be here sooner than we think since much of the BVLOS is being driven by industry - delivery, pipeline and powerline inspections including law enforcement, 1st responders, etc.I'm always a little skeptical about information from Facebook, but after reading this string and googling the subject, it's obviously real. I had not seen or heard of this before now. Exciting for the possibilities, but knowing the pace of the FAA and our government in general, I don't look for it to happen within this senior's remaining flying years.
Recently had to complete 10 miles of pipeline inspection in the Texas sun with 102 degrees temperatures. That 2 nautical miles extended BVLOS would have made for a shorter and more efficient day.It'll be here sooner than we think since much of the BVLOS is being driven by industry - delivery, pipeline and powerline inspections including law enforcement, 1st responders, etc.
My favorite is the new rule for mapping/inspections that will allow a pilot to fly up to 2 nautical miles away called "Extended VLOS". That would cover just about any mapping/surveying task I might undertake.
Don Joyce has a Youtube channel and represents the Canadian RPAS delegation that regularly meets with Transport Canada to work on regs. He has a summary of the new regs under consideration here:
I would imagine the FAA and TC are talking with each other about possible upcoming changes to the rules in both countries.