BVLOS operations for enterprise: Barriers and solutions

heliguy™ is proud to announce our milestone achievement of securing Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

With this capability, we aim to help organisations unlock the transformative potential of drones for security, infrastructure inspection, and more.

We envisage a future of connected, coordinated, and automated data collection for analysis that ultimately reduces risk and increases productivity.

A long-awaited BVLOS permission

Our CAA-approved BVLOS permissions allow us to operate drone-in-a-box systems, including the cutting-edge DJI Dock 2, in a variety of complex airspaces. The approval includes:

heliguy™ obtains permission to operate drones BVLOS in atypical air environments;

heliguy™ will use the Operational Authorisation as a blueprint to perform automated and remote drone-in-a-box deployments for enterprise organisations;

Approval is for operations with the DJI Dock and DJI Dock 2 ecosystem, and missions will be conducted by heliguy™’s pilot team from the Remote Operations Control Centre (ROCC) at heliguy™ HQ, or from the heliguy™ Drone Command Unit.

This technical edge positions heliguy™ as a leader in enabling BVLOS operations for organisations of all sizes, offering a framework for businesses to adopt this technology confidently and compliantly.

The challenges of BVLOS adoption

While BVLOS technology promises substantial benefits, its adoption is not without hurdles. Organisations often face challenges in five critical areas:

Perception:

Public and client attitudes towards drones are improving, but there remains a need for education and transparency.

Demonstrating the safety, efficiency, and benefits of BVLOS operations is essential to gaining wider acceptance. Perceptions can usually be wrong and the focus on the wrong risks can slow organisations down.

Regulation:

Navigating the complex web of CAA regulations can be daunting. Ensuring compliance with BVLOS-specific requirements, such as airspace awareness and risk assessment protocols including human factors, requires expertise and dedicated resources.

Technology:

While drone hardware has advanced significantly, limitations in terms of knowledge and skills required to operate the hardware to its full potential remain elusive.

Incorrect and ill-conceived interpretations related to security whilst overlooking safety are very prevalent in the wider observer (rather than operator) community. Focusing on the data should be the goal, making it repeatable is the future.

Implementation:

Integrating drones into existing workflows can be complex, requiring detailed planning, pilot projects, and organisational change management.

Keeping documented management systems for operations can be time-consuming and daunting to risk-averse organisations.

Skills:

A shortage of trained professionals with the necessary expertise to manage BVLOS operations can slow down adoption.

Reaching critical mass within an organisation to prevent disruption should key players leave is also an observation. But reaching a critical mass can come with challenges, such as attracting and retaining talent, managing costs and resources, and handling scaling processes.

How heliguy™ addresses these challenges

heliguy™ can address these challenges to BVLOS adoption in numerous ways. These include:

Improving perception:

heliguy™ takes an active role in educating stakeholders about the benefits of BVLOS operations. Through open communication, real-world case studies, and live demonstrations, we help build trust and understanding within communities and organisations. Talking with our experienced team members can answer those common misconceptions that tend to prevail within the industry.

Navigating regulations:

With in-house regulatory specialists, heliguy™ provides end-to-end support for meeting compliance standards. Our team assists with site-specific assessments and creates bespoke Operational Safety Cases (OSC) tailored to each client’s needs. This ensures that your operations are not only compliant but also optimised for efficiency.

Delivering reliable technology:

As a trusted DJI partner for over 15 years, heliguy™ supplies cutting-edge hardware such as the DJI Dock 2. This drone-in-a-box solution enables automated operations, from take-off and landing to charging and data processing. Our authorised servicing centres ensure that your equipment remains in peak condition, backed by a team of 40+ varying infrastructure specialists. heliguy™ has knowledge well beyond the DJI ecosystem, we have lived it and seen it and safety, reliability and usability will win the day.

Simplifying BVLOS implementation

heliguy™ can simplify the BVLOS implementation process.We offer a full setup and operation service, including site setup, risk assessment, CAA proposal submission, equipment installation and deployment, operational training, data collection, processing, and delivery under our OA at our risk. Flexible operational options are available, tailored to your needs, but these require varying levels of commitment. For a solution that maximises the benefits of drone technology for your enterprise, contact us today. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. By understanding your business objectives and challenges, heliguy™ ensures that your BVLOS operations deliver tangible benefits and align with your enterprise goals.

Building skills and expertise

As an approved Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE), heliguy™ delivers industry-leading training programmes. These courses equip your teams with the knowledge and certifications required to safely and effectively manage drone operations including BVLOS operations.

Why BVLOS operations matter

BVLOS technology allows organisations to operate drones beyond the operator’s line of sight, unlocking significant benefits such as:

Enhanced Efficiency: Automating repetitive tasks, such as inspections and surveys, with minimal manual intervention.

Scalable Operations: Enabling multi-site and large-scale drone operations without requiring localised manual control.

Improved Safety: Reducing risks to personnel by deploying drones in hazardous or hard-to-reach environments.

With these capabilities, BVLOS is poised to revolutionise industries such as infrastructure, energy, security, and environmental monitoring.

Take the next step with BVLOS

BVLOS is transforming industries, and heliguy™ is at the forefront of this evolution. If your organisation is serious about leveraging drone technology to improve efficiency, safety, and innovation, reach out to us today.

Let us help you build a customised BVLOS strategy that aligns with your goals, whether through a full-service setup or flexible support options. Together, we can unlock the full potential of BVLOS and take your operations to the next level.

Contact heliguy™ today