The FAA has approved NUAIR, a nonprofit organization focused on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and the New York UAS Test Site to fly unmanned aircraft systems beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS). The test area covers 35 miles of airspace within New York’s 50-mile drone corridor. Current regulations require drone operators to be able to see the drone, limiting the ability to fly long distances. Flying BVLOS, according to market analysts, opens up new opportunities for routine commercial drone operations like medical and package deliveries.
“Oneida County’s Test Site at Griffiss International Airport has long established itself as an elite hub for all things UAS,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “This latest FAA authorization will allow our 50-mile drone corridor to push the limits of what is possible yet again, and we look forward to the new advancements that will result.”
NUAIR will use ground-based surveillance systems installed throughout the corridor to monitor air traffic and detect intruder aircraft for BVLOS operations that are taking place at or below 400 feet. Visual observers may also be deployed during BVLOS operations to assure safety of operations.
“We have a long track record of safe UAS test flights and real-life implementation, including BVLOS operations,” said NUAIR Chief of Operations Tony Basile. “This new BVLOS airspace authorization will allow us to test more advanced, long-range flights and help us prove BVLOS operations can be done safely – the key component in realizing the true economic advantage of commercial drone operations.”
In 2019, NUAIR and the test site received their first BVLOS authority for an eight-by-four-mile stretch of airspace from the New York UAS Test Site. NUAIR has conducted over 3,800 UAS test flights at the site, within New York’s 50-mile Drone Corridor, equating to more than 950 flight hours since operations began in 2014.
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