Broad area beyond visual line-of-sight

The broad area beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) trial lets you plan and fly safely over larger areas with fewer approvals and greater flexibility. The trial began on 15 October 2025. Approvals last up to 12 months from date of issue.

The requirements

To apply, you must:

Approvals take several months from the date of payment.

Learn how we assess BVLOS and other complex drone operations using the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) framework.

Pathways at a glance

The trial includes 4 pathways for broad area BVLOS operations. Each pathway has specific limits for aircraft size, speed, and population density. See the Temporary Management Instruction (TMI 2025-03) for full technical details and criteria.

If your operation doesn't fit one of the trial pathways, you must apply for a standard BVLOS approval.

Pathway A1 — Sparsely populated

For small RPA (under 1 metre) flying up to 25 m/s in areas with fewer than 500 people per km2.

Requires basic ground-risk mitigation.

Pathway A2 — Suburban

For small RPA (under 1 metre) flying up to 25 m/s in areas with fewer than 2,500 people per km2.

Requires stronger mitigation measures such as sheltering or a parachute recovery system.

Pathway B1 — Lightly populated

For small RPA (1–3 metres) flying up to 35 m/s in areas with fewer than 50 people per km2.

Requires basic ground-risk mitigation.

Pathway B2 — Sparsely populated

For small RPA (1–3 metres) flying up to 35 m/s in areas with fewer than 250 people per km2.

Requires stronger mitigation measures such as sheltering or a parachute recovery system.

Apply for broad area BVLOS approval

  1. Review the TMI

    Read Temporary Management Instruction 2025-03 – Broad Area BVLOS Operations.

    Confirm your operation meets one of the 4 trial pathways.

  2. Prepare your procedures

    Update your documented procedures to include the BVLOS area feasibility assessment process. You can adapt the format if the steps stay the same.

  3. Nominate a responsible person

    Choose an employee with the skills and experience listed in the TMI.

    They must complete and record all BVLOS area feasibility assessments.

  4. Complete the application form

    Download and save the Broad area BVLOS application form to your device before completing it:

    Email the completed form and supporting documents to the address listed on the form.

    If this is your first BVLOS application, you must also complete the standard BVLOS approval form and required SORA checklist.

  5. Pay the application fee

    We will send you a fee estimate when we accept your application. You must pay the fees before assessment begins. Additional costs may apply for onsite checks.

  6. Assessment of your application

    We will review your documentation, interview your responsible person, and carry out an onsite check if needed.

    We will notify you of the outcome once the assessment is complete.

  7. Reporting

    You must keep records and provide data to CASA.

    Once approved, you must provide data and reports as outlined in your authorisation instrument and TMI 2025-03.

If you already have an application in progress

You can request a variation to move into the broad area BVLOS pathway trial.

We will keep your position in the queue, if you have paid your fees.

If we have already assigned your application to an inspector, time and costs may change.

Related content

Last updated:
11 Dec 2025
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//drones/flight-authorisation-trials/broad-area-beyond-visual-line-sight
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