Beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations are where the remote pilot is:
- operating in a different location to the drone
- unable to maintain visual line-of-sight.
The requirements
To operate BVLOS, you must have a:
- remotely piloted aircraft operator's certificate (ReOC)
- remote pilot licence (RePL) with either:
- a pass in the Instrument Rating or BVLOS exam
- operate under the direct supervision of an individual who holds a pass in one of the exams (refer CASA EX51/24)
- BVLOS flight approval.
BVLOS flight approvals take several months to assess from the date of payment.
How we assess BVLOS applications
The Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) developed specific operations risk assessment (SORA). We adopted SORA in 2017.
In June 2024, JARUS published SORA 2.5. We anticipate CASA will provide an update on the transition to SORA 2.5 in 2025. All applications must continue to use the SORA 2.0 until this time.
Temporary management instruction
We have published a temporary management instructions (TMIs) to provide clearer guidance for BVLOS operations.
This update introduces new population density bands and qualitative descriptors, which will support you to identify a more accurate ground risk class for your operational volume. The TMI incorporates elements from the latest SORA 2.5 version, including the ability to claim sheltering (in some circumstances) to reduce the ground risk class.
We hosted a free webinar designed to help you to apply to conduct beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations. It covered the latest tools and tips on how to make a specific operations risk assessment (SORA) based BVLOS application.
This TMI outlines how and when CASA uses a certain method to assess complex drone operations. While SORA is the default method, we may still use other assessment approaches in some cases. The TMI also provides estimated dates for CASA's continuing adoption of SORA version 2.5.
Advanced operations
To enquire or apply for SORA SAIL III or higher operations go to advanced operations.
Broad Area BVLOS pathways (trial)
CASA is trialling 4 approval pathways for broad area BVLOS flight operations for 12 months until 13 October 2026. A ReOC holder who meets the requirements and criteria for these BVLOS flight approvals may apply for and receive broad area BVLOS operations approval for 12 months. Read the temporary management instruction Broad BVLOS Operations to find out how to apply.