YDQA: Ep 31 - "When is BVLOS going to be widely rolled out in the United States?"

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of Your Drone Questions Answered! In this captivating installment, John Dickow, the host of Drone Launch Academy's informative series, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Todd Graetz, a prominent figure in the dynamic world of drone technology. Together, they delve into the intricacies of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for drones, offering keen insights into the present state, the challenges that lie ahead, and the potential transformative impact on diverse industries.

The topic of BVLOS operations has garnered significant attention over the years, and this episode seeks to unravel the mysteries surrounding its widespread adoption. Todd Graetz, a multi-company regulatory drone pioneer with an impressive track record, is the perfect guest to shed light on this complex subject.

Throughout this engaging discussion, Todd provides a comprehensive overview of BVLOS, outlining what it entails and how it can be applied in various contexts. BVLOS, he explains, represents the epitome of scalable drone operations and holds the key to realizing the full potential of drone technology in the United States. From package delivery to agriculture, firefighting, infrastructure inspection, and more, BVLOS has the potential to revolutionize countless industries.

Todd's involvement in the drone industry dates back to 2013 when he co-founded BNSF Railway's drone program. BNSF Railway stands as one of the largest BVLOS drone operators in the United States and has collaborated closely with the FAA under a cooperative research agreement since 2015. This vast experience and his current roles on FAA committees and as a board member of AUVSI make Todd Graetz a trusted authority on BVLOS.

As the conversation unfolds, Todd delves into the heart of the matter—the current challenges facing BVLOS operations. He emphasizes that the primary hurdle is reaching a consensus between incumbent operators and new entrants regarding the operation of drones below 500 feet in congested airspace. The debate centers on equipping aircraft for electronic visibility, and it's a critical issue that must be resolved for BVLOS to become a reality.

Todd's insights highlight the urgency of the situation. He stresses that the United States cannot afford to wait another ten years to make BVLOS a reality. If the industry doesn't swiftly reach an agreement and progress with regulatory development, it risks losing its leadership position to other countries. Moreover, the economic and job opportunities that the domestic drone industry could offer might be squandered.

However, Todd also brings optimism to the conversation. He believes that with swift action and cooperation, the industry could witness BVLOS operations taking flight within the next year or two. The implications of this development are enormous, from package deliveries to reduced road congestion, BVLOS has the potential to transform society in myriad ways.

For aspiring professionals and drone enthusiasts in the audience, Todd offers invaluable advice. He suggests that individuals interested in a career in the drone industry should choose a specialization—either focusing on the flying aspect of drones or specializing in analytics, data collection, and data dissemination. Those specializing in flying should consider obtaining a private pilot license to gain a deeper understanding of airspace and systems.

As Todd Graetz aptly puts it, the future of BVLOS is at our doorstep, and it's an exciting time to be part of the drone industry. Stay tuned to Your Drone Questions Answered for more intriguing discussions on the evolving drone landscape and its limitless possibilities!

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