Today, drone operations play a decisive role in emergency response operations: search and rescue, critical inspections, fire surveillance, logistics, reconnaissance before ground crews arrive, and so on. And yet, in these contexts where every minute counts, regulatory constraints remain inescapable.
One of the most strategic, and also the most complex, is BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line Of Sight) flying. The ability to conduct BVLOS operations considerably extends the scope of missions, optimizes resources on the ground and enhances responder safety. However, this capability comes with a strict regulatory framework, notably in Canada with Transport Canada, to avoid any risk to populations, airspace and infrastructures.
This article aims to clarify the differences between CLOS, VLOS and BVLOS, to explain what a BVLOS flight really is, its interest in an emergency context, but also how to fly a drone in compliance with the regulations, in particular the obligations linked to the new legislation.
What’s the difference between CLOS, VLOS and BVLOS?
In the field of aeronautics and drones, three acronyms structure the types of authorized flights. Knowing them is essential to determine whether an emergency mission can be carried out legally.
CLOS – Controlled Line Of Sight
This is a supervised flight, where the pilot can rely on one or more observers to keep the drone within a controlled zone.
- The drone is not necessarily visible to the pilot at all times.
- But a trained observer keeps it constantly in his field of vision and can communicate instructions.
- This type of operation is particularly useful when the pilot needs to concentrate on the payload (e.g. thermal camera).
VLOS – Visual Line Of Sight
The basic or advanced Transport Canada certificate allows the pilot to fly with a direct view: the drone must remain visible without optical aids (binoculars are forbidden).
- The pilot must be able to assess the trajectory, the environment and the risks, without depending solely on a screen.
- This is the most common form of standard commercial operation.
BVLOS – Beyond Visual Line Of Sight
BVLOS flight is a flight beyond the direct line of sight where the pilot can no longer see the aircraft.
- Navigation then relies on on-board systems, such as remote video transmission, radar, LiDAR or anti-collision devices.
- The risks are higher, as the aircraft may cross paths with other aircraft, overtake unseen obstacles or cover areas where incidents may occur without the pilot being aware of it.
BVLOS flight is therefore strictly regulated. To operate legally, you generally need a specific authorization, an SCV – Specialized Flight Operations Certificate, and a drone that complies with safety requirements.
What is BVLOS flight?
BVLOS is one of the sector’s most strategic developments. It opens the way to operations that were previously impossible:
- Monitoring large areas during forest fires
- Inspection of extensive infrastructures such as high-voltage power lines, pipelines and railroads
- Emergency transport: medicines, defibrillators
- Research in isolated or dangerous environments
- Mapping or long-distance LiDAR
Why is BVLOS critical in emergency situations?
Because a drone operating beyond the pilot’s view :
- covers very large areas more quickly,
- avoids exposing ground crews to danger,
- for faster response,
- offers continuous aerial vision even in inaccessible areas.
BVLOS therefore offers genuine operational superiority, but only if the operator has the necessary authorizations and a sufficiently secure system.
New drone regulations in Canada: what you need to know
Canada is gradually strengthening its regulatory framework to enable more complex operations, including BVLOS, while ensuring a high level of safety. Since 2023-2025, several important updates have been introduced.
Key points of the new regulations :
- SCV mandatory: any BVLOS flight outside specifically approved areas must now obtain a Special Flight Operations Certificate.
- Stricter safety measures: operators must demonstrate rigorous airspace management, have a clear contingency plan and maintain communication with NAV Canada during operations.
- More stringent technical requirements for BVLOS drones :
- presence of redundant systems,
- remote identification,
- high data link reliability.
- Detect And Avoid (DAA) systems: these collision-avoidance devices are gradually becoming standard for high-risk BVLOS missions.
- More comprehensive pilot training: pilots operating in shared airspace now have to meet more stringent criteria to guarantee flight safety.
How do I fly a BVLOS drone?
BVLOS piloting is based on a very different approach to conventional visual flight. Here, pilots cannot rely on direct observation of their drone: they have to rely entirely on instruments, real-time data and operational procedures to ensure flight safety. This calls for a higher level of preparation, in terms of both human skills and on-board technology.
The first step is to obtain advanced training. The pilot must hold an advanced certificate issued by Transport Canada, and in some cases, a specific declaration of operation. This training is not just an administrative formality: it ensures that the operator has a perfect command of emergency scenarios, the risks associated with signal loss, payload limits and airspace management. In BVLOS, the environment offers no margin for error, and the pilot’s skills must compensate for the absence of line-of-sight by analyzing the information provided by the instruments.
Secondly, the drone itself must be suitable for this type of operation. We’re talking here about professional platforms, designed to fly far and long, often equipped with LiDAR, high-precision optical cameras or advanced navigation systems. These drones also incorporate secure, redundant data links, essential to avoid any mid-air blackouts. The drone’s ability to transmit a clear picture of its environment, trajectory and technical status is central to the success of a BVLOS mission.
BVLOS also requires particularly rigorous standardized procedures. Before each mission, the operator must carry out a complete planning process: airspace analysis, obstacle assessment, planned trajectory, fallback zones and protocols in the event of loss of link. Each step is documented: contingency scenarios, anti-collision system, mission log recording, communication plan. This preparation is what ensures that, even out of sight, the drone remains under total control.
In an emergency context, these requirements become even more crucial. Even if certain authorizations can be processed more quickly by the authorities, the obligations remain unchanged: coordination with local services, air corridor management, permanent communication with ground teams and risk analysis are absolutely essential. Emergencies must never become a pretext for circumventing regulations. On the contrary, it reinforces the importance of a methodical approach, since other aircraft – evacuation planes, rescue helicopters, government aircraft – may be present in the same intervention zone.
Why are BVLOS regulations essential in emergency situations?
When a critical situation arises, it can be tempting to immediately take off a drone to get a quick aerial view. However, carrying out a BVLOS flight without authorization or without respecting the legal framework represents a major risk. The drone may come into conflict with emergency aircraft, interfere with the trajectory of a rescue helicopter, suffer a loss of signal or, in the worst case, cause an aerial incident.
Beyond the operational risk, the legal impact can be significant: fines, suspension of authorizations, even prosecution, especially if emergency intervention is compromised.
BVLOS regulations should therefore not be seen as a brake, but as a guarantee of safety – for ground crews, for other aircraft in flight, for the populations overflown, and for the mission itself. It creates a clear framework within which drones can play a decisive role in emergency situations, while minimizing the risks for all concerned.
Conclusion
Drone operations in emergency situations are evolving rapidly. Today, BVLOS represents one of the most powerful levers for increasing efficiency, range and safety. However, this capability requires perfect mastery of the regulatory framework, professional preparation and the use of legally compliant drones.
Specialized organizations such as DroneXperts play a key role in supporting public and private stakeholders:
- choice of professional equipment,
- training,
- implementation of safety protocols.
If you’re planning to integrate BVLOS operations into your emergency, inspection or field analysis procedures, it’s essential to have the right support to ensure compliance, safety and the success of your missions.