Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS): What It Really Means for RPAS Operations in Canada

Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations are often described as the next major step in professional remotely piloted aircraft systems(RPAS) operations. Yet despite the growing interest, BVLOS remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of drone operations in Canada.

Many operators associate BVLOS with longer range, larger aircraft, or advanced sensors. While those elements can be part of a BVLOS operation, they do not define it. Under Transport Canada’s regulatory framework, BVLOS is not simply about how far a drone can fly, it’s about how safety is maintained when the flight crew can no longer rely on direct visual contact.

This article is the first in a three-part series exploring what BVLOS really means in Canada, how it differs from traditional operations, and why it must be approached as a complete operational program rather than a single flight approval.

Where BVLOS Operations Are Being Used in Canada

BVLOS operations are already being applied across Canada in use cases where extended reach and operational efficiency provide clear value. Common applications include long-distance infrastructure inspections along pipelines, rail corridors, and electrical transmission lines, where traditional VLOS flights would be impractical. In public safety and emergency response, BVLOS enables large-area monitoring for wildfires, floods, and search-and-rescue coordination, supporting situational awareness over expansive or remote terrain. BVLOS is also used in surveying, mapping, and environmental monitoring, allowing data collection across difficult landscapes such as forests or northern regions. In transportation and logistics, BVLOS supports route-based operations that reduce reliance on ground access and improve reach to remote or underserved locations. Across these applications, the common driver is the ability to operate safely beyond visual constraints while maintaining structured risk controls.

What Does BVLOS Mean Under Transport Canada?

In Canadian RPAS operations, BVLOS refers to flights where the pilot is unable to maintain unaided visual contact with the aircraft in a manner sufficient to manage traffic separation and collision avoidance.

Once visual reference is lost, the assumptions that underpin standard Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) operations no longer apply. The pilot can no longer depend on eyesight alone to:

• Detect and Avoid(DAA) other airspace users 

• Maintain situational awareness

• Respond immediately to unexpected hazards

As a result, Transport Canada evaluates BVLOS operations based on how these risks are addressed through alternative means, including procedures, crew coordination, and supporting systems. The emphasis shifts from what the pilot can see to how the operation is designed.

VLOS, EVLOS, and BVLOS: Understanding the Difference

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

VLOS operations require the pilot to maintain continuous unaided visual contact with the aircraft. Human vision serves as the primary safety mitigation, allowing the pilot to see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles directly.

Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS)

EVLOS extends operational range by using one or more visual observers positioned along the flight path. While this allows operations beyond the pilot’s direct view, it still relies heavily on human visual detection and communication, which limits scalability and consistency.

Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)

BVLOS represents the point where visual observers are no longer relied upon for separation. Instead, safety is achieved through a combination of operational procedures, crew roles, and systems designed to maintain awareness and manage risk without direct visual contact.

Why BVLOS Is Treated Differently by Regulators

The primary challenge of BVLOS is the loss of visual separation from other airspace users. In Canadian airspace, particularly at low altitudes RPAS must safely coexist with helicopters, agricultural aircraft, general aviation aircraft and other crewed operations.

Because the pilot cannot see the aircraft or surrounding traffic, Transport Canada requires operators to demonstrate how an equivalent level of safety is maintained through risk assessment and flight planning. This includes evaluating:

• Airspace risk and traffic density

• Conflict detection and avoidance strategies

• Command and control reliability

• Crew training and decision-making

• Emergency and contingency procedures

BVLOS approval is therefore less about the aircraft itself and more about how the operation manages risk as a system.

A Common Misconception: “The Aircraft Enables BVLOS”

One of the most persistent myths is that BVLOS capability comes from the aircraft or sensor package. In reality, the same drone may be suitable for VLOS, EVLOS, or BVLOS depending entirely on how it is operated.

Transport Canada evaluates:

• Operational design

• Procedures and limitations

• Crew roles and training

• Risk assessments and mitigations

BVLOS capability emerges from the interaction between people, procedures, and technology, not from hardware alone.

BVLOS Is a Program, Not a Single Flight

Successful BVLOS operations are built as repeatable, scalable programs rather than one-off approvals. This includes:

• A defined concept of operations (CONOPS)

• Structured training beyond basic certification

• Clear crew responsibilities

• Ongoing safety management and oversight

Organizations that approach BVLOS as an extension of VLOS often encounter delays or limitations, while those that design BVLOS programs intentionally are better positioned for long-term operational success.

Coming Up Next in This Series

This article lays the foundation for understanding what BVLOS really means in Canada. In Part 2, we’ll break down the core components of a BVLOS operational system covering risk management, crew structure, and operational design. Part 3 will focus on training, execution, and the transition from approval to routine operations.

Because in BVLOS, success is determined long before the aircraft ever leaves the ground.