FAA approval allows day and night BVLOS drone operations without a visual observer
The Campbell Police Department in California has taken a major step forward in enhancing public safety through its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. The department recently received a groundbreaking waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allowing beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations at any time of day or night. This approval enables the department to conduct drone missions without requiring a visual observer, a significant milestone for DFR operations.
Expanded Capabilities for 24/7 Response
Since launching its DFR program in 2022, the Campbell Police Department has used human visual observers during drone operations. The department relied on a daytime waiver for BVLOS flights, gaining critical real-time aerial data to improve resource allocation and safety. However, operating drones at night posed a challenge due to visibility limitations. With the FAA’s new approval under part 91.113(b), the department can now perform BVLOS operations around the clock using DedroneBeyond technology.
Chief Gary Berg of the Campbell Police Department highlighted the importance of this advancement: “This FAA approval is a major milestone for our department and our community. With the ability to conduct drone operations day or night without the need for visual observers, we can respond faster and more effectively to emergencies, improving both officer and public safety. This technology is a game changer in ensuring we have the tools to support our community when it matters most.”
The new waiver eliminates the need for visual observers by incorporating DedroneBeyond’s ground-based detect and avoid system. This AI-powered system allows drones to fly autonomously while avoiding crewed aircraft, even in challenging weather conditions or low-light scenarios. Acting as a virtual visual observer, the system ensures safe flight paths for drones, enabling swift deployment to emergency scenes.
Partnership and Technological Integration
The Campbell Police Department’s DFR program benefits from the collaboration of several key industry partners, including Dedrone by Axon, DroneSense, and MatrixSpace. The integrated solution leverages multiple technologies to provide a unified view of airspace, ensuring situational awareness and mission control. These systems allow the department to operate drones at altitudes of up to 400 feet, day or night, without human observers.
MatrixSpace Radar plays a pivotal role in the program by providing fused radar capabilities for enhanced situational awareness. This radar detects both airborne and ground-based objects, improving drone flight safety during BVLOS operations.
Chief Charles L. Werner (Ret.), director of DRONERESPONDERS, commented on the significance of this waiver: “This DFR BVLOS waiver, without a visual observer, is the first of its kind and is a great step forward by expanding the FAA’s acceptance of more technology to enable public safety agencies to implement DFR programs and eliminating the human VO requirement. This also demonstrates the FAA’s willingness to support public safety by continually expanding technology to further enhance DFR programs. Congratulations to Campbell Police Department for their innovation and leadership.”
Enhancing Public Safety Through Technology
This new waiver not only expands the Campbell Police Department’s operational capacity but also represents a broader trend in law enforcement toward adopting advanced technologies for public safety. DFR programs offer real-time situational awareness that improves response times and enhances officer and community safety. By removing the requirement for human visual observers, departments like Campbell PD can deploy drones more efficiently, offering faster responses to emergency situations.
With these advancements, the Campbell Police Department is setting a precedent for other law enforcement agencies interested in maximizing the potential of their DFR programs. The ability to perform drone operations during both day and night without the need for a human visual observer marks a significant step forward in public safety and drone technology integration.
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