BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight)

Everything you need to know to build your SORA processes for a successful SFOC application

SORA Processes for SFOC

The Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) methodology developed by the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) is the standard in Canada and the USA for evaluating the safety of an RPAS operation in BVLOS. To successfully apply for a waiver from your CAA you will need the elements included in the SORA as they are a guide to assessing the risks, mitigations required and accurate conclusions on the expected risk having applied a matrix of mitigation measures.

Transport Canada continues to approve SFOC applications for routine, low-risk BVLOS operations that are accompanied by high-quality SORA documentation. Our BVLOS SORA training focuses on providing knowledge and strategies combined with industry best practices for procedures, processes and current regulatory information required to conduct safe and compliant BVLOS operations across Canada.

In the US a waiver is a special permission granted by aviation authorities (CAA) that permits BVLOS operations specified in the application. Although the process is similar to the Canadian SORA, there are differences in documentation and delivery.

LEADING & BUILDING THE CANADIAN RPAS INDUSTRY STANDARDS

Volatus is a member of the Transport Canada BVLOS knowledge working group and works closely as a subject matter expert and advisory role in supporting the development of BVLOS Ground School standards to safely integrate BVLOS drone operations into Canadian airspace. Transport Canada has established various standing committees from industry to assist in developing the regulations for BVLOS training of pilots. Volatus proudly sits on two.

We are dedicated to building the Canadian RPAS industry and safety standards. For example, today, we launch our FREE BASIC Transport Canada course because we feel that there have been too many “near misses” by drones flown irresponsibly. Our BASIC includes concise explanations of Canadian RPAS laws and an in-depth study of Human Factors. There is no excuse not to have a BASIC pilot’s license if you own or fly a drone in Canada.

The same goes for building SORA knowledge and expertise in Canada. We have designed an accessible and reasonably priced BVLOS/SORA program to ensure participants know how to apply for an SFOC successfully and remain compliant in BVLOS operations.

WHY IT MATTERS TO YOU

Your first BVLOS SFOC will prove a time-consuming and challenging process; we know what Transport Canada expects. Allow us to guide you through the document requirements and risk mitigation processes you need to satisfy Transport Canada expectations for BVLOS operations.

MORE DETAILS

You can take the three-day course, which will take you through BVLOS theory, regulations, practical exercises, including flight principles, functionality, and controllability. Detection and tracking, sensors and communication. Impacts of geographical and topographical on a flight, mitigation strategies and risk analysis. The third day is in the field, working with experienced BVLOS pilots.

We are offering a one-day SORA workshop which you can opt to take separately. We have designed this workshop for experienced RPAS operators who need to understand the SORA process and successfully complete a low-risk BVLOS SORA.

TRAINING DETAILS

Practical training provides in-field experience at pre-determined locations. Students will plan and conduct a complete BVLOS mission from start to finish while under the supervision of a skilled instructor (and with dual control systems and extended visual line of sight for maximum safety and risk mitigation). Our mobile field units contain all the necessary RPAS and safety/emergency equipment for BVLOS/EVLOS. In addition, the student can experience conducting simulated live BVLOS operations with a wide range of RPAS types.

BVLOS OPERATIONS IN CANADA

DAY ONE - FULL BVLOS

The three-day BVLOS course introduces the BVLOS operational requirements from scratch. It covers future proposed regulations and provides an overview of using the Matrice 300 and how to maximize radio control links and minimize lost link situations when operating at the limits of the range. It also includes a practical day where you will experience a complete BVLOS operation from start to finish, with direct involvement with the planning and the flight process.

  • Transport Canada Roadmap for BVLOS Operations
  • BVLOS Equipment and Systems
  • Operational Limitations
  • Detect & Avoid

SORA ONE-DAY WORKSHOP

DAY TWO - FULL BVLOS

SORA Day is for people who are confident in current regulations and already have experience in SFOC applications and have probably conducted EVLOS operations already.

When combined with Day #1 and Day #3 it is a complete end-to-end BVLOS operations program.

  • Maintenance Manuals
  • Logbooks & Standard Operating Procedures
  • SORA and SFOC Processes
  • Meteorology & Comms
  • Flight Planning

PRACTICAL TRAINING IN-FIELD

DAY THREE - FULL BVLOS

Practical hands-on experience of a BVLOS operation in the field – working with experienced BVLOS pilots and operators.

  • In-field BVLOS (EVLOS) Practical Operations & Procedures
  • Debrief & Review
  • Certificate of Completion

Our BVLOS pilot training combines IN-PERSON/LIVE webinars and in-person teaching. We provide continuous evaluation of skills and competency throughout, ensuring a complete understanding of the subject matter as you progress through the material.

DAY ONE

  • October 4 10am-2pm EST
  • October 18 12pm-4pm EST

SORA ONE-DAY WORKSHOP / DAY TWO

  • Tuesday, October 12, 10 am-2 pm EST
  • Tuesday, October 26, 10 am-2 pm EST
  • Tuesday, November 9, 10 am-2 pm EST
  • Tuesday, November 23, 10 am-2 pm EST
  • Tuesday, December 7, 10 am-2 pm EST

The dates available for In-Person Field Training Days per Province:

British Columbia:  21 Oct, 22 Oct

Alberta: 21 Oct, 22 Oct

Manitoba: 21 Oct, 22 Oct

Ontario: 21 Oct, 22 oct

Quebec:  (Full) 21 Oct, 22 Oct

Prince Edward Island: 21 Oct

HANDS-ON TRAINING ON MULTIPLE UAV PLATFORMS

We believe it is vital that BVLOS training be comprehensive and hands-on, allowing the student to experience operating both multi-rotor and fixed-wing aircraft while applying their knowledge to the safety and regulatory planning processes. Competent team management and communication are vital for BVLOS operations.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

For BVLOS training you are required to hold the RPAS Advanced Pilot certificate. Additionally, we recommend you have a minimum of 100 hours of advanced RPAS piloting experience in various challenging conditions, hold a ROC-A license, and can demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of flight planning, general aviation and crew management

Three requirements for our BVLOS preparedness training: