In a significant leap for drone operations, Avy has been granted the first-ever Light UAS Certificate (LUC) for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights in The Netherlands. This milestone, achieved at the close of 2023, paves the way for Avy to conduct safe and efficient aerial missions across Europe without the direct oversight of the national civil aviation authorities.
The LUC, a credential established by the European Union's aviation regulatory bodies, acknowledges Avy's adherence to the stringent safety and operational standards set forth by the European Commission and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The certification process, initiated on the eve of regulatory changes on December 30, 2020, was marked by rigorous evaluations and feedback cycles with the Dutch Civil Aviation Authority (ILT).
Despite an initial setback and rejection by the ILT due to maturity levels, Avy dedicated itself to meeting the necessary standards, culminating in a successful audit and the award of the LUC. This certification not only underscores Avy's commitment to safety and regulatory compliance but also significantly enhances operational and commercial prospects by enabling the company to self-authorise its Specific Operations Risk Assessments (SORAs), including BVLOS operations.
For Avy's customers, the LUC signifies access to expert knowledge in obtaining similar certifications, assurance of highly skilled and knowledgeable flight operators, and an expedited process for expanding BVLOS operations in Europe. This development represents a crucial step forward in the use of drones for critical missions, offering a model of compliance and safety for the industry.
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