The Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP) recently successfully completed the first beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) UAS flight that utilized only onboard detect-and-avoid systems.

This was the first time under Part 107 that the FAA has authorized a UAS to fly BVLOS without a requirement for visual observers or a ground-based radar, as the flight instead utilized Iris Automation’s detect-and-avoid system known as Casia, which provides commercial drones with automated collision avoidance maneuvers.

The nine-mile flight allowed a Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus team and Iris Automation flight team to inspect power lines in collaboration with Evergy Inc., an energy provider in Kansas. During the first two days of flights, 150 miles were flown BVLOS.

“This marks the first true BVLOS flight in the nation and is a tremendous milestone for the drone industry,” says Iris Automation CEO Alexander Harmsen.

“We see this as one of the most notable accomplishments to come from the IPP program to date. We’re thrilled to set the precedent and bring our industry’s utilization of drones from dream to reality.”

Described as a “turnkey solution,” Casia detects, tracks and classifies other aircraft and makes informed decisions about the threat they could potentially pose to the vehicle. To avoid collisions, Casia triggers automated maneuvers, and alerts the pilot in command of the mission.