Avalon 2023 takeaway – drones obtain BVLOS approval for flights in Greater Sydney

We speak with Dario Valenza, Founder and CTO of leading Australian drone manufacturer and solutions provider, Carbonix. The company has recently obtained BVLoS approval in Riverstone, Greater Sydney, using its Australian built VTOL/fixed wing aircraft in the 25 kg category.

The approval from Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is one of the first given to a long range aerial data capture aircraft, paving the way for Carbonix to complete BVLOS testing and missions with sophisticated payloads including surveying LiDar scanners and photogrammetry cameras.

Under the new approval, Carbonix uncrewed aircraft are cleared to fly inside airspace controlled by the RAAF Richmond base, with collaboration and coordination from the Australian Air Force.

Initially Carbonix will be using the airspace to unlock the full capabilities of its Volanti aircraft including its 160 km range and the strength of its remote communication links and pre-programmed emergency actions.

The approval follows a strong 2022 for the company having scaled up production after inking a deal with aerospace manufacturer Quickstep as well as partnering with a range of organisations to support their aerial surveying programs including SA Power Networks, The ACT Rural Fire Service and Geo-data specialist Fugro.

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