Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations have emerged as a critical tool to address healthcare, security and infrastructure management challenges, among others, in Africa. However, navigating the complex regulatory landscape remains a major hurdle for most operators. This article explores the current landscape of BVLOS regulations in Africa, explores case studies of BVLOS operations in countries with existing policies and explores how companies can learn from both of these things for operational success.
BVLOS Regulations in Africa
Unlike in crewed aviation, where harmonized regulations exist through organizations like the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), BVLOS regulations differ across nations and states worldwide due to varying airspace management capabilities, infrastructure and, in some cases, government priorities. In Africa, some regions have a functioning BVLOS regulatory framework, while others seem to be figuring one out as they go, often based on the case at hand. Here are some of the countries with existing policies governing BVLOS operation:
South Africa
South Africa has one of the most solid BVLOS regulatory frameworks in Africa – so much so that it has inspired similar regulations in other countries. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has published clear guidelines for drone companies that hold an Unmanned Aircraft System Operator Certification (UASOC) on what they need to do to operate drones beyond the line of sight. These guidelines include pilot training and certification on BVLOS operations, airworthiness certification for drones flying BVLOS operational standards that meet BVLOS requirements and a requirement for insurance coverage.
Rwanda
Thanks to its collaborative approach with private companies like Zipline, Rwanda was one of the first countries to adopt BVLOS regulations. TheRwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) has set clear guidelines for BVLOS operations. These include:
- Operators must demonstrate how their technology can detect and avoid other air traffic, weather hazards, and obstacles.
- Unless granted special approval, all BVLOS drones must remain within Radio Line of Sight (RLOS).
- Operations beyond RLOS (BRLOS) require additional authorization and prove that the system has sufficient control and safety measures in place.
- For BVLOS flights in controlled airspace, coordination with Air Traffic Control (ATC) is mandatory.
- Operators must communicate any operational limitations and preprogrammed emergency procedures and ensure that ATC has a direct line of communication with the Remote Pilot Station (RPS) for contingency situations.
- Additional safety measures apply for flights over populated areas, including emergency landing plans and risk mitigation strategies.
Kenya
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) allows BVLOS operations under specific requirements. Similar to South Africa, KCAA treats BVLOS approvals on a case-by-case basis, where the applicant has to fulfill pilot skills requirements, drone airworthiness, how the project affects those directly and indirectly involved, insurance and standards of operations. Kenya has yet to adopt large-scale BVLOS operations by taking a strict control approach rather than a gradual adoption one. However, as more companies continue to express their interest in such operations, the KCAA seems to be refining its regulatory framework.
Nigeria
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken a risk-based approach to BVLOS operations, by categorizing the operations as low, medium or high risk. Interested applicants must first obtain a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator Certificate (ROC) before being certified for BVLOS flights. The NCAA then applies varying safety and technical requirements, depending on the operation. Key requirements include:
- Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems to avoid collision with other aircraft.
- Robust communication systems between the aircraft and the control system.
- Adequate emergency protocols.
Common Hurdles For BVLOS Applicants
While BVLOS operations have proven invaluable in solving some of Africa’s challenges, such as logistics and social inequality, several roadblocks make applying to fly BVLOS somewhat challenging. As mentioned earlier, the fact that the regulatory landscape is still evolving, itself, presents a challenge for some operators to navigate. These are some of the challenges that can sometimes hinder BVLOS operations in Africa.
Regulatory Complexity
While some African countries have a solid structure for BVLOS regulations, the approval process is quite complex and lengthy. Some CAAs simply copy regulations from other regions – but applying them locally, in a different environmentment, may be difficult. The rigidity of these regulations also makes it hard for new companies to get approval. Systems tend to favor well-established operators. All of these things can cause frustration or worse, costly delays.
High Compliance Costs
For some businesses, the costs of getting Remote Operators Certificates (ROCs), BVLOS certifications, aircraft airworthiness certifications, insurance, etc. can simply be too high. Safety requirements, such as the DAA systems, may require investing in expensive equipment. To prove operations meet the requirements, businesses will also need to conduct demonstrations. These pile on additional approval and operational costs.
No Harmonization
Currently, Africa has a fragmented regulatory landscape regarding BVLOS operations. As a result, it becomes difficult for companies to scale their operations beyond one country. They must go through a separate application process in each country in which they desire to operate.
Inadequate ATC Integration
Operators face challenges when applying for BVLOS operations due to the inconsistent or a lack of coordination with Air Traffic Control, when such coordination is required. This makes it difficult to keep track of drones within a sector of airspace at any given time.
Lack of UTM
A robust UAS traffic management system (UTM) has yet to be built almost anywhere. Even so, the Elevate Africa Drone Summit held in Kenya in June 2024, which brought together UAV professionals and stakeholders worldwide, highlighted that a full-scale UTM system is not necessary at the moment. Companies looking to explore BVLOS operations in Africa can create a modular UTM system based on the perceived risk and expand it as the drone traffic increases. Some companies, such as Zipline, have already successfully achieved this.
Notable African BVLOS Case Studies
Despite these regulatory and operational challenges, successful BVLOS operations in Africa have proven their potential. From medical drone delivery and security to wildlife monitoring, long-range drones, in particular, have positively impacted a wide range of industries. The below case studies showcase some of the more successful BVLOS projects in Africa and what we can learn from them.
Zipline’s Medical Delivery
Zipline has launched BVOS operations in Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya, Ivory Coast and Nigeria. The company first established itself in Rwanda by delivering blood, vaccines and other medical items to rural areas. It has since expanded to several other countries.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zipline demonstrated the usefulness of drones with BVLOS capabilities in medical delivery by delivering at least 8 million doses of the vaccine. Today, Zipline delivers thousands of medical supplies on a daily basis. Impressively, no incidents that have caused injury or damage to property have occurred in these widespread operations.
Below are some insights into Ziplines’s technologies that have made this possible and what business can learn from them when preparing for their own approvals:
- GPS in Batteries: When flying drones like DJI drones, you often have to wait for the number of satellites to be sufficient for flight. By placing GPS in the batteries, Zipline ensures continuous connection to satellites so that GPS is always available for flight.
- Automated Pre-flight Checks: Zipline uses a mobile app to conduct pre-flight checks. This speeds up the process while ensuring accuracy and more flights per day.
- Redundancies: The Zipline P1 drone has two of everything, including motors, that it needs one for flight. In case one fails, the other kicks in.
- Parachutes: Each drone comes equipped with a parachute so that in an emergency, it will drop to the ground slowly without damaging anything.
- Constant Communication with ATC: To ensure smooth flights, Zipline constantly communicates with Rwanda ATC to prevent collisions with other aircraft.
- Decentralized UTM: Zipline also has its own patented UTM system to manage several aircraft flying in a given space and as a safety measure in case of lost communication with the aircraft.
- DAA Systems: Zipline’s drones have two onboard DAA systems – ADS-B transponders that broadcast aircraft data and inform nearby aircraft and acoustic sensors that use microphones to detect aircraft from up to 2 miles away regardless of weather or lighting.
AVY in Botswana
In 2021, Avy partnered with the United Nations Populations Fund, the Botswana International University of Science and Technology and the Botswana Ministry of Health for medical delivery by drone. Dubbed “Drones for Health,” the project aimed to reduce maternal deaths by delivering medical supplies 65% faster than traditional methods. Avy used its Aera VTOL drone for this project. Below are some of its key specs:
- Up to 40 KM maximum distance.
- 55 minutes flight time.
- ADS-B In/Out for situational awareness.
- LiDAR sensors for precise take-off and landing.
In 2024, Avy returned to Botswana to demonstrate the capabilities of its Aera 3, an upgrade to the Aera VTOL, for logistics, surveillance and infrastructure inspection. For this project, they collaborated with Drones For Africa.
WildDrone in Kenya
WildDrone EU recently trialed BVLOS operations for wildlife monitoring in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. Because the Conservancy sits in an area with frequent low-flying crewed aircraft such as military aircraft, they had to work closely with the KCAA, Kenya Air Force ATC,and local drone companies.
The project used off-the-shelf multirotor drones like DJI drones, which come with ADS-B and 360-degree obstacle DAA powered by infrared or LiDAR. They also proposed creating a Detect-and-Avoid Disturbance (DAAD) system to adjust the drone’s flight path based on animals’ reactions.
Strategies for BVLOS Success in Africa
As already established, African CAA’s often treat BVLOS approvals on a case-by-case basis. Now that we have taken a glimpse at successful BVLOS projects, below are tips, culled from lessons learned, for any company seeking to launch or scale its operations in the current regulatory landscape.
Collaborate with Regulators and Local Companies
The operations of Zipline, WildDrone and Avy have all proved the importance of working with regulators and local companies when seeking approvals for drone operations. Zipline’s success, in Rwanda and Kenya, best highlights the importance of working with regulators. When the company started operations in Rwanda, BVLOS regulations either didn’t exist or were still in the works, but it worked with the RCAA until approvals flowed. Today, Zipline delivers to more than 80% of hospitals in Rwanda. Zipline also set the precedent for BVLOS approvals in Kenya by being one of the first companies to receive BVLOS approval.
Establish Strong Safety Protocols
Flying a drone BVLOS, especially where the operator cannot see the drone, requires an investment in strong communication systems, DAA systems and failsafe technologies. Investing in these technologies not only makes the operations safer but also allows them to satisfy BVLOS regulatory requirements. While each case study used a different aircraft, each use case had one commonality: they invested in robust safety and communication systems such as ADS-B, acoustic systems infrared, and LiDAR.
Build Pilot Capacity
As mentioned earlier, flying BVLOS requires different skills. All the regulators across different countries seem to acknowledge the need for specially trained personnel. As a result, it’s important to ensure pilots are trained and certified in BVLOS operations and related safety procedures, such as the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA). As South Africa is pioneering BVLOS training for pilots, this would be a good place to look to equip staff with the right skills. Showcasing successful projects a company may have had in other regions with those pilots can also help build credibility.
The Key to Successful BVLOS Drone Operations in Africa
As BVLOS drone operations continue to improve healthcare, security and infrastructure management across Africa, navigating the complicated regulatory landscape remains a critical challenge for operators. To achieve operational success, companies must thoroughly understand country-specific regulations, collaborate closely with local authorities and partners and ensure strict adherence to safety standards. By learning from successful case studies and staying informed about ever-changing policies, operators can unlock the full potential of BVLOS technology to address some of the pressing challenges on the continent.
By: Peter Karanja