Inspections of pipelines and powerlines utilizing sUAS beyond visual line of sight procedures are routinely conducted on a daily basis throughout the United States.

• A. True
• B. Sometimes
• C. Usually
• D. False

Answer: (D)

Beyond visual line of sight operations require a waiver and careful safety justification. The default rule for sUAS under Part 107 is that the remote pilot must keep the aircraft within visual line of sight, and operations beyond that require FAA authorization. Because these waivers are not routinely granted for nationwide, daily use, inspections of pipelines and powerlines using BVLOS are not a standard, everyday practice across the United States. In some cases, BVLOS may occur under approved programs or specific waivers in limited areas, but that’s not the norm for nationwide daily operations.