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EVLOS Class 1–2 Approvals

Extend Your Operational Range. Scale Your Capability.

Move Beyond Visual Line of Sight

Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) operations allow you to safely and legally operate beyond the direct visual range of a single remote pilot, using trained observers and structured procedures.

For many operators, EVLOS is the critical step between basic operations and true operational scale.

Uncrewed Approvals supports operators in obtaining EVLOS Class 1 and Class 2 approvals, enabling longer-range missions, increased efficiency, and expanded commercial capability.

What is EVLOS?

EVLOS (Extended Visual Line of Sight) is an operational approval issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority that allows drone operations beyond the pilot’s direct visual line of sight through the use of:

  • Trained Visual Observers
  • Structured communication systems
  • Defined operational procedures
  • Controlled handover and situational awareness processes

It is a risk-managed extension of standard VLOS operations, not a replacement for visual oversight.

EVLOS Class 1 vs Class 2

EVLOS Class 1

  • Single remote pilot with one or more observers
  • Operations extend beyond the pilot’s direct visual range
  • Observers maintain visual contact with the aircraft
  • Typically used for linear or extended-area operations

EVLOS Class 2

  • More complex operations with expanded operational footprint
  • May involve multiple observers and/or aircraft
  • Higher level of procedural control and coordination
  • Designed for scalable, enterprise-level operations

What EVLOS Enables

EVLOS unlocks a range of high-value operational use cases:

  • Agriculture: Large-area spraying and monitoring
  • Asset Inspection: Pipelines, powerlines, and infrastructure
  • Mining & Survey: Extended site coverage
  • Environmental Operations: Wildlife monitoring and mapping
  • Security & Surveillance: Perimeter and wide-area operations

This is where drone operations begin to move from tactical tasks to operational systems.

EVLOS vs BVLOS

EVLOS is often misunderstood as BVLOS — it is not.

  • EVLOS: Maintains visual observation through observers
  • BVLOS: Removes the requirement for visual observation entirely

EVLOS is typically:

  • Faster to achieve
  • Lower regulatory burden
  • A practical stepping stone toward BVLOS

Requirements for EVLOS Approval

To obtain EVLOS approval, your operation must demonstrate:

Operational Control

  • Clearly defined procedures
  • Roles and responsibilities

Observer Integration

  • Training and competency of observers
  • Defined communication protocols

Situational Awareness

  • Continuous awareness of aircraft position and environment
  • Handover procedures where required

Risk Management

  • Identification and mitigation of operational hazards
  • Contingency planning

Documentation

  • Updated Operations Manual
  • SOPs specific to EVLOS operations

The EVLOS Approval Process

We guide you through a structured, CASA-aligned process:

Step 1 — Capability Assessment

We assess your current ReOC, aircraft, and intended operations.

Step 2 — Operational Design

We develop:

  • EVLOS procedures
  • Observer frameworks
  • Communication systems

Step 3 — Documentation Development

We update:

  • Operations Manual
  • SOPs
  • Risk assessments

Step 4 — CASA Submission

Application submitted via the appropriate approval pathway.

Step 5 — Assessment & Validation

We prepare you for:

  • Operational scenarios
  • Demonstration of procedures

Step 6 — Approval & Implementation

Once approved, we support implementation into your operation.

What You Get

  • CASA-compliant EVLOS operational framework
  • Observer procedures and integration systems
  • Updated documentation ready for use
  • Structured risk management approach
  • Practical implementation guidance

Why Uncrewed Approvals

EVLOS is not just about documentation — it is about operational design.

We bring:

  • Direct experience with CASA approvals
  • Deep understanding of real-world EVLOS operations
  • Proven frameworks used across multiple industries
  • A focus on scalable, practical systems

We design EVLOS operations that are:

  • Safe
  • Defensible
  • Commercially viable

Position Your Operation for Growth

EVLOS is often the gateway to:

EVLOS is often the gateway to:

  • Larger contracts
  • Increased operational efficiency
  • Enterprise-level capability
  • Transition toward BVLOS operations

A properly structured EVLOS approval positions your business for long-term growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a ReOC before applying for EVLOS?

Yes. EVLOS is an additional approval under your existing ReOC.

Do observers need formal qualifications?

Observers must be trained and competent in accordance with your procedures.

How long does EVLOS approval take?

Timeframes vary depending on readiness and complexity of the operation.

Can EVLOS be used for multiple aircraft?

Yes — depending on the class and operational design. Additional approvals are required.

Drone in flight

Start Your EVLOS Approval

If you are ready to extend your operational capability beyond standard limits, we can help you build and obtain a compliant EVLOS approval.