About the author : Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto
Meet Rodrigo, our chief remote pilot here at Sky Perth, where he's been transforming aerial videography into captivating stories for over eight years. At the heart of Rodrigo's work lies a profound passion for both the art of flying and the art of storytelling. This combination has led his work to be featured on platforms like Netflix, Stan, AppleTV+, Paramount+, Disney+, SBS On Demand, and even internationally with ZDF in Germany.
Rodrigo's aerial videography and photography journey is a testament to his dedication to mastering this unique craft. From capturing the vast beauty of Australia's landscapes to the dynamic energy of urban life across the globe, his work offers viewers a fresh, sky-high perspective. It's not just about the technical expertise of handling a drone; for Rodrigo, every flight is an opportunity to tell a story, to reveal the unseen, and to share a new viewpoint with the world.
Renowned for his collaborative spirit and innovative approach, Rodrigo brings more than technical skills to every project at Sky Perth. Whether working on a documentary, a TV series, or a bespoke project, his focus remains on creating visuals that resonate deeply with audiences. His commitment to quality and ability to capture the heart of a story make him a skilled pilot and a storyteller of the skies.
Do you want to know more about Rodrigo? Check his website: rodmatsumoto.com
What is BVLOS, and why is it important?
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), drone operations represent a game-changer in the world of unmanned aerial systems. Unlike traditional drone operations, which are limited to the operator’s direct line of sight, BVLOS expands the boundaries, allowing drones to cover much larger areas and perform tasks more efficiently.
This leap in capability has transformative implications across industries, including infrastructure, agriculture, emergency response, and environmental conservation.
BVLOS isn’t just about going further. It’s about going smarter. But what makes BVLOS so revolutionary, and why has it been challenging to implement effectively? Let’s explore.
The Problem with Limited Vision
How do visual line-of-sight limitations affect drone operations?
Until recently, drone operations have been restricted to visual line-of-sight (VLOS) conditions.
While practical for simple applications, this limitation has proven a significant hurdle for more ambitious use cases. Imagine trying to inspect hundreds of kilometres of pipelines, monitor remote farms, or respond to large-scale emergencies—all while ensuring your drone remains within the pilot’s sight. The inefficiency of this setup leads to higher costs, slower response times, and limited scalability.
To make matters worse, reliance on VLOS can compromise safety. In some cases, keeping a drone within sight might force operators to venture into dangerous or inaccessible areas. These constraints have left industries eager for a solution that allows drones to operate safely and autonomously over long distances.
The Role of Regulations
What are the regulations around BVLOS operations in Australia?
The introduction of BVLOS drone operations promised to address these challenges, but regulatory hurdles have slowed its adoption.
In Australia, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) mandates strict requirements for BVLOS operations to ensure safety and minimise risks. Operators must obtain specific certifications, conduct thorough risk assessments, and comply with rigorous safety protocols.
CASA has made strides to facilitate BVLOS adoption by defining standard scenarios that streamline approvals for common use cases. However, navigating these regulations requires expertise, careful planning, and a commitment to compliance—barriers many operators find daunting.
Technology Enables BVLOS Success
How does technology make BVLOS possible?
The leap to BVLOS operations wouldn’t be possible without significant advancements in drone technology. Safe and effective BVLOS operations rely on several key components.
Reliable communication systems ensure that drones remain in constant contact with operators, even over long distances. Advanced sense-and-avoid technologies enable drones to detect and navigate around obstacles and other aircraft autonomously, safeguarding both the drone and its surroundings. Robust navigation systems provide precise positioning to maintain the intended flight path and ensure safe returns, even in complex environments.
These innovations have made BVLOS a feasible reality, laying the groundwork for transformative applications across industries.
Unlocking Potential Across Industries
What industries benefit most from BVLOS operations?
The potential of BVLOS is vast and varied. In agriculture, drones equipped with multispectral cameras can survey large fields, identify crop health issues, and optimise irrigation systems—all without requiring human presence.
Infrastructure sectors benefit from BVLOS by enabling comprehensive inspections of assets such as power lines, pipelines, and railways in remote areas, reducing the need for costly on-site inspections.
Emergency services have also found BVLOS invaluable. When drones can operate autonomously over expansive regions, search-and-rescue missions, disaster response, and large-scale environmental monitoring become significantly more effective. These capabilities allow for faster interventions and improved outcomes in scenarios where time is critical.
Overcoming Challenges to Realise Potential
How can industries overcome the challenges of BVLOS adoption?
Despite its promise, BVLOS operations come with unique challenges.
Regulatory compliance remains a primary hurdle, but operators also face technical barriers, such as ensuring drones can communicate effectively over long distances and integrating advanced sense-and-avoid systems.
Additionally, industry-wide training is essential to equip operators with the skills needed to handle BVLOS operations responsibly.
Solutions to these challenges include developing comprehensive operating procedures, investing in advanced training programs, and fostering collaboration between operators, regulators, and technology providers. As more stakeholders commit to overcoming these barriers, BVLOS will continue to gain momentum.
Sky Perth Leads BVLOS Innovation
Who is leading BVLOS innovation in Australia?
Sky Perth is proud to be at the forefront of BVLOS innovation. As the first company in Australia to receive CASA certification for BVLOS operations at Class 1 level, we’ve demonstrated our ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto, Sky Perth’s Chief Remote Pilot, believes that BVLOS is more than just a technological advancement—it’s a shift in perspective. “When we operate BVLOS, we’re not just flying drones. We’re unlocking new perspectives, solving complex problems, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with aerial technology,” he explains.
How does Sky Perth use BVLOS for FPV and beyond?
Sky Perth has harnessed BVLOS to tackle various ambitious projects, from remote infrastructure inspections to environmental assessments. In addition to these practical applications, BVLOS has enabled innovative First-Person View (FPV) videography.
While FPV is often celebrated for its creative and immersive storytelling potential, it also plays a vital role in performing precise inspections and assessments. By combining the technical capabilities of BVLOS with the artistic possibilities of FPV, Sky Perth continues to deliver stunning results safely and effectively.
The Future of BVLOS in Australia
What is the future of BVLOS operations in Australia?
The trajectory of BVLOS operations is clear. As regulations evolve and technology advances, drones will play an increasingly central role in transforming industries. In Australia, BVLOS is set to redefine what’s possible in aerial services, offering unprecedented efficiency, scalability, and innovation.
The benefits of BVLOS are undeniable. From reducing operational costs to improving safety and enabling new creative applications like FPV, adopting BVLOS is no longer a question of if but when for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Why Partner with Sky Perth
Why choose Sky Perth for BVLOS operations?
With CASA-certified expertise and a team led by industry pioneer Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto, we bring unparalleled knowledge and passion to every project.
Rodrigo emphasises the importance of collaboration: “At Sky Perth, we work closely with clients to understand their unique challenges and goals. BVLOS is a powerful tool, but its true impact comes when tailored to specific needs.”
Explore the future with us!
Contact Sky Perth today to discover how BVLOS can elevate your projects to new heights.
