Oswego Police BVLOS Approval for DFR Program

Enhanced Safety and Efficiency for Emergency Response
uAvionix, a prominent provider of command, navigation, and surveillance technologies for drones, announced that the Oswego City Police Department’s Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations without the need for Visual Observers (VOs). This approval leverages the uAvionix Casia G ground-based detect-and-avoid (DAA) system, marking a significant advancement in public safety and emergency response capabilities.

A critical element of the Oswego DFR program’s success is the incorporation of uAvionix’s Casia G system. This advanced DAA solution provides essential airspace awareness, enabling safe BVLOS operations. The integration of Casia G allows drones to operate safely and effectively without human Visual Observers, thereby improving the efficiency of emergency responses.
“We wouldn’t be celebrating this milestone today without the unwavering support of the Mayor and Common Council, whose dedication to public safety has paved the way for this groundbreaking initiative. Additionally, our gratitude extends to UVT and uAvionix for their invaluable assistance throughout this journey, underscoring the collaborative spirit driving innovation in public safety,” said Chris Baker, Systems Administrator and Drone & Robotics Coordinator for Oswego City, NY.
Jon Damush, CEO of uAvionix, emphasized the broader implications of this achievement: “The achievement marks a pivotal moment for police departments, emergency services, and fire departments nationwide. The use of our Casia G product in Oswego’s DFR program exemplifies how advanced technology can enhance public safety operations. Future approvals for Police, EMS, and Fire departments adopting the same approach are expected, paving the way for widespread adoption of DFR programs across the United States.”
DFR programs are transforming emergency response strategies by deploying drones equipped with advanced surveillance and communication technologies. These drones provide immediate situational awareness of incident scenes before officers arrive, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the police response. For instance, drones can confirm or refute the possession of a firearm or allow captains to give guidance to junior officers, thereby aiding in more strategic resource allocation.
uAvionix has been at the forefront of developing innovative technologies for the safe integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) into national airspace since 2015. The company’s acquisition of Iris Automation in October 2023, the original developer of the Casia G Detect and Avoid system, has further strengthened its offerings for enabling BVLOS operations. These offerings include the Casia G ground-based system, which detects nearby aircraft to ensure safe drone operations, and FlightLine, which collects and displays ADS-B surveillance data.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry.  Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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