ISight Drone Services has received FAA approval to conduct beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations across all four operational volumes of Vantis, North Dakota’s statewide BVLOS system. The Part 107 BVLOS waiver expands the operator’s authorized service areas into eastern North Dakota, enabling operations across more than 5,000 square miles.
The approval marks a significant expansion for one of the nation’s first statewide BVLOS infrastructure systems. “This approval represents a significant step forward for both Vantis and the operators who rely on it,” said Everett Dunnick, Director of Special Programs at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, which administers Vantis. “Authorizing an operator to fly BVLOS across all Vantis operational volumes demonstrates the maturity, reliability and scalability of the system.”
Enabling Statewide BVLOS Operations
The expanded authorization unlocks new operational capabilities for ISight across North Dakota. With access to Vantis’ complete footprint, ISight can now pursue BVLOS missions throughout the state, including support for ongoing research with Altru Health System. The partnership focuses on BVLOS medical delivery operations between clinic locations—a critical application demonstrating how drone operations can support healthcare infrastructure.
“This statewide approval gives our team the flexibility to grow responsibly,” said Doug McDonald, General Manager of ISight Drone Services. “Vantis enables us to expand BVLOS capabilities across North Dakota while continuing research partnerships that help define how these operations can be safely scaled in the future.”
Streamlined Regulatory Approval Process
The waiver was approved through the FAA’s Near-Term Approval Process, a streamlined regulatory pathway designed for complex drone operations. The approval reflects Vantis’ demonstrated ability to meet and exceed FAA safety, performance, and oversight requirements as the system continues expanding statewide.
Vantis, administered by the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and initially funded by North Dakota in 2019, provides turnkey support to commercial and public UAS operators through infrastructure and regulatory approvals. The system represents the first statewide BVLOS infrastructure in the nation, enabling applications across multiple industries.
More information about Vantis is available from their website. More information about the NPUSA Test Site is available from their website.
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