Vantis, North Dakota’s beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) system, has achieved another significant milestone with the approval of its first drone operator authorized to fly BVLOS across all four Vantis operational volumes, or service areas. ISight Drone Services has received a Part 107 BVLOS waiver, expanding its approved operations into eastern North Dakota and enabling statewide service volumes across Vantis’ more than 5,000 square miles.
“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. It’s a clear signal that Vantis is delivering on its promise to support safe, routine BVLOS operations at a statewide level.”
For ISight Drone Services, the expanded authorization unlocks new opportunities and advanced capabilities across North Dakota. With access to Vantis’ full footprint, ISight can now pursue missions throughout the state. The additional eastern North Dakota approval supports ISight’s ongoing research efforts with Altru Health System, enabling further exploration of BVLOS medical delivery between clinic locations.
“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.”
The waiver was accepted through the FAA’s Near-Term Approval Process, a streamlined regulatory pathway designed to evaluate and approve complex drone operations. The approval reflects Vantis’ continued ability to meet and exceed FAA safety, performance and oversight requirements as the system expands statewide.
