Intellition has secured its first waiver for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations; the approval includes the integration of uAvionix’s Casia G ground-based detect-and-avoid (DAA) system.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval represents a key step toward enabling Drone as a First Responder (DFR) operations in complex terrain, where timely aerial support can improve emergency response.
The FAA waiver was granted in part based on Intellition’s use of the Casia G vision-based low-altitude DAA system by uAvionix, a leader in surveillance and airspace safety solutions. Casia G enables passive detection of non-cooperative aircraft in the surrounding airspace, providing a layer of safety essential for BVLOS operations in areas with high terrain variability and recreational air traffic.
Intellition is focused on delivering autonomous drone services tailored to mountain resorts. The approval represents a meaningful step toward enabling DFR capabilities in remote and challenging environments. The waiver is not only a validation of Intellition’s technical approach but also an indication of growing interest in the use of drone automation to support resort safety, logistics, and operational efficiency.
Sam Cutler, Founder and CEO of Intellition, commented, “We’re proud to be among the first companies in the nation—and the only one focused on resort operations—to secure a BVLOS waiver. This milestone represents a fusion of regulatory progress and technological innovation. With uAvionix as a key partner, we are laying the foundation for the future of autonomous aerial services in some of the most challenging environments in the U.S.”
Cyriel Kronenburg, VP of UAS and Aviation Networks at uAvionix, added, “This approval underscores how ground-based surveillance solutions like Casia G can unlock BVLOS for specialized operations where traditional methods fall short.”
While Intellition is still in its early stages, having completed a pilot program and testing at a premier resort in Utah with agreements to continue service, the announcement signals growing momentum for drone integration in year-round operations at resorts. By enabling drones to perform tasks such as perimeter security, asset inspections, and rapid response, resorts can enhance safety and streamline labor-intensive operations.
