Free Access Unlocked for Statewide BVLOS Flight Infrastructure

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site in the USA has opened up the capabilities of its Vantis system to operators at no cost, allowing Unmanned Aircraft Systems to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight beginning July 1, 2026.

Under this initiative, operators will receive Application Programming Interface access and onboarding on the statewide system without charge. This opportunity permits initial flights on the unique statewide infrastructure in North Dakota while providing direct access to technical expertise and personnel from the Northern Plains UAS Test Site.

“At least for the next year, the system is available for users to accelerate their ability to utilize advanced UAS capabilities, which are forthcoming with FAA rulemaking,” said Trevor Woods, NPUASTS Executive Director. “The Vantis system today will help pre-lead the exercising of operators and aircraft to implement solutions for their use cases, such as agriculture, bridge inspections and medical services. The BVLOS infrastructure is in place – this is a unique opportunity to use it and take the next step in their operations.”

The timing aligns with the ideal flying season in North Dakota, enabling operators to take immediate advantage of summer conditions, as well as upcoming winter and spring flight scenarios leading into 2027.

To support the onboarding process, the test site is collaborating with industry partner Thales. This partnership focuses on teaching operators how to navigate the system and utilizing application programming interfaces to execute successful missions using National Defense Authorization Act-compliant aircraft.

“Thales and Vantis are advancing the FAA’s vision for safe integration of UAS into the National Airspace System,” said Susan Gallagher, Director of ATC, U.S. Sector, at Thales North America. “Together, we’re empowering operators to fly beyond the visual line of sight, unlocking critical access for emergency response and medical delivery and accelerating the future of aviation.”

Participants also gain access to Section 44803 approvals within designated coverage areas. Depending on the specific location, this allows partners to operate aircraft weighing up to 1,320 pounds and reaching altitudes up to 17,999 feet mean sea level, significantly expanding the scope of potential missions.

“North Dakota UAS has been an ‘overnight success’ for more than 20 years in the making. We have already engaged with other states and governmental agencies looking to set up similar systems in their areas,” Woods said. “To them we say, use what we’ve learned and have perfected in North Dakota to expand BVLOS flight everywhere. It’s time to achieve our UAS goals.”