FLY SMART, FLY SAFE
A recent UK Airprox Board investigation and the CAA’s ongoing assessment of the mid-air collision(MAC) safety risk has shown that some service providers and UAS manufacturers are not using accurate and/or complete sources of Aeronautical Information. Using accurate and complete Aeronautical Information is a significant mitigation to the reduction of the MAC risk between UAS and manned aircraft.
It is hoped that you will agree that from both safety and business perspectives it makes sense to use the most up to date, accurate and complete Aeronautical Information in your services and products. This also prepares you for any additional future service and product requirements that may be developed in the UK. That is why that I would like to tell you where the official source of Aeronautical Information can be found, where to use it and to recommend where you should pay special attention.
Further details on best practices can be found in CAP779 (Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.35) which contains information for all organisations or individuals that process aeronautical information sourced from UK Aeronautical Information Products to help ensure that data maintains its integrity, is timely, complete and in a form suitable for users.
The official source of Aeronautical Information in the UK
The official source to obtain accurate and complete Aeronautical Information in the UK is the UK Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).
Where to use Aeronautical Information
The CAA recommends that the official source of Aeronautical Information is used in online web applications, mobile applications, ground control stations and geofencing systems.
Areas of Aeronautical Information recommended for special attention
The CAA encourages special attention to the following sections, and recommends that relevant information from these sections is included within any mapping products for UAS operators and remote pilots. In addition, the CAA also encourages, where possible, the display of temporary airspace restrictions and other relevant temporary activities, that are notified by NOTAM.
Part 2 – Enroute Section 5
ENR 5.1 PROHIBITED, RESTRICTED AND DANGER AREAS
ENR 5.2 MILITARY EXERCISE AND TRAINING AREAS AND AIR DEFENCE IDENTIFICATION ZONE (ADIZ)
ENR 5.3 OTHER ACTIVITIES OF A DANGEROUS NATURE AND OTHER POTENTIAL HAZARDS
ENR 5.4 AIR NAVIGATION OBSTACLES
ENR 5.5 AERIAL SPORTING AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
It is always important that all Aeronautical Information is accurate and complete. Some areas where the accuracy and completeness is critical are; Flight Restriction Zones (FRZ), Danger Areas, Restricted Zones, Prohibited Areas, Small Arms Ranges, Glider Sites, Parachute Sites, and High Intensity Radio Transmission Areas.
The CAA recommends that service providers and UAS manufacturers:
Check that any data displayed to remote pilots is accurate and aligned with the AIP and where there is an error correct it as quickly as possible
General Aviation & Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Unit
Safety Regulation Group, CAA
20 October 2022
Skyfarer Ltd and partner Medical Logistics UK have announced their collaborative Medical Drone Delivery Beyond Visual Line of Sight trial commencing this week, in a secured CAA approved airspace called “The Medical Logistics UK Corridor”.
Due to growing pressures on the healthcare system, there is an ever-expanding need for hospitals to receive vital time-sensitive medical supplies.
As a result of the significant congestion on our roads and heavy infrastructure, Skyfarer believe that these needs are not currently being met in an efficient manner.
Project Manager for Skyfarer, Georgia Hanrahan said “There are no potholes in the sky, nor is there as much congestion, and without the need for heavy infrastructure to land, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can add to the fleet of logistical transfers and provide a faster, more sustainably friendly and cheaper solution.”
Connecting 32km of airspace between the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Trust’s hospitals in Coventry and Rugby, The Medical Logistics UK corridor will be in place for a three-month period from October until December 2022, to conduct a record-breaking number of routine and ad hoc medical drone deliveries.
Flights will be conducted in all weather conditions throughout the remainder of the year as well as at varying times of day so that the Flight Operations team can work with the Trust to determine how this technology can be permanently integrated going forward. The consortia want to ensure that it is accessible to each department whenever it is required.
A series of routine and ad-hoc emergency flights will also be conducted to determine the reliability of the Skyfarer service and futureproof the NHS integration.
Location: Event Lounge, Bvd Général Wahis 16F, Brussels , Belgium
The Directorate General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) and SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking are organising the EU Drone Days, taking place 29-30 November in Brussels, Belgium. Over the course of the event, participants will gain key insights into the Commission’s Drone Strategy 2.0., and join in discussions on how ready the European drone sector is to make U-space a reality. Participants can also enjoy an exhibition of the latest industry innovations in urban air mobility and SESAR 2020 U-space projects.
29 November, 13:30-19:00: Launch of the European Drone Strategy 2.0
The EU Drone Days will kick off with the launch of the forward-looking European Drone Strategy 2.0, intended to foster uptake of drone technology, while ensuring safety, security and social acceptance. Panel discussions with industry and policy experts will examine in detail the areas covered by the Strategy, including innovative air mobility and aerial services, and strengthening European civil, security and defence industry capabilities. European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean, and Director-General for Mobility and Transport Henrik Hololei will speak at the event.
30 November, 8:30-17:30: SESAR 3 JU U-space Showcase event
On day two, the SESAR 3 JU will host a U-space Showcase event. This will be an opportunity for the European drone community to present and discuss progress towards making U-space a reality, and to explore the results of the SESAR 2020 programme of U-space research and demonstration projects.
For more information & to register.
ICAO DRONE ENABLE Symposium 2022
Location: ICAO HQ, Canada
DRONE ENABLE 2022 will focus on ICAO’s work relating to the operation of non-certificated unmanned aircraft systems and the systems that support such operations, such as UAS traffic management. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about advances being made in support of UAS and UTM development activities and operations.
The theme of DRONE ENABLE 2022 is Learning from the past for a better future.
The symposium will bring together key stakeholders and will focus on the complex issues presented by unmanned aircraft system traffic management (UTM) which need to be addressed collectively in order to integrate UAS into the global aviation system.
For more information & to register.
The DRONE ENABLE 2022 Webinar Series will address various topics related to UAS and UTM such as: separation provision, advanced air mobility management, automation certification, aerodrome activities and environmental/sustainability issues. Everyone from industry professionals, to experienced regulators, to novel enthusiasts may benefit from the experience of international experts, and take away a global perspective on these key issues. The topics and schedule for the DRONE ENABLE 2022 webinar series can be found here. While most events have already taken place, there is the ability to watch again.
RPAS Symposium: Unmanned Aviation 2022
Location: ICAO HQ, Canada
RPAS 2022 will provide an understanding of ICAO’s work regarding the development and certification of RPAS, operators and operations and remote pilot licensing. This is a unique opportunity to learn about pertinent ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), as well as implementation of the certification processes for RPAS and RPAS operators, and licensing processes for remote pilots.
The theme is, To Certify or Not to Certify.
This symposium will be one of the premiere RPAS events worldwide, focusing on the technology, operation, and certification of RPAS. It will bring together a wide-ranging audience and key stakeholders, including: civil aviation authorities (CAAs), academia, industry, government, as well as interest groups. Participants will have the perfect opportunity for learning about the regulatory framework being developed and how it will be implemented by experts actively involved in the work. Networking opportunities will abound with the global audience.
For more information & to register: