Month: June 2023

SAM IS ....
REGULATION SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP: JOIN US!

Objectives

  • Contribute to the development in the UK of proportionate regulations and standards
  • Develop a feedback loop in a collaborative approach with the CAA and other key stakeholders on a quarterly basis
  • Make an impact and drive change through contribution of expertise when it matters: formulate and disseminate proposals to issues and priorities identified.
  • Provide members with a safe and neutral place to exchange among potential competitors, and keep current on latest developments

 Activities-Output

  • Respond to consultations by the CAA and DfT
  • Respond to proposals to comment on publications before their official publications, or on new policies
  • Organise a subset of volunteers “on stand-by”, experts who may be called upon to provide that quick review of publications under embargo
  • Collate views and feedback from members in order to maintain the list of priorities wrt regulation and oversight that can form the basis for regular feedback to the CAA
  • Formulate technical proposals to specific regulatory priorities identified, based on the REG SIG pool of expertise, for example on new PDRAs.
  • Review list of priorities and ongoing technical proposals in REG SIG meetings on a quarterly basis
  • Communicate back to ARPAS-UK members, the CAA, other stakeholders and forum
  • Time permits, prepare views on regulation and disseminate position papers to influential stakeholders

Membership

REG SIG is open to all member who volunteer to contribute, and select non-members stakeholders. Members can belong to several SIGs, and have several representatives in a SIG. The point of SIG is to exchange and contribute. Members who miss 2 meetings unexcused, or have not contributed for 6 months, may be removed from the REG SIG.

Meetings

Quarterly virtual meetings, covering a minima the following items agenda:

  • Consultations and publications, past and upcoming
  • The list of priorities wrt regulation and oversight: feedback collated, priorities update
  • Ongoing activities to develop technical proposals on specific issues
  • Key committee meetings,  past and upcoming: attendance, key take-aways
  • Preparing the communication to the CAA and other stakeholders

Organisation – Administration

Most members, and ARPAS-UK directors, have a business to run or other full-time activities beside their involvement as part of the association. Their time is precious.

Organisation will strive to make it as easy as possible to contribute, and make it as “admin-lite” as possible. The meetings may be recorded so that members may review at a convenient time, and to limit the need for detailed formal notes.

The REG SIG lead is nominated by ARPAS-UK directors, based on his/her expertise, project management skills, and availability to drive the group forward.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN US? ANY QUESTIONS? REACH OUT TO: REGULATION@ARPAS.UK

SAM IS ....
June 23 2023 Drone Related Jobs

Disclaimer: All jobs posted here are from LinkedIn and other job sites including member and non-member organizations.

Babock are looking to recruit an RPAS Maintainer and an RPAS Operator.

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The CAA is looking to recruit a Policy Specialist Airspace & ATM/UTM

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Callen-Lenz are looking to recruit a Flight Operations Manager.

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Dronamics are looking to recruit 3 x UK based roles: Legal Counsel, Avionics Lead & Propulsion Engineer.

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Marble are looking to recruit a UAV Systems Engineer.

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Northern Powergrid is looking for a UAS Primary Pilot

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Richard Allitt Associates is looking to recruit a Drone Pilot.

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SAM IS ....
CAA: Reminder for Remote Pilots operating under a PDRA

The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority would like to remind every remote pilot that from 1 January 2024 if they operate under a PDRA01 (Pre-Defined Risk Assessment) they must hold a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC), in order to comply with AMC1 to Article 8 of UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947.

Any remote pilot who does not hold a GVC and who wishes to continue flying under a PDRA01 based operational authorisation, must obtain a GVC before 1 January 2024, by contacting a UK CAA approved Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE).

The list of RAEs can be found on the Flying in the Specific category page of the CAA’s website (or via ARPAS-UK Training Provider Members – ARPAS UK)

RPAS UNIT 
Civil Aviation Authority
Safety and Airspace Regulation Group

21 June 2023

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uAvionix and the Choctaw Nation Commence First-Ever FCC-Authorized Operational C-Band BVLOS Operations

uAvionix, a leading provider of command, navigation, and surveillance technologies for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, announced today that it has received FCC (Federal Communications Commission) approval, coordinated with the FAA, to operate its SkyLink C-Band Command and Control (C2) radios for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations at the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Emerging Technology test site. 

The radios operating on aviation-protected C-band frequencies will be controlled by uAvionix’s SkyLine cloud-based C2 network solution that combines fleet management, network health monitoring, detect & avoid, and seamless make-before-break roaming between multiple radio networks and ground stations.   With the approval and previous uAvionix BVLOS Waiver, businesses seeking to use aviation-protected C-band and other radio networks, such as LTE, for assured Control and Non-Payload Communications (CNPC) can successfully develop, test and implement solutions for scalable business initiatives such as package delivery and medical resupply.

Ryan Reed, General Manager, uAvionix said

“In a short period of time – measured in months – uAvionix has achieved multiple BVLOS waivers and FCC approval for operation of C-band radios for critical command and control function. Our continued success is a testament to the strength of our efforts with the Choctaw Nation and speaks volumes about our aviation-grade products and services. The SkyLine cloud-based network control and associated SkyLink and SkyStation radios are the first certifiable C2 network purpose built for BVLOS operations.”

uAvionix first obtained FAA approval to test its C-band C2 radios for compliance with RTCA DO-362A and an eventual TSO-C213a in Bigfork, Montana, and then at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) in August 2021. C2 radio design assurance is critical to meeting the criteria needed to manage risk during BVLOS operations and to meet the safety case requirements. The successful FCC approval for use of the SkyLink C-band radios at the Choctaw Nation significantly advances riskier BVLOS operations by enabling essential C2 infrastructure to operate on aviation-protected spectrum along-side other frequencies such as LTE and Satcom to deliver reliable command and control capabilities. Utilizing the protected spectrum guards against interference or tampering and enables a consistent, assured connection to the aircraft that meets safety requirements.

The SkyLink Airborne Radios, SkyStation Ground Radios and SkyLine cloud-based link management system are deployed at the Choctaw Nation’s 44,500+ acre Emerging Aviation Technology Center. Four (4) independent C-band radios are networked together through SkyLine. The system continually monitors each link to optimally determine the best link for reliable command and control and ensure make-before-break connections when switching between each available ground station.  Additionally, Detect and Avoid (DAA) data from terrestrial sensors is delivered through the C-band radios.

James Grimsley, Executive Director of Advanced Technology Initiatives with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma:

“uAvionix is a phenomenal commercial partner in our Choctaw Nation emerging aviation activities, and we are always impressed by their pace of innovation. This latest FCC approval is a critical step for the industry as we move toward ubiquitous BVLOS operations, and will not only support our Choctaw Nation efforts, but also the industry at large.”

Interested businesses attempting to scale BVLOS operations should contact the Choctaw Nation and uAvionix to support implementation and scaling of uncrewed aerial system (UAS) operations with multiple C2 links including aviation protected C-band.

uAvionix is a Member of ARPAS-UK

19 June 2023

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Professor Iain Gray CBE appointed Knight Batchelor

Professor Iain Gray CBE, Director of Aerospace at Cranfield University, has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2023, appointed Knight Batchelor for services to the aerospace industry. 

Iain spent his industry career at the highest levels in aerospace with roles at BAE Systems and Airbus. He became Director of Engineering, then Managing Director at Airbus UK and was the first Chief Executive of Innovate UK following its establishment in 2007.

Iain joined Cranfield University in 2015 as Director of Aerospace, continuing the university’s strong heritage in applied research and teaching for the aviation sector, and leading strategic relationships with the world’s major aerospace industry organisations.

He holds a number of NED positions, was previously a Vice President of the Royal Academy of Engineering and is currently a Chair of the Board of Trustees for Aerospace Bristol. He was awarded a CBE in 2014 for his services towards innovation and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal Society of Arts. He is also a member of the UK Jet Zero Council

Iain also chairs the Drone Industry Action Group. We are delighted to see that his accomplishments and capabilities have been recognised in this way.

Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, Professor Karen Holford CBE FREng said:

On behalf of everyone at Cranfield University I want to send the warmest congratulations to Iain on this honour. Iain is widely respected not just by his colleagues and students, but by those in industry, government and in international partnerships. His remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of aerospace and I know will continue to inspire future generations.

Professor Gray said: “I feel extremely honoured to be recognised in this way. I discovered my passion for aerospace and aviation at an early age through Concorde and it was after I completed my Engineering degree at Aberdeen University that I decided to pursue a career in aerospace.

“I feel enormously lucky to have had such a fulfilling career in this sector with the highlight being involved in the development of the Airbus A380. I have worked with some amazing people and thank all the talented and dedicated colleagues across industry, government and academia who have played such an important part in my career. In my current role at Cranfield it is a privilege to see the huge potential of the next generation coming through into the world of aviation and aerospace.

“It has been quite special to be part of the team at Cranfield building the next generation of capability and facilities under the banner of Cranfield Global Research Airport.”

Outstanding lifetime achievement honour

Iain was also recently appointed Companion of The Air League, a hugely prestigious industry honour in recognition of his outstanding lifetime achievements in the aerospace industry. He was presented with this award by Sir Chris Harper, President of The Air League’s on 14 June at Westminster Palace.

The Air League is the UK’s leading aviation, aerospace, and space charity. Companionship of the Air League is the League’s highest order for an individual and is the most appropriate form of recognition following outstanding achievements within aviation and aerospace over a lifetime.

Acknowledgments have flooded in to him from across industry:

Professor Graham Braithwaite: “Whenever I am at an event with him, I am reminded of his rockstar gravitas across the industry, but at the same time, he couldn’t be more humble. His wide-eyed enthusiasm for everything aerospace is absolutely electrifying – his love for the sector translates effortlessly into his optimism and creativity for what lies ahead.”

Sameer Samani: “Genuinely, I struggle to think of an aerospace and aviation champion who deserves this more. Many congratulations, Sir Ian – an amazing honour for a wonderful ambassador for our industry.”

Kevin Maher: “Congratulations Sir Iain! The influence you have goes even beyond the monumental work your have done for Aerospace in the UK. A lot of us under your “wing” went on to Automotive, the toy industry and others, your leadership style has influenced many for a lifetime. Hugely derserved honour.”

17 June 2023

SAM IS ....
June 16 2023 Drone Related Jobs

Disclaimer: All jobs posted here are from LinkedIn and other job sites including member and non-member organizations.

Archangel Aerospace Group is hiring for the following positions:
IT Manager
Drone Ground Control Software Engineer

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Northern Powergrid is looking for a UAS Primary Pilot.

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Hays Recruitment is looking for a Solutions Consultant – Manufacturing technology.

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FocalAgent is looking for a Freelance Photographer.

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Darryl Snow Photography are hiring for the position of Photographer & Floor planner.

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Air Data Systems is hiring for the position of Flight Operations Manager.

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Hunter Dunning is looking for a Measured Surveyor.

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Malloy Aeronautics Ltd. is hiring for the position of Trials Engineer.

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Make Us Visible is looking for a Social Media Content Creator.

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Skydio is hiring for the position of Solutions Engineer – EMEA Federal.

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Nordic Unmanned is hiring for the position of Programme Manager.

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BT Group is looking for a Principal Solution Architect.

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Anderselite is looking for a Specialist Bridges Principal Engineer.

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Heliguy is looking for a Digital Marketing and Web Design Specialist.

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Overwatch Aerospace is hiring for the following positions:
UAV Electronics Engineer R&D
Research And Development Technician

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SAM IS ....
CAA test site requirements consultation: 15 June 2023 3.30-4.30pm

The CAA is holding an innovations test site requirements consultation which is an online briefing event.

The CAA is looking to facilitate the safe development of new RPAS and AAM concepts in the United Kingdom, as part of the Government’s ambition to make Britain a world leader for new forms of aviation. A key enabler of this ambition is the establishment of safe and useful test sites, where market entrants can test and evaluate their products.

To achieve this they need the views of the aviation community, to ensure that sites have the characteristics that enable research aims to be achieved, and for them to learn about the technologies they will need to certify.

They have set up this online briefing session to give more details on the aims of this exercise and to launch an accompanying survey, which they would really appreciate you to complete.

Register for Event
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Poised for take off: Realising the potential of drone technology to boost growth 

Details: June 14, 2023, 9:30-10:30am

Location: Onward, 4 Millbank, SW1P 3JA

Register

By 2030 there could be more than 920,000 commercial drones flying over the UK. This new technology could enhance public transport safety, search and rescue, utilities inspections and stockpile auditing with the potential to contribute over £40 billion and around 650,000 jobs to the national economy.  Sir Patrick Vallance’s review on pro-innovation regulation for digital technologies recommended an ambitious set of proposals around drones, all of which were accepted by the Government.

Despite this the UK is at risk of falling behind leading nations in the drone race, like Japan and Switzerland. Our regulatory regime is too rigid, investment levels too low, and procurement approach too timid. Immediate action by the Government is needed to maximise the market potential of the drone economy.

This event will consider how to empower and accelerate the use of drones across the public and private sectors, to ensure the UK can lead the world in drone innovation and implementation.

Speakers:

Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP, Minister for Technology at the Department for Transport

Anne-Lise Scaillierez, CEO of ARPAS-UK

Dave Pankhurst, Director of Drones, BT Group

Vickie Murdie, Future Flight Challenge Innovation Lead, UKRI

Allan Nixon, Head of Science & Tech, Onward (Chair)

SAM IS ....
June 9 2023 Drone Related Jobs

Disclaimer: All jobs posted here are from LinkedIn and other job sites including member and non-member organizations.

Archangel Aerospace Group is looking for a Systems Engineer – AI & UAVs.

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National Highways are hiring for the position of Senior Advisor (Survey and Drone Standards).

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Emzo Marketing is looking for Experienced Property Photographer, Floorplanner, EPC Assessor, Videographer.

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APEM Ltd is looking for a Graduate Aerial Survey Task Specialist.

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ARM is hiring for the position of Senior/Staff Image Quality Applications Engineer (Image Signal Processing).

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Contrast UK Ltd is looking for a Senior Land Surveyor.

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Networx Recruitment is looking for an Inspection Engineer (Non-Destructive Testing & Inspection Team).

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Royal HaskoningDHV is looking for a Civil Engineering Technician.

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Altitude Angel is looking for a UI Developer.

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Dales Surveying Ltd is hiring for the following positions:
Experienced Multi-rotor Drone
Business Administrator
Trainee Drone Surveyor

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Tech Camp is looking for a FPV Drone Flying Tutor in Fulham, London.

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SAM IS ....
Drone Economy: “Action needed within next year for UK” by BT

BT and the GSMA alliance published a report on 8th June 2023, concluding that action is needed within next year for UK to catch up in drone economy race.

To access BT’s press release and full report, click HERE.

Below is a press release extract:

BT Group and GSMA Intelligence lay out guidance for UK Government and regulators to transform the drone economy, as UK lands mid-table in new global study of international drone readiness  

London, 8th June 2023 – Mobile industry insights, forecast and research specialist GSMA Intelligence has today launched a new report revealing that the UK is falling behind other global players in the race for drone innovation. The report, commissioned by BT Group, outlines how the UK must learn from international peers and lays out recommendations which could help guarantee the UK is a leader in the drone economy if acted on within the next year.  

The research, supported by BT Group, found that many of the UK’s international partners, including Japan, Switzerland, France, Germany and Italy have seen their drone ecosystems develop faster due to established regulatory systems and infrastructure. The UK currently sits at the middle ‘drone readiness’ index, with Switzerland taking the leading position and the US the bottom of the table reflecting slower progress in drone regulatory rules.  

With drones potentially contributing £45 billion to the UK economy and supporting 650,000 jobs by 2030, following the report’s recommendations has transformative potential for both the public and private sector.  

A separate poll for BT Group* found that 75% of consumers believe that it is essential for drones to be used for public service delivery, and two thirds agreeing that drones could have a positive impact on their lives. In this context, the UK now has a window of as little as 12 months to facilitate greater investment and technological development, or risk falling behind.  

To increase drone readiness in the UK and win the race to the top, the report outlines four key recommendations for the UK government, the UK aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and other relevant agencies: 

  • Facilitating permissions for safe, remotely piloted drone flights at scale: Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone capability underpins a successful drone industry and its applications. Although the UK has a BVLOS policy, it was found to be confusing and unclear among the raft of companies and start-ups testing or seeking deployment of their services at scale. The implementation guidelines need to be simplified and modernised. And a supporting regulatory framework that includes Unmanned Aircraft Traffic System Management (UTM), safety standards and training – must be a priority.  
  • Enforce pro-innovation regulations and a pro-growth regulatory culture: The (CAA) must formulate workable regulations that promote investment in a timely manner, while ensuring safe operations and delivering public confidence in the industry.  
  • Extend the Future Flight Challenge: The UK has many innovative companies in the drone sector that need a say in regulatory development. The flagship Future Flight Challenge, which the government has funded, has been a clear help and stimulus to private sector innovation and so this, or a related scheme, should be extended.  
  • Act now: The UK has a window that is as narrow as 12 months to set the regulations and guidance that will help the sector thrive. The study found that many advanced economies expect drone regulations to be in place by 2024–2025, a date that the UK must also meet to remain competitive in developing home-grown technology for domestic use and in export markets.