Month: October 2023

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Webinar: Drones and Electric Air Taxis- The Impact on Councils & Local Authorities

As cities and communities embrace a rapidly evolving future, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) are becoming more than just buzzwords. These are transformative technologies with profound implications for local governance.

ARPAS-UK, in a pioneering collaboration with AAM4GOV, presents an enlightening online webinar tailored especially for local authority and council members. Dive deep into the world of drones and understand their pivotal role in the trajectory of UK’s industrial advancement.

Date: Tuesday, 21st November 2023

Time: 12:30 – 13:30

As AAM technologies, especially drones, begin to profoundly influence various industries, being informed and proactive is no longer just an advantage; it’s a necessity. Councils have a unique opportunity to be at the forefront, directing the urban landscapes of tomorrow.

Local government authorities are not merely regulators or observers in this transformative journey. They are the pilots, the navigators, the visionaries. With their intimate understanding of local wants and community needs, they are best placed to steer our cities and towns into the future of AAM.

Join us, as we together embark on this enlightening journey into the future of urban air mobility, ensuring our cities are not just participants but leaders in this global technological renaissance.

Register Here

Meet The Speakers

Chair– Graham Brown
A dedicated advocate for integrating airspace for all users, Graham Brown stands as the distinguished Chairman of ARPAS-UK. His associations stretch far, being the co-chair of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) C-UAV Advisory Group and a pivotal member of the UK Airspace Strategy Board. His involvement doesn’t end there; Graham is a part of the Drone Industry Action Group and many other organizations and working groups. Their collective aim? Developing opportunities, ensuring proportionate legislation, and spearheading the safe adoption of drones across various industries.

Consultant– Philip Butterworth-Hayes:
Specializing in aviation, Philip Butterworth-Hayes wears many hats – consultant, writer, editor, and more. With a rich history as the Managing Editor of Jane’s Transport Press and editor for several of Jane’s renowned publications, his expertise is sought after globally. His roles have also extended as the Director of Communications and Strategy at the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation and as the current editor of Skyway. As the editorial director of PMI Media Limited, Philip’s influence in the aviation sector is undeniable. His insights have found their way to global media outlets, including heavyweights like BBC, CNN, and the Wall Street Journal.

Department of Transport- Sofia Stayte
Head of Future of Flight Policy at the Department for Transport (DfT) in the United Kingdom. With an impressive career spanning various government leadership roles, Sofia is a seasoned professional skilled in policy development, implementation, and analysis. Currently at the forefront of shaping the future of flight policy, she brings over six years of dedicated service to the DfT. Sofia’s extensive experience includes heading the Independent State Pension Age Review for the UK Government, leading innovative initiatives at the Department for Work and Pensions, and serving as a Team Leader for Private Pensions Policy. Her comprehensive background, coupled with her role as a member of the Future Flight Community Integration Group, showcases Sofia’s commitment to driving collaborative initiatives and fostering innovation in the aviation sector. We are honored to welcome Sofia Stayte as a distinguished guest speaker for our upcoming webinar.

Lawyer– Simon Phippard:
Bringing in over 25 years of experience in aviation law, Simon Phippard is an Of Counsel in Bird & Bird’s Aviation & Aerospace practice in London. From advising leading businesses in the aerospace sector to handling contracts between airlines, suppliers, and MROs, Simon’s portfolio is vast and varied. His stint at Rolls-Royce for seven years gave him an insider’s perspective into engine aftermarket services. Simon’s expertise also covers unmanned aerial systems, touching on technical regulation, liability, and supply chain challenges in this budding sector. As a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Freeman of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Simon’s contributions to the aviation industry are immeasurable.

Police- Simon Bachelor
With an illustrious 29-year career as a dedicated police officer, Simon Bachelor currently serves as the Policy and Legislation Lead for Counter Drones at the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). His expertise extends across various operational and strategic roles with a primary focus on public safety and security. Since 2019, Simon has been embedded within the Home Office Counter Drones Unit, actively contributing to the UK’s Counter Unmanned Aircraft Strategy. As the team manager for NPCC Counter Drones, Simon plays a pivotal role in governing and coordinating UK police counter-drone efforts, collaborating across government agencies to strengthen policies and operational policing.

Unable to attend our live webinar? No problem! A recording will be available after the event. Simply sign up, and we’ll notify you when it’s ready to watch at your convenience.

Register Here

By registering, you consent to us contacting you in the future with news and updates about drones. You can opt out at any time by emailing membership@arpas.uk.

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Protected: NATMAC 94, October 2023 meeting. MEMBERS ONLY

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October 28 2023 Drone Related Jobs

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

AALTO HAPS has multiple job opportunities

View Jobs

Vantage UAV is looking for a Drone Pilot Manager

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Skyfarer® LTD is looking for a Visual Observer for Drone Operations

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Windracers has multiple roles available

See Opportunities

Frazer-Nash Consultancy is hiring for Uncrewed Air Systems & Future Air Vehicle Graduate Engineer

View Job

University of Southampton is looking for a Specialist UAV Engineer

View Job

DroneDeploy is hiring for a Customer Success Manager, EMEA

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This Is Prime are hiring for the position of Graduate Sales Development Representative (Permanent)

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TechnoServe is looking for a Drone mapping service of cashew plantations.

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vertinetik is hiring for the position of Researcher – Forest Data and GIS Analyst

View Job
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BVLOS Risk Quantification Courses: NOW OPEN

Join us for the upcoming ARPAS-UK 2-day workshops focused on BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line Of Sight) risk quantification. As we venture into the exciting realm of large-scale BVLOS flights in the UK, understanding the intricacies of risk quantification, especially within the context of SORA, is paramount.

Workshop Details:

  • Price: £500 for non-members.
  • FREE for all ARPAS-UK members.

Note: Each organisation is permitted to send only one attendee. For companies requiring training for larger groups, we offer private bookings.

For inquiries or further details, contact us at membership@arpas.uk.

Workshop Dates & Locations:

  • Stoke-on-Trent: 16-17 November – REGISTER
  • South Wales: 23-24 November – REGISTER
  • Edinburgh: 27-28 November – REGISTER
  • London: 30 Nov-1 December – REGISTER Sold out (Waiting list available)

Due to the exclusivity of this workshop, places are limited. We encourage early registration to secure your spot.

Watch below for an enlightening interview with Owen McAree. Learn about these essential courses and how they can shape your understanding and application in the drone industry.

Terms & Conditions

  1. Only one person per organisation can attend. If there are multiple registrations from the same organisation, the responsibility falls upon the organisation to determine the attendee.
  2. Should ticket holders be unable to attend, they must notify membership@arpas.uk to arrange for a replacement from the same company.
  3. A waiting list may be maintained. Interested members on this list can be offered available tickets.
  4. Transferring tickets to individuals outside the ticket holder’s organisation, especially non ARPAS-UK members, will result in the new ticket holder incurring an attendance fee of £500.
  5. Ticket holders who can’t attend and fail to find a replacement will be charged a fee of £200.
  6. Registration for the course implies acceptance of these terms & conditions.

Secure your place and be at the forefront of BVLOS flight safety and efficiency in the UK!

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SN–2023/005 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Geo-Awareness

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) wishes to alert drone operators that airspace restrictions displayed on their devices and apps might not provide an accurate representation of the current UK airspace.

Before taking off, operators must ensure that their flights do not occur within these restricted areas unless they have the appropriate permissions.

The CAA strongly recommends that operators avoid relying on manufacturers’ inbuilt map software and apps. Instead, they should turn to alternatives that are based on the official source of airspace information.

For more details on the use of online maps and apps for flight planning, individuals can refer to the airspace alerting apps webpage. Additionally, the SN–2023/005 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Geo-Awareness can be accessed on the official website.

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A New Era for Aviation Safety and Efficiency: uAvionix Acquires Iris Automation

uAvionix, a leader in communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) solutions for the safe integration of Crewed and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), has announced its acquisition of Iris Automation™, provider of optical Detect and Avoid (DAA) technology. This strategic move combines uAvionix’s extensive CNS and aviation expertise with Iris’ leadership in computer vision-based systems for the safe separation of aircraft. The acquisition not only bolsters uAvionix’s capabilities and services but also marks an important leadership change as Jon Damush, former CEO of Iris Automation, takes the helm as CEO of uAvionix Corporation.

“The combination of Iris Automation’s and uAvionix’s capabilities provides for a multi-layered-safety architecture that supports integration of UAS into the National Airspace System,” noted Paul Beard, CTO and founder of uAvionix. “Through our collective efforts, we are solving the two biggest technical challenges to UAS integration: Command and Control and Detect and Avoid.  Solving these problems builds safer airspace for all users.”

A Safe and Efficient Integrated Airspace

uAvionix’s deep experience with avionics development and certification in crewed, uncrewed, and defense technologies have long provided innovative and cost-effective products and services that create cooperative communication and awareness for all airspace users, from the stratosphere to the airport surface.  Iris Automation’s pioneering airborne and ground-based optical systems deliver non-cooperative situational awareness for the integration of crewed and uncrewed aircraft. Together, the combined capabilities position uAvionix to provide aviators with the certified avionics, aviation data, and safety solutions necessary for a fully integrated airspace.

Jon Damush Assumes Role of CEO of uAvionix Corporation 

As CEO, Jon Damush expands the current uAvionix leadership team and brings more than 30 years of aviation technology experience. His extensive background in engineering for crewed and uncrewed aviation, software development, and systems integration positions him as a visionary leader to guide uAvionix’s growth across diverse markets, including General Aviation, Uncrewed Aviation, Defense, and Aviation Networks.

“Jon Damush’s appointment as CEO hits all the right marks for uAvionix. His exceptional background and vision complement an already strong leadership team at uAvionix and aligns perfectly with the uAvionix mission to lead the way in advancing aviation safety and efficiency,” said David Page, Partner at DC Capital Partners. “The addition of Iris’ optical capabilities with existing uAvionix solutions further cements our market position within BVLOS operations.”

The acquisition of Iris Automation, coupled with Jon Damush’s leadership, fortifies uAvionix’s position as an industry leader for the safe and efficient integration of UAS into the National Airspace. By innovatively combining its aviation expertise with Iris’ advanced technology systems, the company is ushering in a new era for safety and efficiency for everything that flies.

About uAvionix

uAvionix was founded with the mission of bringing safety solutions to aviation that accelerate the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into National Airspace Systems (NAS). uAvionix offers innovative, low SWaP TSO certified and uncertified avionics and services for General Aviation (GA), Defense and UAS markets. The team consists of an unparalleled engineering and management team with a unique combination of experience within avionics, surveillance, airport services, UAS aircraft development, radio frequency (RF), and semiconductor industries. 

To learn more about uAvionix crewed and uncrewed products and services, please visit: www.uavionix.com

Follow uAvionix on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

uAvionix Media Contact: squawk@uavionix.com

About Iris Automation 

Iris Automation is a safety avionics technology company pioneering on- and off-board perception systems and aviation policy services that enable customers to build scalable operations for crewed and uncrewed aircraft; unlocking the potential of countless industries. Iris’ Casia system runs either onboard the aircraft or in a ground-based configuration. We work closely with civil aviation authorities globally as they implement regulatory frameworks ensuring BVLOS is conducted safely, partnering on multiple FAA ASSURE and BEYOND UAV Integration Programs and Transport Canada’s BVLOS Technology Demonstration Program. Visit www.irisonboard.com.

uAvionix is an ARPAS-UK Member.

24 October 2023

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ECITB’s Innovative Drone Course Transforms Novice to Volcano-Flying Expert: How Drones Are Revolutionising Industrial Engineering Skills

“I went from novice to flying over volcanoes thanks to new ECITB drone course“

A college instructor loved the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board’s (ECITB) new drone course so much he went out and bought his own – and took it to Iceland to fly it over a volcano!

Julian Hoile, who works for NPTC Group of Colleges in Wales, believes the use of drones on industrial sites is “a huge step forward in engineering skills” and is urging the industry to embrace “the future” by signing up to the Foundation Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) training course.

He was invited to attend the pilot programme of the ECITB’s new course, which was created in close collaboration with the UK Drone Association, ARPAS-UK.

Following the success of the pilot programme, the ECITB launched the quality-assured training course for operating drones in industrial environments, with bookings now being taken by Approved Training Providers.

Global Drone Training delivered the week-long pilot programme at NPTC in south Wales, which was attended by staff from the college like Julian, as well as delegates from Sellafield and Network Rail. 

The course, which involves a mixture of classroom work and practical flying, includes how to comply with site policies and procedures, and is assessed by a practical flight competence test, where operatives pilot a drone in a real environment and capture, store and share viable images.

Julian, who passed the course alongside college technician Levi Harris, says the course is ideal in taking people up to a consistent foundation level for flying drones on industrial sites.

“I’m really grateful I was chosen to be one of the guinea pigs to sit the course,” said Julian, who instructs apprentices in mechanical engineering at the college.

“There was a lot of information, and it was intense at times, but the team at Global Drone Training were amazing and extremely knowledgeable. They made it an interesting, fun and enjoyable course and I absolutely loved it – to the point that I went out and bought my own drone!

“You learn about all the things you need to do or check, like pre-flight checking, the weather, the environment, where you can and can’t fly, and different types of drones. 

“For anyone daunted about doing it, I’m 60 years of age and the only drone flying I’d done before this was literally just around a field for 10 minutes, but this is something I was able to come to terms with as they don’t rush you. 

“I think everybody could do it, it’s just about showing the right commitment and attitude.”

Drone course ‘can make a real difference in industry’

The interest in using drones across industry is growing rapidly due to their flexibility, the safety benefits, increased efficiency for workers, cost savings and a reduction in asset downtime for inspections. Yet, until now, no consistent training existed for operators to use drones within an industrial setting.

The ECITB developed the training to provide a consistent quality standard for all industrial drone operators, with the course providing an understanding of drone functionality and how to conduct operations on industrial sites, safely, effectively and efficiently.

“This is a whole new way of looking at fault finding within the industry,” added Julian. “Workers can be a lot safer as they are not exposing themselves to risk by going into dangerous areas. 

“I would definitely say it’s a huge step forward in engineering skills. It’s the future as it’s so much safer, saves time and the footage you get back from the camera is incredible.”

Julian was invited on the course as he’d shown an interest, having previously built an underwater tethered drone as part of some of his work helping the college’s own drone academy.

NPTC Group of Colleges, which is one of the largest further education providers in Wales, was part of a working group to help get the ECITB foundation drone course off the ground.

Jayne Jones, Head of the Business Development Unit at the college, said: “The pilot course provided our learners with the skills needed to pilot drones in high-risk environments.

“This year has seen some significant growth for our Drone Academy. With the emerging and broad skills needs of industry – especially in relation to our Net Zero Academy – the College Group has been working with respected and trusted experts in the field of drone technology and skills to expand our offer. 

“This, in conjunction with the team at the ECITB, has seen ground-breaking drone course development that we believe can make a real difference in industry, not only with the advancement of skills in piloting drones, but in making practices safer, economical and sustainable.”

Find out more about the ECITB Foundation UAS Course here: Foundation Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Training Course – ECITB

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Is your council ready for the growth of drones and air taxis?

AAM4Gov, the AAM Academy for UK City and Local Governments has launched the first on-line courses to support UK local authorities engage with the drone and advanced air mobility industries to save lives, improve delivery of council services and reduce carbon emissions whilst also ensuring communities are protected from illegal and inconsiderate use of drones.

Brighton, October 24, 2023 AAM4Gov, the AAM Academy for UK City and Local Governments, has announced the launch of the first courses on its learning platform focused on closing the skills gap among local authorities in developing new policies to optimise drone and future electric air taxi services, part of the new advanced air mobility (AAM) transport revolution.

AAM4Gov is supported by the UK Research and Innovation Future Flight Challenge, delivered by Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council, having won funding from the “Future Flight: closing the skills gaps” competition.

“While many councils have been using drones for years to reduce survey and maintenance costs and support first responders – such as fire services, police and coast guard units – in saving lives, new technology developments are about to rapidly increase the number and capabilities of drones in the skies above us,” said Philip Butterworth- Hayes, editorial director of AAM4Gov. “The first electric air taxis will fly in Europe next year, while drones will soon be delivering defibrillators, medicines and pizzas to households throughout the UK. For councils, this is an opportunity and a challenge. Our remote learning courses have been designed to help local authorities more easily and quickly develop policies to optimise the benefits and reduce the risks.”

The first three courses now available are:

  1. An Introduction to AAM & UAM
  2. Community Benefits of Drones and eVTOLs
  3. AAM Public Consultation – covering methods of engaging with local communities to ensure citizens’
    needs are prioritised in any new service launch.

Further courses scheduled for November are:

  1. AAM Drone Security – critical aspects of drone security and managing drone nuisance
  2. AAM and the Law
  3. AAM Policy Making – developing drone/AAM policies which attract new investment and business, while reducing costs and environmental footprints.

Courses are designed to meet the needs of local authority senior decision makers and those involved in policy making, planning, first responders, estate management and surveying, transport, environment and social services.

Interested? Register at AAM4Gov.com and enrol to get full access to the initial courses which are available for free for a limited introductory period.

Click here to register
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Commercial Drone Industry Report & Tookit launched

Dr Anna Jackman, Lecturer in Human Geography at the University of Reading, has released her Commercial Drone Industry Report: Professional, Responsible and Considerate Drone Use, in conjunction with ARPAS-UK.

In addition, Dr Jackman has launched her Drone Industry Toolkit for Professional, responsible and Considerate commercial drone use. Again this is in conjunction with ARPAS-UK, for whom such use lies at the heart of what we advocate on behalf of.

The Report is a thoroughly researched look at how the Drone Industry views itself from within, what it perceives as barriers to the industry’s growth, and the opportunities.

Again, the Toolkit is what the Industry sees as being important to carrying out commercial activities to the highest professional standard. It is heartening to see so many people involved in the industry working to such high standards and willing to share Best Practice.

Both documents can be viewed here:

Drone Industry Report: Professional, Responsible and Considerate Drone Use

Drone Industry Toolkit for Professional, Responsible and Considerate Drone Use

The resources are part of Dr Jackman’s ESRC Diversifying Drone Stories research project on exploring use cases and benefits; impacts on communities and environments; professional, responsible and considerate commercial drone best practice; challenges and barriers facing the industry, and ambitions and desires for the future.

Dr Anna Jackman and the University of Reading are ARPAS-UK Members.

18 October 2023

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BVLOS Sandbox Trials to make BVLOS an Everyday Reality

Six projects have been chosen for trials under a UK Civil Aviation Authority scheme that will help make beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights an everyday reality.

Among those included are schemes that involve medical drone deliveries, energy infrastructure, and ‘sky highways’.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority invited organisations to bid to participate in an innovation sandbox earlier this year to validate and test their concepts, supporting the development of BVLOS capabilities.

Projects involved include Apian London Health Bridge; Cranfield Airport and Project BLUEPRINT; Droneprep Open Skies Cornwall; HexCam; Skyports Project TRAject; and Snowdonia Aerospace Centre Project Dragons Eye.

Innovation sandboxes help organisations prepare for regulatory approval, and helps the regulator develop policies that better meet the needs of the industry in the future.

Sandboxes are controlled environments where organisations can test their innovative technologies against the existing regulatory framework, helping applicants maximise the readiness of their innovation, and also help the UK Civil Aviation Authority develop better, more efficient ways to develop new regulations.

These new trials will help develop plans for how drones can be safely integrated with other airspace users, as part of the regulator’s wider Airspace Modernisation Strategy.

The trials will consider a new policy concept that focuses on a specific type of airspace structure called a temporary reserved area (TRA) to enable the trialling of systems and approaches to safely enable drones to operate within the same airspace as other aircraft.

Prior to the new concept, drone operators wanting to fly BVLOS typically had to apply for a temporary danger area (TDA), which would effectively close a section of airspace for most other users for up to 90 days.

Sophie O’Sullivan, Head of Future Safety and Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

“Our innovation sandboxes play a pivotal role in our ongoing mission to develop efficient, forward-thinking regulations that will allow different types of aircraft to use the same airspace.

“The chosen projects encompass a range of critical applications, including medical deliveries and infrastructure surveying. They highlight the varying role that drones could play in the aviation ecosystem and the trials will provide invaluable insights into how we integrate drones safely with existing airspace users.”

ARPAS-UK would like to congratulate its members involved in these projects.

17 October 2023