February, 2025 - ARPAS UK

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UAV DACH Survey to collect flying hours and incident rates in Europe for evidence-based regulation: open to UK Operators

ARPAS-UK is sharing this information to its members. The survey is primarily targeting EASA-land UAS operators, but UK operators can contribute, especially as the UK will adopt its version of UKSORA. The objective it to collect evidence on the volume of flying hours and the level of incidents, to inform proportionate regulatory decision and SORA implementation.

This initiative follows a similar survey by the Dutch Drone Council (DCRO) and aims to provide evidence-based input for refining UAS regulations (see below, link to very instructive Dutch study).

UAV DACH Survey Overview

The survey is open to UAS operators operating under IR (EU) 2019/947 in both the open and specific categories. The collected data will help assess the relationship between flight hours and incident rates, contributing to a better understanding of operational risks.

Participants are requested to report each Operational Approval or Risk Category separately and submit only commercial flight data to ensure statistical accuracy. The anonymised results will be shared with EASA and presented at events such as the European Drone Forum, where findings could help towards future regulatory adjustments. Participants will also receive a summary of the compiled results.

For more details on the survey, visit: UAV DACH UAS Operator Survey or see below.

DCRO White Paper on UAS Flyaway Probability

The Dutch Association of Certified RPAS Operators (DCRO) conducted a study analysing 1.4 million flight hours, with the resulting data suggesting 1 in 100,000 flight hours for leaving the area and 1 in 1,000,000 flight hours for flyaways.

Key findings highlighted that professional UAS operators, who adhere to strict safety protocols, experience significantly lower risk levels than previously estimated. As a result, some SORA containment measures – such as Flight Termination Systems (FTS) – may introduce additional risks rather than mitigate them. DCRO recommended the standardisation of UAS safety data collection across Europe and revisions to containment regulations to align with real-world risk assessments.

For more information, please refer to our article on the DCRO White Paper findings here

12 February 2025

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Next call for Airspace Modernisation Strategy Proposals is announced by CAA

Airspace Modernisation Strategy Support Fund: Financial support to UK aviation industry stakeholders in modernising UK airspace

The Airspace Modernisation Strategy Support Fund (ASF) is a financial initiative by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) designed to assist UK aviation industry stakeholders in advancing the nation’s airspace modernization efforts. Building upon the previous Future Airspace Strategy Facilitation Fund, the ASF aims to support projects that benefit multiple stakeholders or conduct research facilitating broader industry implementation.

Funding Allocation and Application Process:

The CAA administers the fund through a grant process, with bi-annual calls for project proposals. Funding proposals must align with the overall objectives of the Airspace Modernisation Strategy. Applicants are responsible for engaging with relevant industry stakeholders and presenting an evidence-based business case to the ASF Advisory Board. The Advisory Board reviews and provides feedback before submission to the ASF Decision Board, which includes members from the AMS Assurance Group and airline representatives.

Benefits of Applying:

Financial Support: The ASF offers funding opportunities for projects that align with the Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS) objectives, particularly those that cannot secure financing through other means.
Collaborative Engagement: Applicants are encouraged to engage with relevant industry stakeholders, fostering collaboration and ensuring comprehensive support for proposed initiatives.
Structured Application Process: The CAA administers the fund through a grant process, with bi-annual calls for project proposals. This structured approach provides applicants with clear timelines and procedures for submission and evaluation.

By participating in the ASF, organizations can contribute to the UK’s airspace modernization, leading to enhanced safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in aviation operations.

Deadline for applications: 10 March 2025

10 February 2025

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Drone Related Jobs as at 11 February 2025

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

Skyports Infrastructure is looking for a Remote Pilot

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Infinite Services by Skyfarer are looking to recruit flexible Remote Pilots with a GVC.

View details

UK AirComms is looking for a Telcoms Drone Pilot

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Vertical Aerospace is looking for a Test Operations Lead.

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MARSS is looking to recruit a UAS Engineer & a Software Engineer: Autonomous Systems.

View Roles

NATS are looking to recruit a Head of Safety, Regulatory & Policy.

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Dronamics are recruiting a Senior Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer.

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Certo Aerospace are looking to recruit a Graduate Aerospace Design Engineer.

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Altitude Angel are looking to recruit a Technical Product Delivery Manager.

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Plowman Craven are looking to recruit a UAV Lead.

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Windworkx are looking to recruit a UK Onshore Drone Pilot

View Role

View other jobs.

11 February 2025

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CAA updates CAP 722D: UAS Ops in UK Airspace – Abbreviations and Master Glossary

This is the fourth edition of CAP 722D: UAS Operations in UK Airspace – Abbreviations and Master Glossary. It is a full document review and update.

Aim
CAP 722D is the abbreviations list and glossary of terms and for all documents in the CAP 722 series and is the single source of reference. This document also contains additional abbreviations and terms that may be useful for the UAS Regulated Community. This document does not replace definitions and abbreviations contained in relevant UAS Regulations.

Content
The terminology relating to UAS operations continues to evolve and therefore the abbreviations and glossary of terms sections are not exhaustive. Terms and definitions in this document are drawn from a combination of applicable UAS regulation, emerging ICAO definitions, EASA and other ‘common use’ terms which are considered to be acceptable alternatives. Where possible, a reference has been provided, in italics below the definition.

CAP 722D

Other Regulatory News

4 February 2025

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Students Share Their Views on Drones (VotesForSchools) & ARPAS-UK Responds

Watch ARPAS-UK Director Aleks Kowalski’s video message to the 62,625 UK students who took part in January’s VotesForSchools’ poll.

Young people from across the UK participated in VotesForSchools’ nationwide discussion on the topic: “Should we be more worried about drones?”. VotesForSchools contacted ARPAS-UK and invited us to respond to the results.

An incredible 62,625 students participated in the poll, from primary school age through to college, sharing their perspectives, sparking discussions on privacy, regulation, and the role of drones in society.

To acknowledge this fantastic level of engagement, ARPAS-UK Director Aleks Kowalski recorded a special message to thank all the students who took part. In his response, he highlighted the exciting opportunities within the drone industry, encouraging the next generation to explore potential careers in this fascinating and ever-evolving field.

Student Results

Primary 5-7 (13,857 students) considered:
“Do you know how to respect someone’s privacy?”
90% said YES

Primary 7-11, Secondary & College (46,768 students) explored:
“Should we be more worried about drone use?”
56% of 7-11-year-olds voted YES, highlighting a concern about how drones fit into our daily lives.
61% of secondary students and 55% of college & 16+ students voted NO, suggesting that many young people see drones as a tool with positive potential when used responsibly.

Find Out More @ VotesForSchools

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10 February 2025

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DCRO White Paper on The Probability of a UAS Flyaway

The Dutch Association of Certified RPAS Operators (DCRO) conducted an industry study to challenge the assumptions in the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) 2.5 framework regarding the probability of a UAS flyaway. Based on real-world data, DCRO argues that the risk of a flyaway is significantly lower than currently estimated by regulators.

Current Assumptions Are Overestimated:
- SORA 2.5 assumes that a UAS will leave its operational volume once in 1,000 flight hours and experience a flyaway once in 10,000 flight hours.
- DCRO’s data suggests the actual probability is 100 times lower, with a UAS leaving its operational area around 1 in 100,000 flight hours and a flyaway occurring in 1 in 1,000,000 flight hours.
Data Sources & Methodology:
- Data was collected from 37 DCRO member companies, four major foreign operators, and DJI (for enterprise models).
- The dataset spans from 2011 to 2023, covering 1.4 million flight hours.
- Only one confirmed flyaway was recorded in the dataset, equating to a probability of 1.41e-6.
- DJI provided model-specific data, confirming an average probability of 1.75e-5 for a UAS leaving its operational volume.
Professional Operators vs. Hobbyists:
- The study focuses on professional drone operators who follow strict operational procedures and maintenance protocols.
- The findings do not apply to recreational or non-certified operators, where the probability of incidents is likely higher.

Regulatory Concerns

Overly Conservative Containment Measures:
- The ground risk buffer under SORA 2.5 is considered excessive for professional operators.
- Flight Termination Systems (FTS), often required for containment, may increase safety risks due to malfunctions, potentially leading to uncontrolled crashes.
Lack of Industry-Wide Data Collection:
- Currently, no European regulatory authority systematically collects UAS safety data.
- DCRO calls for mandatory, standardized data collection across EU member states.

Recommendations

Improve Data Collection:
- EASA and national CAAs should establish uniform reporting standards for UAS incidents.
- Data should include not only flyaways but also crashes, technical failures, and human errors.
Adjust Containment Requirements:
- Given the extremely low probability of a flyaway, the current SORA containment framework should be revised.
- Flight Termination Systems should not be mandated for professional operators in the Specific Category.

Conclusion

The probability of a UAS flyaway is significantly lower than what regulators assume. The current SORA 2.5 containment rules create unnecessary burdens for professional operators without a corresponding safety benefit. DCRO urges regulatory changes to align risk assessments with real-world data.

Find out more about DCRO

250106-Probability-of-UAS-Flyaway DCRO Download

Read other Drones & Industry Reports

6 January 2025

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CAA’s Letter to PDRA01 & OSC Holders on SORA Transition

See below the letter sent on 7 February 2025 to all PDRA01 holders on SORA Transition. OSC holders received a very similar letter. In short:

PDRA-01 OAs are not affected by the introduction of UK SORA. No expected changes before 31 March 2026.

Introduction of UK Specific Operation Risk Assessment (UK SORA)

UK SORA will replace the OSC methodology (CAP 722A) in Q2 2025.
Aims to provide more transparent, structured, and consistent risk assessments for UAS operators.
Based on JARUS SORA v2.5.
A new digital UK SORA Application Service will streamline applications.

Differences Between UK SORA and OSC-Based Applications

UK SORA is quantitative, reducing subjectivity in risk assessments.
The application is online and guides users through SORA steps.
The process is split into two phases, so all assurance evidence is not required at the start.
An online calculator will help applicants determine necessary mitigation measures.

Impact on Current Operational Authorisations (OAs)

Existing OSC-based OAs remain valid until expiry.
Renewal using OSC is possible only before the UK SORA Application Service goes live.
New applications after UK SORA implementation must use the UK SORA process.
Two webinars will be set up directly by the CAA to guide operators.

Key Dates

Q1 2025 – UK SORA policy published (not yet in force).
Q1 2025 – Remote Pilot Competency Policy published.
Q2 2025 – RAE(F) and SAIL Mark policy concepts published.
Q2 2025 – UK SORA goes live and becomes mandatory.

Read more Regulation related news on our Regulatory Matters – News Repository

CAA Website | Drones

10 February 2025

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Protected: FPV Training Fleet: MOD Expression of Interest

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GEO Business 2025: Network, Exhibit & Speak at the UK’s Geospatial Event – 4-5 June

Mark your calendars! GEO Business 2025 is returning on 4-5 June 2025 at ExCeL London, bringing together 4300+ visitors and professionals from across the geospatial sector. This key industry event is an opportunity to explore the latest innovations, engage with sector leaders, and gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of geospatial technology and services.

With a strong focus on practical applications and real-world case studies, GEO Business provides an excellent platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and business development.

Come Say ‘Hello’ at Stand G90 – It’ll be great to see you!

ARPAS-UK will be at Stand G90 this year, where we’ll be on hand to discuss our work supporting the commercial drone industry. We welcome members, partners, and professionals to visit us, learn more about our work, and explore how we can collaborate to help advance the industry.

Why Attend GEO Business 2025?

GEO Business is more than just an event – it’s a focal point for professionals working with geospatial data, technology, and solutions. Whether you’re attending, speaking, or exhibiting, this is an opportunity to stay informed, make connections, and position yourself at the forefront of industry advancements.

Speak at GEO Business 2025?

How about speaking at this year’s GEO Business? We’re encouraging our members to apply to take part. This is a great opportunity to share knowledge, showcase innovations, gain further exposure of your work and engage with a wider professional audience.

Speaking proposals must be submitted by 28 February – for a list of Topics of Interest and to submit your proposal, click here to read more on Speaking at GEO Business

Thinking About Exhibiting?

For businesses looking to expand their reach, exhibiting at GEO Business offers direct access to industry leaders, potential clients, and key decision-makers. This is a great way to highlight your products and services to an engaged audience.

Find out more about exhibiting here: Exhibit at GEO Business

We look forward to seeing you there!

Find out about more Trade Shows & Events taking place this year
See Our 2025 list here – Members Only Access

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Protected: NATS OpenAir consultation: ARPAS-UK response (MEMBERS ONLY)