Strong and diverse keynotes today at Westminster eForum on drones to the question: “What priorities and next steps for the UK drone industry?” Our key messages were focusing on “Actions in 2024 to grow the commercially possible at scale & at a reasonable cost of compliance in the Here and Now”. Similar to the crawl, walk, run approach mentioned by John McKenna at Sees.ai in his keynote. ARPAS-UK CEO Anne-Lise Scaillierez delivered our organisation’s keynote, reflected on why industries use drones (professional tool to collect data in a safer smarter cheaper way, CO2 reduction journey, and beyond data capture Advanced Air Mobility) and highlighted as 2024 Top 5 priorities:

1. to collectively deliver the upcoming DfT-led Future Flight Action Plan, and where possible accelerate milestones, such as routine BVLOS operations

2. Secure the CAA’s funding and access to skilled resources. CAA teams are very professional and working very hard in a challenging environment. Yet, still months to get approvals for more complex operations.  Innovation much broader than drones: Airspace Modernisation Strategy, alternative propulsion, Net Zero…

3. Focus on low-hanging fruits to expand the scope of the “commercially possible at scale”:

+/ Atypical airspace as a start to long distance BVLOS operations

+/ Standards: standardised, digitised, risk assessments processes for frequent, lower safety risk operations. Product technical standards. BSI standards.

4.Successfully transition to international “SORA”-based regulatory framework: opportunity for regulatory clarity, simplicity, risk proportionality, digitisation

5.Pursue collaboration, education to accelerate the adoption by end-user industries

Jenny Ward at DfT delivered a well-rounded brief that demonstrates the support of DfT to our industry.

Many speakers reflected on a broader perspective as well, beyond 2024 actions, looking at 2030 and embracing Advanced Air Mobility. We agree with them… but like the idea of collectively getting a few simpler things done this year rather than next year!

We’re proud to count as ARPAS-UK members a number of speakers: Paul Luen at COPTRZ, Elliot Parnham at Skyfarer, Dave Pankhurst at BT , Richard Parker at Altitude Angel, and John McKenna at Sees.ai.

Thanks to #wefevents for having us speak and to fellow presenters.

The full transcript and video recording will be made available by the organisers. Please reach out if you would like to discuss the specific input of other speakers. membership@arpas.uk.

by: Anne-Lise Scaillierez