Ofcom has announced a new initiative to make the 978 MHz spectrum available for drone safety devices in the UK. These devices, known as Universal Access Transceivers (UAT), help aircraft identify drones’ locations, ensuring safer integration into airspace. This change is essential for critical infrastructure tasks, such as inspecting power lines and wind turbines. The…
The United Kingdom’s commercial drone industry, valued at £501 million in 2023, stands at a pivotal juncture. In this paper by Connected Places Catapult “Beyond Sight Behind Barriers”, the authors examine the current state of the UK Drone Industry and what might be holding it back from the next steps of growth. Despite its rapid…
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. Regulatory Concerns Recommendations…
The Playbook for Enabling Civilian Drone Operations by the World Bank outlines a comprehensive roadmap for establishing drone ecosystems in emerging economies, with a specific focus on Africa. Its goal is to harness drone technologies to address critical infrastructure gaps, improve service delivery, and promote sustainable development. Key Objectives The document emphasizes drones as tools…
The Fair Payment Code (FPC), launched on December 3, 2024, by the UK’s Small Business Commissioner with support from the Department of Business and Trade, aims to promote prompt and fair payment practices across businesses of all sizes. Replacing the previous Prompt Payment Code, the FPC introduces a tiered award system to recognize and encourage…
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is proactively addressing artificial intelligence (AI) in aviation. Their strategy focuses on safe regulation and responsible use of AI to enhance aerospace efficiency, sustainability, and scalability while ensuring safety, security, consumer protection, and environmental sustainability. Key points include: The CAA collaborates with international partners and industry stakeholders to align with…
G+ is the health and safety organisation for the global offshore wind industry. The purpose and scope of these guidelines is to promote good health & safety practices for using Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones in the offshore wind industry. They are intended for offshore wind companies (OWCs) and cover all lifecycle stages of…
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has commissioned a review of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) to support low-carbon science research for the environment. The report, co-authored by experts from eight NERC centres, highlights the role of UAS in reducing carbon emissions and advancing environmental science. Key recommendations include investing in UAS technology and addressing barriers…
