SORA is the Specific Operations Risk Assessment safety methodology that the CAA intends to adopt/recommend as an acceptable means of compliance to regulations in 2024 (est.), in its next version SORA v2.5. The JARUS group of experts published SORA v2.0 in 2019. That version is already implemented in many countries around the world. The CAA…
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published its revised CAP1616 airspace change process. The package of improvements makes the airspace change process easier to understand and clarifies the requirements needed to be met to progress an airspace change proposal. The revised process takes into consideration feedback and insights from stakeholders affected by airspace change. The new version…
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…
Most airports, airfields and spaceports have a flight restriction zone (FRZ) that applies to drones and unmanned aircraft. In a recent drone podcast by the CAA, Tom Guest from the CAA RPAS team explains why these FRZs are in place and how they work. They also cover guidance for passengers who are travelling with a drone and what to…
The Digitising Specific Category Operations (DiSCO) project is an important programme run by the CAA to digitize the Operational Authorisation process, so that the submission and review of OAs can be essentially automated – a gain in time and efficiency. Beyond the pure IS/IT project, they are reviewing several aspects of Operational Authorisations in the context…
We’re rapidly approaching a critical deadline. Effective January 1, 2024, all commercial drone pilots will be required to have an Operational Authorisation (OA), replacing the previous PfCO or NQE Certificate. Staying compliant is essential to continue flying in the specific category. Under CAP 722 edition 8, B3.2.7.2 Remote pilots operating under ‘standard permission’/’PFCO’ based permissions that were first…
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has taken a proactive step towards enhancing the regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the United Kingdom. In its recent announcement, stakeholders are invited to contribute their insights and perspectives in the ongoing effort to improve and streamline UAS regulations. This Call for Input represents a significant opportunity for…
The CAA published on 4 August an updated version of CAP722H Specific Category Operations: Pre-defined Risk Assessment Requirements, Guidance & Policy. The announcement is HERE. We will exchange with the REG SIG on the detailed review of this release and share opinions. We had a preview of that release and our preliminary assessment is that on…
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced the issuance of CAP2555, providing comprehensive guidance on the carriage of dangerous goods (DG) for UAS/RPAS Operations in the Specific Category. The document was published on 27th July 2023. This document has been developed to ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods when operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)…
