There is currently a strong industry demand for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operation of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) within the UK, and while forecast estimates vary, they consistently show a large increase in the sector over the next 10+ years. Perhaps the most significant barrier to the growth of this sector is the mid-air collision risk associated with Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s vision for the BVLOS RPAS operation within the UK is set out in the Airspace Modernisation Strategy, which describes a transition from the use of segregated airspace to integrated operations, supported by the use of Transponder Mandatory Zones (TMZs). In support of this vision, the CAA are now consulting on the proposed policy concept for the assurance of Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems.
ARPAS-UK Reg SIG will meet at the end of August to discuss this. If you are not in REG SIG or BVLOS SIG and have any comments, please contact membership@arpas.uk Thank you!
Protected: £150million funding to enhance and protect the UK’s world-class landscapes
SAM IS ....
BSI Flex 1903 v2.0
We’re excited to introduce BSI Flex 1903 v2.0 Future Flight Systems – Vocabulary 🎉
BSI Flex 1903 v2.0 includes definitions of 146 terms and 72 acronyms used in future flight systems and the ecosystem in which they operate. This updated version offers key updates to meet the sector’s evolving needs.
Authored by Anthony Venetz, an ARPAS-UK Member, and sponsored by UK Research and Innovation, it marks a significant step in establishing a common language to empower all future flight stakeholders.
The benefits of using BSI Flex 1903
Flex 1903 v2.0 provides a common vocabulary enabling clear communication and collaboration.
It accelerates trust in new air vehicles, driving innovation and supporting commercialization.
The vocabulary helps to develop your expertise and keep up to date with the latest technology.
It supports legislators, regulators, insurers and organizations directly involved in future flight.
Event Description Commercial UAV Expo, presented by Commercial UAV News, is the world’s leading commercial drone trade show and conference focusing on the integration and operation of commercial UAS in select vertical markets.
2024 marks the 10th edition of Commercial UAV Expo, demonstrating a passionate continued commitment to the commercial UAS industry. Since its inception, Commercial UAV Expo has aimed to serve as an essential platform for collaboration, and knowledge exchange amid the ongoing growth and revolution of the commercial UAS sector – and this year is set to be its biggest yet.
ARPAS-UK has TWO free guest passes for the event to give to members. These are for the full 3-day conference passport, which includes all workshops, sessions, exhibits, receptions and AI-powered matchmaking. They do not include flights there, accommodation or any other expenses. They are available on a first come, first served basis. Please contact membership@arpas.uk
Commercial drone professionals are eagerly anticipating Commercial UAV Expo 2024, where they can look forward to critical, timely education delivered by industry leaders, opportunities to network and engage with peers, and the best opportunity of the year to see and learn about the newest technology through conference sessions, workshops, and live-action Outdoor Flying Demonstrations. The show floor features an expanded exhibit hall with an expected 225 industry-leading providers showcasing their latest UAS solutions including airframes, software, sensors, and services. The event is expected to attract 3,750 commercial drone professionals from around the world and is backed by more than 300 associations and media companies.
The conference program provides actionable information in Keynote Presentations and industry focused panels, where drone innovators, regulators, and end-users share their expertise and vision and discuss the critical issues facing the industry; solutions-based conference sessions that offer practical, actionable education for professionals working with UAS across markets including construction, infrastructure, and energy & utilities; and in-depth conference sessions that provide up-to-the-minute information on topics that affect everyone in UAS, such as FAA regulations, BVLOS operations, technology adoption, accuracy requirements, safety, power, and more.
The Drone Pilot Hub is a new, dynamic space in the Commercial UAV Exhibit Hall that will feature content tailored for attendees who are new or current professional drone pilots. Learning opportunities include drone pilot preparations for Part 107 tests, discussion of standard operating procedures and best practices for flights, and details of regulation and documentation.
Commercial UAV Expo and Commercial UAV News are organized by Diversified Communications, a global event producer that also organizes Commercial UAV Expo Europe, Digital Construction Week and Geo Business (London, UK), and Geo Week (Denver, CO).
Keynotes:
This year’s Commercial UAV Expo keynotes are set to define what it means to accelerate commercial viability for drone technology on a whole new level. Keynoters will answer these questions and more while also outlining developments that will have a profound impact on the entire drone industry.
What are some of the most pivotal changes, challenges, and implications shaping the landscape of commercial drone regulation from the FAA?
What does it mean for a “drone champion” to define efficiencies that the technology can unlock for large organizations in the public and private sectors?
Are we finally beyond the hype? For years, drone technology rode a wave of speculative excitement, promising explosive growth. While this hype proved unsustainable and led to industry consolidation, it was rooted in a genuine vision of the value drones could offer. In 2024, that value is finally being demonstrably quantified, marking a clear shift into a post-hype era. However, the question remains: has the industry definitively climbed out of the initial slump, or is it merely on an upward trajectory? Whether the technology is fully through the trough or on an upward slope will be a major topic of discussion at Commercial UAV Expo.
What are the top real-world use cases of drone technology? Commercial UAV Expo is set to showcase the tangible impact drones are delivering across industries in a whole new way. In Energy & Utilities, drones are optimizing operations and inspections. In Construction, they’re creating value out of thin air. For Critical Infrastructure Inspections, they’re enhancing safety and efficiency. These specifics will be broken down in separate education tracks, each of which will feature multiple case studies that will outline exactly where and how the technology is creating value.
Will Part 108 redefine commercial drone regulation? Part 107 unlocked a new era for commercial drones, but Part 108 could be an even bigger milestone. This groundbreaking FAA rule will unleash a wave of lucrative opportunities and supercharge existing applications, allowing drones to truly scale across countless industries. This topic will be specifically explored during a Part 108 brief but will dominate conversations across the program and floor.
What does it mean for the drone pilot community to come together? As the commercial drone industry evolves, so do the opportunities for drone pilots. Technological leaps, evolving regulations, and growing industry recognition are fueling these opportunities, but how can pilots best navigate these new developments? And who can pilots look to for support? For the first time ever, Commercial UAV Expo will offer dedicated education and networking—designed specifically for drone pilots—to answer these questions individually but also for the larger drone pilot community.
What’s the latest for drones and AI? The UAV industry is at the forefront of breakthroughs in automation and artificial intelligence (AI). Drone data is being utilized to create detailed 3D models for inspections, and it is also guiding drones through areas with no GPS signal, all of which is happening thanks to AI-enabled innovations. From streamlined flight plans to advanced security systems to operations that counter rogue drones, AI is making a difference in multiple sectors. Commercial UAV Expo will showcase how drone companies are harnessing automation and AI to make their operations more efficient, safer, and more profitable.
Who are the individuals and organizations defining the future of the industry? The drone industry is defined by the innovators, visionaries, and disruptors who are bringing fresh approaches to current challenges. This year’s program features individuals who are shaping the present and future of the industry, while the exhibit floor will feature industry stalwarts that are doing the same. Additionally, several companies that are new to Commercial UAV Expo will be showcasing their products and services. Discover the established giants and rising stars who are shaping the future of drones.
SAM IS ....
Royal Holloway University’s New £2.5M Omnidrome Research Facility: A Unique Opportunity
Royal Holloway University has made a significant leap forward in research and innovation with a £2.5 million investment into the Omnidrome Research & Innovation Centre. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for pioneering research and development in various advanced technological fields, focusing on unmanned autonomous systems (UAS/UAVs), robotics, artificial intelligence, and information security.
Omnidrome: Pioneering the Future
The Omnidrome at Royal Holloway University is poised to become a world-leading centre for research, innovation, education, and knowledge exchange, dedicated to the study and application of drones and autonomous vehicles. This new facility will address contemporary and future challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering an environment where cutting-edge research can thrive.
Research and Innovation at Omnidrome
The Omnidrome Research & Innovation Centre aims to support a broad range of research initiatives, including:
Robotics, AI, and Information Security: Focusing on the development and secure integration of autonomous systems.
Drone and Sensor Technology: Advancing the capabilities and applications of aerial, surface, and submersible drones.
Environmental Monitoring: Utilizing drone technology for geospatial analysis of environmental, ecological, and geological systems.
Law, Culture, Arts, and Humanities: Exploring the legal, cultural, and social implications of drone technology.
Building a Collaborative Community
The Omnidrome is dedicated to nurturing a diverse and multidisciplinary community of researchers, educators, technical staff, and students. The Centre will also build a robust network of academic and non-academic collaborators, including business, industry, government partners, and NGOs. This collaborative environment aims to:
Develop funding opportunities and promote impactful research.
Train staff and students in drone industry applications and software skills.
Support student research projects and geospatial data analysis.
Unique Features of Omnidrome
What sets the Omnidrome apart is its comprehensive approach to research and innovation:
Unrestricted Research Directions: Supporting all ideas and opportunities within the Omnidrome Innovation Network.
Multidisciplinary Expertise: Engaging academics from arts, humanities, science, and social sciences to address diverse research challenges.
Industry Partnerships: Directly addressing sector-specific challenges through innovative solutions and economic benefits.
Membership and Opportunities
The Omnidrome offers membership to an innovation network of academic and non-academic collaborators. Membership benefits include:
Direct networking opportunities with academic researchers and industry practitioners.
Discounts on access to the Omnidrome Training and Testing Facility and other resources.
Invitations to annual events, including a research and education conference and a networking and partnerships meeting.
Training and Testing Facilities
The Omnidrome provides state-of-the-art facilities for drone training, testing, and development:
Controlled Environment: A bespoke facility measuring 25m x 35m x 10m for safe and robust testing.
Training Areas: Dedicated spaces for visual line-of-sight flight training and sensor applications.
Technical Infrastructure: Access to high-capacity electrical power systems, drone support vehicles, and specialized equipment.
Join Us at the Omnidrome Innovation Networking Event
On behalf of Royal Holloway University, We are delighted to invite knowledge exchange professionals and industry brokers to the Omnidrome Innovation Networking Event on Tuesday, July 23, from 10.00 to 16.30 at the Royal Holloway University Campus in Egham. This event will feature expert talks, workshops, and opportunities to connect with peers in the field of drone and robotics technology.
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, often referred to as the “Grammys of Entrepreneurship,” celebrates the achievements of the UK’s most dynamic and innovative businesses. Each year, the awards receive thousands of applications, underscoring the competitive nature and high standard of the competition. This year’s shortlist showcases a combined turnover of nearly £2.9 billion and employs approximately 20,000 people, highlighting the critical role these businesses play in driving economic growth and innovation.
Iprosurv Limited, based in South Yorkshire, is recognised for its outstanding contributions to the Aviation industry/ RPAS sector.
“As we celebrate our 10th year anniversary, we are incredibly honoured to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we are excited to celebrate this achievement with the wider entrepreneurial community,” said Rebecca Jones, Co-Founder, Iprosurv.
Previous winners of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards include the founders of BrewDog, MyEnergi, Zilch, Grenade, and ClearScore, who have gone on to become household names. It is with thanks to national and regional sponsors Allica Bank, Airwallex, Basket, Caudwell Children, de Novo Solutions, GiftRound, GS Verde Group, GS1 UK, Home Grown, JF Growth Menzies, Quidos, Randal Charitable Foundation, ScoreApp, TikTok, UBS Wealth Management and Vestd that the Great British Entrepreneur Awards has been able to celebrate the very best of Great British entrepreneurs for 12 years.
The awards ceremony will take place on Monday, 18th November, at London’s prestigious Grosvenor House, where winners for each category in each region will be announced. This event is the largest entrepreneurial celebration in the UK, providing a platform for businesses to connect, celebrate, and champion the spirit of entrepreneurship.
Francesca James, Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, stated, “The calibre of entries this year is truly outstanding. These entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy, and their stories are a testament to the incredible resilience and creativity of the UK’s business community. We are thrilled to recognise their achievements and support their continued growth.”
Allica Bank, the headline sponsor for this year’s awards, shares this commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success. “It has been a real honour to sponsor this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Hearing the inspiring stories from the incredible businesses that these awards champion really brings to life the important contribution that British entrepreneurs make to our economy” says Conrad Ford, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Allica Bank.
For more information about Iprosurv Limited, please visit www.iprosurv.com.
Operating in the commercial sector since 2014, Iprosurv has been at the forefront of pioneering the use of drones across a variety of industries. Our mission is to drive the widespread adoption of drone technology across business sectors, helping to improve operations, reduce costs, and increase safety while positively impacting the UK economy. We aim to position Iprosurv as one of the UK’s leading drone services businesses.
Leveraging a national supply chain of expert drone operators, we serve a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies and global organisations. Iprosurv holds extensive regulatory approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), enabling us to operate under complex operations exemptions.
Authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority as a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE), we offer both standard and bespoke training solutions for organisations and individuals aiming to become CAA-approved drone pilots or upgrade their qualifications.
From building surveys and flood response to supporting emergency services, Iprosurv continues to push the boundaries of drone technology in business applications. Our commitment to innovation and safety ensures that we remain leaders in the rapidly evolving field of commercial drone operations.
Iprosurv Limited is an ARPAS-UK Member
25 June 2024
SAM IS ....
Safety methodology SORA v2.5 published. Pack Accessible Here.
JARUS published the SORA version 2.5 in June 2024. You can access the full set of documentation by clicking on the button:
SORA stands for Specific Operations Risk Assessment. It is the safety methodology developed by JARUS, a group of aviation experts from around the globe, including the CAA.
The UK CAA is now developing a UK version of SORA v2.5 and it will be subject to industry consultation. Once adopted, UK SORA would replace the current safety methodology to build the safety cases of Operational Safety Cases OSC in the Specific Category. It will impact OSC holders but should not impact PDRA012 holders (to be confirmed!).
Watch our webinars to know more about it, especially our webinar with Nathanel Apter, one of the members of the JARUS working groups, by clicking Here.
Below is the main body available for direct download for your convenience. Keep in mind that the full pack comprises 8 additional annexes that are key to fully understanding the methodology.
The GeoBusiness Trade Show 2024 was a remarkable event, showcasing the latest advancements and innovations in the geospatial industry. ARPAS-UK was proud to have a prominent presence at the show, with a dedicated stall that attracted significant attention from industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. The event provided an excellent platform for our members to network, share knowledge, and demonstrate their expertise. We estimate that a whopping 34/110 exhibitors were drone related or had drones involved in their organisation.
Our Stall
The ARPAS-UK stall was a hub of activity throughout the trade show. We engaged with numerous attendees, discussing the latest trends and developments in the drone industry. The interest in our stall highlighted the growing importance and recognition of ARPAS-UK in the geospatial sector.
Member Participation
Many of our members took the opportunity to present their work and share insights during the trade show. Notable presentations included:
InView Assets: Delivered an engaging talk on their latest projects and technological advancements.
VantageUAV: Shared valuable insights into their operations and future plans.
Keith Bennett from the College of Policing: Provided an intriguing perspective on the use of drones in law enforcement.
Sellafield: Discussed their innovative applications of drone technology.
Ajuno: Highlighted their recent achievements and contributions to the industry.
Special Guests and Networking
We were thrilled to welcome several distinguished guests and industry leaders to our stall, fostering valuable connections and collaborations. Some of the notable attendees included:
Trendspek Team: Came along to greet and interact with our team.
DroneDesk: Dorian Ellis engaged in insightful discussions on industry trends.
PwC: Craig Roberts shared his expertise and perspectives on the future of drone technology.
Exhibitors at the Show
Several of our associated members and partners had their stands and were exhibitors at the trade show, contributing to the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere:
LMCL: Adrian Wilkinson presented innovative ideas and explored potential collaborations.
JBUAS: Jonathan Brindley discussed future prospects and industry advancements.
AirBorne Robotics: Showcased their cutting-edge technology and developments.
Drone Pilot Academy: Interacted with our members, sharing experiences and knowledge.
COPTRZ: Engaged in meaningful discussions and demonstrated their expertise.
AETHA: Displayed state of the art technology and shared their knowledge.
Highlight of the Expo
Our enterprise member ESRI, held a beautiful and centrally located stand that became a focal point of the Expo. Their stand not only highlighted their contributions to the industry but also underscored the importance of geospatial intelligence and innovation.
Conclusion
The GeoBusiness Show 2024 was a tremendous success for ARPAS-UK. Our active participation, engaging stall, and the presence of our esteemed members and guests significantly enhanced our visibility and influence in the geospatial industry. We look forward to continuing these valuable interactions and collaborations in the future, driving innovation and growth within the drone sector.
Thank you to all our members and guests who made this event a success. We eagerly anticipate next year’s GeoBusiness Show and the exciting opportunities it will bring.
No Caption
No Caption
No Caption
No Caption
No Caption
No Caption
No Caption
No Caption
No Caption
No Caption
No Caption
No Caption
June 2024
SAM IS ....
ARPAS-UK Regulation SIG Progress Review June 2024
ARPAS-UK Regulation SIG collates feedback from members on a regular basis and this paper is the outcome of our engagement within the REG SIG and with the broader community of members. It also documents our response to official consultations conducted by the CAA or the DfT in 2023-24.
The objective is to:
Contribute to the development in the UK of proportionate regulations and standards
Develop a collaborative feedback loop with the CAA and other key stakeholders
Formulate and disseminate proposals to issues and priorities identified.
Below is the summary. The RAG colour code indicates our perception of progress made over the last 12 months.
You can find a detailed explanation or position on each matter in the report below.
