ARPAS-UK

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ARPAS-UK Directors are thrilled to welcome Sarah Lay as a new Director of the Board.

Sarah’s experience within the aviation domain has given her a broad experience set, which has fed her passion for this industry and its combination of innovative technology and human interaction. Throughout her career, Sarah is proud to have been able to contribute to its development and improvement in areas such as safety management, safety training, safety culture and human performance. Whilst focussing on managing and delivering safety and operational efficiency improvement initiatives, she has a keen interest in understanding wider societal implications such as environmental safety, security and economic impacts. 

Sarah has been already appointed by the current board of directors, and will be confirmed at our next general meeting on 18 April 2024. 

Sarah brings complementary skills, knowledge and background to our organisation, and we’re excited that she joins the team.

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~ 2800 PDRA01 Holders + ~ 100 OSC holders in the Specific Category

Until DISCO is in place, the CAA’s Shared Services are in charge of processing the PDRA01 within the CAA. Based on their database, we can assess that there were 2838 PDRA01 holders in CY 2023, vs 3515 in CY2012. The numbers for the early months of 2024 tend to indicate a continued attrition rather than a stabilisation.

In addition, the Specific Category includes roughly 100 operators holding operational approvals based on Operating Safety Cases.

The numbers may indicate a trend that we feared: some operators may not renew because they are out of business; or they genuinely no longer need a PDRA01 and can fly within the Open category; or operators aren’t sure anymore if they should renew or not. The regulation is complex, it is difficult to follow it all, and they elect not to renew. The privileges attached to the PDRA01, now that the guidelines wrt flying close to uninvolved people are more restrictive, may no longer justify the effort of maintaining an Operations Manual and an Operational Authorisation.

Project DISCO should go live in the first week of April. Hopefully the digital platform will be easy to use, so that existing operators continue to renew.

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DfT published the Future of Flight Action Plan: Objective of BVLOS UAS operations in integrated airspace at scale in 2027

ARPAS-UK was one of the stakeholders involved in the co-design of the Future of Flight Action Plan and we support it. We have a collective roadmap that will help us shape the industry and take it to the next stage. It is the result of reasonable compromise among the parties, and now it is up to all of us to help deliver, step-by-step, in an iterative process.

Quite a lot of attention is focussed on the passenger carrying aircraft, also referred to as Advanced Air Mobility. The first milestone will be the demonstration for the first time in the UK of an eVTOL, piloted, in 2026.

Anne-Lise Scaillierez, CEO of ARPAS-UK, was interviewed on Sky News on the 18th, and a few questions were raised on that topic, as well as the need for vertiports.

You can access ARPAS-UK CEO’s interview on Sky News Here.

Now, the most important next step from our perspective is to deliver the first incremental milestones. For UAS, these are:

  • 2024: Demonstration o BVLOS UAS operations in non-segregated airspace, as part of the CAA sandbox programme and the Future of Flight programme
  • 2027: Routine BVLOS UAS operations in integrated airspace at scale.

In the interim, we support the introduction of the Atypical Air Environment policy. It is an incremental step to facilitate BVLOS operations in lower risk environment, where no another aircraft is expected to be, for example just above assets that are inspected. These will already unlock a lot of economic value, and help the industry accumulate experience and flying hours in BVLOS.

You can access The DfT publication here.

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The Age of the Flying Taxi draws closer with the Future of Flight action plan

Drone technology could transform our skies and boost the UK economy by £45 billion by the end of the decade.

Credit: Vertical Aerospace

  • flying taxis and routine emergency service drones should be a reality by 2028   
  • new action plan will make sure regulation and infrastructure is in place to support exciting greener, quieter aviation technologies 
  • comes as Aviation and Technology Minister visits pioneering UK company Vertical Aerospace in Bristol to see technology first-hand 

Flying taxis, crime-fighting drones and critical 999 care deliveries could all be a reality by 2030 thanks to the government and industry’s joint Future of Flight action plan, announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) today (18 March 2024).  

Setting out a roadmap for drones and novel electric aircraft in the UK, the plan details how technology once confined to the realm of sci-fi could transform our skies, with studies estimating drone technology could boost the UK economy by £45 billion by the end of the decade.

It details plans for the first piloted flying taxi flight by 2026 and regular services by 2028, regular drone deliveries across our skies by 2027 and demos of autonomous flying taxis without pilots on board by 2030 – transforming how people and goods are transported.

Cutting-edge battery technology will revolutionise transport as we know it – this plan will make sure we have the infrastructure and regulation in place to make it a reality. From flying taxis to emergency service drones, we’re making sure the UK is at the forefront of this dramatic shift in transportation – improving people’s lives and boosting the economy. 
Anthony Brown, Aviation & Technology Minister
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The plan was unveiled on the same day the minister is due to visit Vertical Aerospace in Bristol – one of the UK companies making flying taxis and at the cutting edge of innovation in aviation.

These greener, quieter flying taxis are already undergoing the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) authorisation process and have been made possible thanks to rapid advances in battery technology, meaning they are light enough to stay in the air and powerful enough to cover the distances needed.

Some of the other actions set out in the plan include:  

  • allowing drones to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) so that the sector can grow without limiting the skies for other aircraft
  • breathing life into smaller aerodromes by setting out how they can operate as vertiports for electric aircraft that take off vertically (sometimes known as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft)
  • developing standards to improve security for drones to boost public safety
  • engaging communities and local authorities so that they can enjoy the economic and social benefits of these technologies

First imagined in the Flightpath to the Future in 2022, this joint plan between industry and government sets out the strategic direction of the sector over the next 5 years, striking a balance between innovation, security, safety and cutting emissions.

The benefits of this new technology are already being seen in the UK. West Midlands Police uses drones to tackle violent crime and antisocial behaviour. In July 2023, a drone team was deployed, successfully identifying 2 offenders and another suspect at a speed and distance that would have taken ground officers hours to track down.

Drones are also helping frontline NHS staff save lives. For 6 months between October 2022 and March 2023, the UK drone service provider Skyfarer partnered with University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust and Medical Logistics UK to test drones to deliver surgical implants and pathology samples between sites. In one case, drones reliably helped cut delivery times of surgical implants between Coventry and Rugby hospitals from up to an hour to just 18 minutes – a 70% decrease.

The Future of Flight action plan contains measures to make drone applications and assessments easier by creating new and simple digital platforms that operators can use – ensuring companies and public services are no longer shackled by red tape and get drones up and flying quicker.

It will also enable the development of vertiports – mini-airports for drones and electric aircraft that take off vertically – by developing certification standards and reviewing the use of existing infrastructure to deliver at speed, boost safety and security and put the passenger first.

Industry partners will also undertake multiple industry-leading trials to explore new ways to operate drones beyond the visual line of sight and demonstrate electric aircraft – keeping accidents to a minimum and making the most of technological advances. This could include finding and repairing faults quicker on our railways with fewer delays and cancellations for train passengers, providing new connections across the UK and using technology to help our emergency services. 

The Future of Flight action plan comes ahead of the fifth meeting of the Future of Flight Industry Group, a joint force established in February 2023 for government and industry leaders to tackle the biggest challenges facing the sector and set ambitious goals as emerging aviation technologies become more commonplace.

The UK is home to one of the world’s most important aerospace industries and is in an ideal position to be a pioneer in the next era of aviation. The government and industry have a joint commitment to support the development, industrialisation and introduction of new aviation technologies. Continued collaboration will ensure that we capitalise on the significant domestic and international market opportunities presented by the future of flight.

By supporting research and development in electric aircraft and drones, and with the help of key partners like the CAA, the action plan aims to usher in a new era of eco-friendly aviation and boost the economy with new investments, ensuring the UK captures the full potential of this emerging global industry as a force for good and a driver of growth.
Duncan Walker, Chief Executive of Skyports & Chairman of the Future of Flight Industry Group
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Aviation stands on the cusp of its next, potentially biggest, revolution since the invention of the jet engine. Drones, eVTOL and other different vehicles have the potential to change transportation options forever.

We welcome the firm direction the government’s Future of Flight action plan provides for the industry as it continues to innovate. Our role in this bright future of aviation will be enabling technological advances and providing regulatory support while ensuring that all forms of new aviation technology enjoy the same high safety standards as traditional aviation.
Sophie O’Sullivan, Head of Future Safety & Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority
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Drones help professional teams capture data from the sky in a safer, cheaper, smarter and greener way and, in the future, they will help transport cargo and people. ARPAS-UK and the industry are looking forward to actively and collectively implementing the actions in the plan so that we can accelerate the safe use of drones by end-user industries. We thank the DfT, CAA and all involved parties for making it happen.

Not only is the Future of Flight action plan a testament to the government’s commitment to advancing aviation technologies, but it gives industry the confidence to continue breaking barriers in the sector. Vertical Aerospace, whose pioneering innovation in electric vertical take-off aircraft is creating a cleaner, quieter way to travel, is just one of several UK-based manufacturers that will benefit from the plan.
Anne-Lise Scaillierez, CEO of UK Drone Trade Association, ARPAS-UK
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The UK has a long heritage in aerospace and the publication of this plan sets out how we will lead the next revolution of flight. With government and business working together, we can unleash the huge economic, environmental, and social benefits of zero emissions flight globally. Vertical is hugely proud to be at the forefront of leading this new chapter.
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder & CEO, Vertical Aerospace
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From: Department for Transport and Anthony Browne MP

18 March 2024

Read more from ARPAS-UK on our response to this.

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Responses to Consultations 27/02/2024

In this enlightening interview, Elena Major, Head of Operations at ARPAS-UK, talks with CEO Anne-Lise Scaillierez about the recent drone regulation consultation, focusing on key takeaways like the CAA’s DISCO initiative for digitalisation, the SORA safety methodology, and the integration of CAP-722 for Unmanned Aircraft System operations. This discussion delves into the future of drone technology, emphasising innovation, safety, and the impact of regulatory changes on the industry. Tune in to hear from leading voices in the UK’s drone sector as they navigate these transformative developments.

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PORTAL: Revolutionising Drone Infrastructure through automated launch and landing: webinar 9 May 2024 at 12noon

There are hundreds of eVTOL aircraft concepts currently in development, but what about the development of infrastructure to support these aircraft?

SLiNK-TECH is addressing this with their core technology called PORTAL – a deployable vertiport solution that provides integrated flight management at any location.

This talk, with John Goudie, CEO & Founder at SLiNK-Tech, explores the challenges with infrastructure deployments, discusses SLiNK-TECH’s automation first approach with PORTAL, and will share insights around the scaling challenges slowing widespread adoption of drones and air-taxis.

Also, one of the PORTAL project partners, Cambridge Sensoriis, will be supporting the webinar and Mac Exon-Taylor, Sales Director, will be highlighting the need for ground-to-air surveillance monitoring the airspace surrounding the vertiport, and the benefits of using radar as a sensor to address these requirements.  Sensoriis will also be launching an Air-to-Air-Radar which would be integrated onboard a drone and carry out the detect aspect of Detect-and-Avoid (DAA), for avoiding obstacles while inflight.

REGISTER

About the Speakers:

John Goudie, CEO & Founder at SLiNK-TECH

John holds over 14 years of hands-on development experience in aerospace and drone technology sectors.  He’s been involved with several drone development projects, including Facebook’s HAPS Internet Connectivity drone, Aquila, where he led system development.  Holding a degree from The Ohio State University, he possesses deep insights into UAS systems and automation and is particularly enthusiastic about the potential of drones to revolutionise logistics, seeing it as a key area for growth and innovation

His current company, SLiNK-TECH, provides enabling infrastructure for fully autonomous take-off and landing of future flight use cases, including delivery drones, inspection drones and UAM air taxis. SLiNK-TECH have won two UKRI Future Flight Challenge grants (December 2020, July 2022) and are currently leading Project PORTAL, in a consortia of seven organisations. 

Mac Exon-Taylor, Sales Director at Cambridge Sensoriis

Mac is a veteran of B2B technology-led companies in various sectors, with extensive experience in Sales, Consulting and Senior Management throughout Europe and Asia Pacific.

He is an experienced executive with a highly consultative and articulate style, specialising in taking lead roles in early-stage companies, pioneering new markets, and developing a scalable sales process.

He is an Operational Research graduate from the University of Lancaster and a passionate sportsperson. 

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CAA launches AI survey

The aviation industry continues to embrace the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It already enhances safety and efficiency through predictive maintenance, aiding air traffic management, and refining pilot training with advanced insights and simulations. Understanding what AI will mean for the CAA and how it will affect the way we work and how we regulate is a crucial part of this strategy work.

The CAA have created a survey that focuses on how they regulate AI. Your support in helping create a strategy for the safe and secure use of AI in aviation would be greatly appreciated.

The survey will close Friday 29 March 2024. More information is available on the CAA website

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CAA Call for Volunteers: Electronic Conspicuity User Study

The UK Civil Aviation Authority, in partnership with Baringa and QinetiQ, is hosting virtual workshops in February to discuss Electronic Conspicuity (EC) device use. The sessions will look at how EC is used to detect airborne threats and how decisions are made to avoid airborne collisions.

They are looking for volunteers who are operationally qualified users from the following categories:

  • Specific and Certified Category RPAS Operators
  • Air Traffic Service Controllers
  • Commercial fixed and rotary wing flight crews
  • GA fixed and rotary wing flight crews
  • GA crews not routinely in receipt of air traffic services during flight, e.g., gliding, paragliding, hang gliding, ballooning

Participants cannot not have any connection to an EC manufacturer.

If you are interested in attending a workshop please email your name, contact details and which of the categories you fall under to: ec@caa.co.uk

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New Digital PDRA01 Application Tool Live in March!

The CAA aims to launch the new Digital PDRA01 Application Tool at the beginning of March.  The aim is to simplify the PDRA01 application and renewal process, and to make it online.The key expected benefit is that applying for an OA will be made easy and quick. The review and approval process will also be automated and quicker.

The philosophy is that the Operator will make a number of declarations of Compliance to get the OA, which will formalise his/her commitment to follow the regulatory requirements and his/her legal responsibility. That responsibility has always existed, but the oversight regime of it is evolving.

Each and every application will no longer be individually renewed, at least not in detail, because the operator will have ticked the many required boxes and committed to compliance. The CAA oversight teams will focus more on conducting adhoc audits – a little but like tax returns and tax oversight regime.

A template PDRA01 Operations Manual will be provided, which should clarify what’s required to be compliant in practice as well.

Will it change the heart of PDRA01, meaning its obligations and privileges? Or the interpretation of them? Like the issue of distance from uninvolved persons? It is unclear at this stage, and we’ll continue engagement on that point.

Below are key extracts of CAA communication to drone operators due to renew soon, for transparency.

“This marks the first milestone in the Digitisting Specific Category Operations (DiSCO) project that aims to transform the Operational Authorisation process for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in the Specific Category.  

  Key features of the new PDRA01 Application Tool:  

The new PDRA01 Application Tool aims to make it simpler and quicker for you to apply for a PDRA01 based Operational Authorisation. Key features include:  

  • A streamlined application process: PDRA01 applications will be declarative in nature, reducing the amount of information required to be provided to us at point of application. 
  • Faster authorisation: Authorisation outcomes will be provided within 24 hours.   
  • Improved guidance and support: We’ve simplified the guidance on the CAA website to help you understand what you can do under a PDRA01, the requirements you need to meet and how to apply. We will also provide a new PDRA01 Operations Manual template that will help you to ensure you are compliant.
  • Self-service access: Once applications are approved applicants are notified by email.PDRA01 Operational Authorisation certificates will then be available to view and download at any time in My Registration.0  
  • Oversight regime: Post-application, operators will continue to be subject to compliance oversight during the 12-month period over which their authorisation is valid, as part of our oversight regime. This will involve being asked to provide an up-to-date Operations Manual, along with evidence that the processes within it are being followed, such as logbooks.  

What the launch means for operators: 

When we launch the new PDRA01 Application Tool, we will only accept PDRA01 applications made via the new process. The existing PDRA01 application form will no longer be in use.  

If you have started an application on the current PDRA01 application form (which you can do from 3 months before your expiry date), you will be able to continue and submit this application for 30 days after the system goes live. After this point, you will need to start a new application on the new PDRA01 Application Tool.  

You will be able to renew your authorisation using the new tool from 28 days before it expires. Please note that you will need to have a valid Operator ID before you can start the application process.    

Charges 

The fee you pay for Operational Authorisations pays for both the initial, and ongoing regulation of the RPAS industry, including assessing applications, ongoing oversight and introducing new and improved technology such as the new PDRA01 Application Tool and the associated upkeep of the new technology system (and broader DiSCO programme).  

The fee for applications made on the new PDRA01 Application Tool will be £290 for applications made on or before 31st March 2024, and £314 for applications made on or after 1st April 2024 (as per the 2024/25 Scheme of Charges). There will only be one flat fee going forwards to streamline and simplify the process. 

Please visit the CAA website for further information on charges. 

How we’ll let you know when the tool is live  

We’re aiming to launch the tool at the beginning of March. We’ll email you again when the tool is live and ready to use. You will also be some of the first users of the new process, so there will be increased support available for you, should you have any issues.  “

A-L Scaillierez