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 be aware of when you’re at the airport. You’ll also hear from Gatwick Airport’s Stable Operations Lead, Aaron Bassett, who explains what happens when their systems detect a drone and the impact this can have on airport operations.
Reminder to all those holding an NQE “full recommendation” from PfCO days: GVC required to have an OA starting Jan 2024
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 issued prior to 31 December 2020.
UAS operators are responsible for ensuring that all remote pilots flying under the terms of their permission are competent to do so, are kept in current flying practise and are kept fully aware of the applicable regulations. Until 31 December 2023 remote pilots may be used by the UAS operator if they:
hold a GVC; or,
hold an NQE ‘full recommendation’ obtained prior to 31 December 2020 and a valid ‘flyer ID’ that has been obtained on or after 15 December 2020; or,
comply with one of the previously accepted Alternative Means of Compliance categories detailed in Table 3 below, are in possession of a ‘flyer ID’ that has been obtained on or after 15 December 2020, and can demonstrate currency within the past 2 years.
From 1 January 2024 onwards, all remote pilots must be in possession of a GVC.
DroneX & ARPAS-UK Keynote Speech: 27 Sept 2023 at 2pm
DroneX is nearly upon us, and here at ARPAS-UK, we’re busy getting ready!
2023 Update and Latest Market Outlook
Key Note Theatre: 27 Sept 2023 at 2pm
2023 is a busy year, and we expect the same in 2024: Join us to review key regulatory and industry engagement updates.
We will also welcome our members, PwC with Craig Roberts, Head of Drones, and Frost & Sullivan with Michael Rowe, VP Global Aerospace. They will share highlights of their latest industry reports on the perception of drones and the Advanced Air Mobility AAM market opportunity.
ARPAS UK are proud to announce for the third year running to be the official headline partner for DroneX Tradeshow & Conference which will be taking place on the 26th & 27th September at the ExCeL London.
The successful delivery of the 2022 edition led to DroneX being nominated for an industry award by Exhibition News which recognises exhibitions that are breaking boundaries against longer running trade shows! Additionally, the show has also gained a reputation as Europe’s leading business event dedicated to the UAV industry and we are proud to be supporting the team once again for another successful edition!
DroneX is the central platform for the industry ecosystem to enhance conversations that will drive change and act as a voice to push the industry forward to achieve the goals of a safer, more sustainable integrated airspace. The show highlighted the importance of the future of the airspace and played an integral role in signifying the impact that urban air mobility has on the industry. With keynote sessions from thought-leaders such as David Stepanek from Bristow discussing the early adoption of advanced air mobility, followed by other key players including Lilium, Rolls-Royce Electrical, Ehang, NATS, CAA and the Minister of Aviation. It was clear that the demand was to ensure the future of air mobility can benefit from a platform to further connect the ecosystem.
Advanced Air Mobility Expo will allow those within the industry that had a preview from our previous edition its very own hub to source the latest advancements, engage and network with industry professionals and gain insight into the growing market. The show will see the launch of AAM connect, a dedicated networking space, 100 expert-led seminars and over 300 hand-picked exhibitors. In addition, an opportunity to take advantage of over 50 hours of unmissable content from leading experts and keynote speakers, all covering the key aspects of Public acceptance, Sustainability, Infrastructure, Vehicle Development, Traffic and Operations and Safety/ Regulations.
With that said, the Advanced Air Mobility Expo will be taking place next door to the DroneX Tradeshow & Conference and Helitech Expo on the 26th & 27th September at the ExCeL London and promises to continue its goals of becoming the leading business event for the future and integration of airspace.
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Delivering UAS BVLOS flight in non-segregated airspace using aviation-grade Command & Control: WATCH AGAIN
CPD overview:
Earlier this year, uAvionix, Skylift and and British Telecom successfully conducted demonstration flights using uAvionix’s SkyLine cloud-based command and control (C2) system communicating over C-Band and LTE. The flights achieved two UK firsts for UAS operations; operational Command and Non-Payload Communications (CNPC) C2 systems using C-Band and LTE via BT’s Drone SIM and secondly the transmission of ADS-B OUT on 978 MHz for detect and avoid (DAA) operations.
The UK CAA participate in the ICAO RPAS Panel, which is working to deliver C-Band CNPC at an international level.
uAvionix has gained US FAA and FCC approval to operate its SkyLink C-Band C2 radios for true BVLOS operations in non-segregated airspace. The radios operating on aviation-protected C-Band frequencies are controlled by uAvionix’s SkyLine cloud-based C2 network solution that combines fleet management, network health monitoring, detect & avoid, and seamless make-before-break roaming between multiple radio networks and ground stations. The system also uses other radio networks, such as LTE, for multi-path, multi-datalink assured CNPC C2.
C2 radio design assurance is critical to meeting the criteria needed to manage risk during BVLOS operations and to meet the safety case requirements. The C-Band C2 radios are compliant with RTCA DO-362A and will become aviation certified to TSO-C213a in due course. The SkyLine cloud-based network control and associated SkyLink and SkyStation radios are the first certifiable C2 network purpose built for BVLOS operations.
uAvionix, operating at the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) Emerging Aviation Technology Center, recently completed the first true Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight in non-segregated airspace using aviation protected C-Band in the United States. Serving as the Command and Control Communications Service Provider (C2CSP), uAvionix completed the historic flights for CNO, FAA and industry leaders to demonstrate the effectiveness of combining C2 link management and situational awareness for Detect and Avoid (DAA) through the company’s SkyLine software service offering. The flight, a culmination of a multi-year effort involving engineering, operations teams and regulatory review, heralds a significant advancement for UAS operators and businesses seeking to commercialise scalable UAS operations such as medical and package delivery, linear utility inspection, and emergency management. (https://uavionix.com/uavionix-and-choctaw-nation-of-oklahoma-complete-first-us-flights-exercising-faa-and-fcc-approvals-for-aviation-protected-c-band-and-beyond-visual-line-of-sight-
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National Drone Innovation Gateway: Pioneering Progress in the UK Drone and AAM Ecosystems
In the dynamic world of drone technology and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), innovation is the driving force behind the future of aviation. The National Drone Innovation Gateway (NDIG) is a groundbreaking initiative led by Cranfield University, in collaboration with Neuron Innovations and Ebeni, designed to propel innovators and businesses into the forefront of the UK drone and AAM ecosystems. This forward-looking initiative serves as a launchpad for scaling drone operations, fostering collaboration, and providing comprehensive support to drive advancements in uncrewed systems.
Scaling drone operations requires a multifaceted approach, and NDIG is dedicated to guiding operators through every stage of their journey. The initiative offers a comprehensive suite of resources, including expertise, industry connections, and cutting-edge facilities. NDIG assists operators in building a repeatable and holistic safety assessment, conducting efficient trials, accessing academic research, analysing prototype data, and interfacing with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This support is invaluable for both newcomers and established players in the industry, ensuring that they can confidently navigate the complex landscape of drone technology.
NDIG’s reach extends far beyond its founding partners, creating a vast network of connections within the industry. This network spans from local councils and regulators to manufacturers, operators, and infrastructure developers. NDIG leverages these connections to facilitate cross-organization collaboration and partnerships. For example, if an operator requires specific infrastructure, NDIG can connect them with suitable manufacturers and provide the facilities for them to collaborate effectively. This interconnectedness not only accelerates innovation but also opens doors to mutually beneficial partnerships.
Mission Statement
NDIG’s mission is clear: to provide the drone and AAM industry with a comprehensive solution that accelerates the development and productive use of uncrewed systems across various sectors and government initiatives. NDIG offers support to startups, SMEs, manufacturers, operators, and integrators by:
Guiding them through an innovation process that enhances the success rate of their products and services.
Providing access to office spaces, workshops, and event facilities to foster growth and development.
Offering specialized regulatory, engineering, safety, operational, and research expertise and resources.
Facilitating connections and partnerships with stakeholders that add value, unlock opportunities, and enhance product offerings.
The National Drone Innovation Gateway provides a centralized hub where industry players can access multiple resources necessary for planning, prototyping, testing, certifying, and launching scalable solutions. This approach accelerates the development of uncrewed systems and their integration into shared airspace, offering an efficient pathway to innovation and progress.
About the Partners
Cranfield University: Cranfield University, a specialist postgraduate institution, boasts world-class expertise, expansive facilities, and industry partnerships that are driving advancements in technology and management globally. Access to academic research and state-of-the-art facilities, such as DARTeC, Eagle Labs, and AVIATE, allows operators to collaborate with other UAS innovators in a modern workspace.
Ebeni: Ebeni is a Safety Consultancy SME specializing in safety and mission-critical operations in the aerospace, defense, and ATM markets. Their expertise covers various aviation capabilities, including operational and engineering safety, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and more. Ebeni’s seasoned project managers support drone development throughout the entire lifecycle.
Neuron Innovations: Neuron Innovations is a forward-thinking technological innovator, offering advanced technical solutions, data collection, and analysis for novel UAS issues. Their expertise in software development, automation, and mobility enhances safety and mobility in future aviation. Neuron Innovations collaborates with partner organizations to decentralize automation and mobility.
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The Prompt Payment Code
If you run a business and are constantly plagued by late payments here are a couple of useful resources.
Prompt Payment Code. The Prompt Payment Code (PPC) is a voluntary code of practice for businesses, administered by the Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) on behalf of Department for Business and Trade (DBT). It was established in December 2008 and sets standards for payment practices between organisations of any size and their suppliers. – You can check out if your client is on the list and remind them of their commitment. – If you run a business – sign the PPC.
Prompt payment policy. If your client is a government organisation. The government commitment is to pay 90% of undisputed and valid invoices from SMEs within 5 days and 100% of all undisputed and valid invoices to be paid within 30 days.
