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Students Share Their Views on Drones (VotesForSchools) & ARPAS-UK Responds

Watch ARPAS-UK Director Aleks Kowalski’s video message to the 62,625 UK students who took part in January’s VotesForSchools’ poll.

Young people from across the UK participated in VotesForSchools’ nationwide discussion on the topic: “Should we be more worried about drones?”. VotesForSchools contacted ARPAS-UK and invited us to respond to the results.

An incredible 62,625 students participated in the poll, from primary school age through to college, sharing their perspectives, sparking discussions on privacy, regulation, and the role of drones in society.

To acknowledge this fantastic level of engagement, ARPAS-UK Director Aleks Kowalski recorded a special message to thank all the students who took part. In his response, he highlighted the exciting opportunities within the drone industry, encouraging the next generation to explore potential careers in this fascinating and ever-evolving field.

Student Results

Primary 5-7 (13,857 students) considered:
“Do you know how to respect someone’s privacy?”
90% said YES

Primary 7-11, Secondary & College (46,768 students) explored:
“Should we be more worried about drone use?”
56% of 7-11-year-olds voted YES, highlighting a concern about how drones fit into our daily lives.
61% of secondary students and 55% of college & 16+ students voted NO, suggesting that many young people see drones as a tool with positive potential when used responsibly.

Find Out More @ VotesForSchools

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10 February 2025

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CAA’s Letter to PDRA01 & OSC Holders on SORA Transition

See below the letter sent on 7 February 2025 to all PDRA01 holders on SORA Transition. OSC holders received a very similar letter. In short:

PDRA-01 OAs are not affected by the introduction of UK SORA. No expected changes before 31 March 2026.

Introduction of UK Specific Operation Risk Assessment (UK SORA)

  • UK SORA will replace the OSC methodology (CAP 722A) in Q2 2025.
  • Aims to provide more transparent, structured, and consistent risk assessments for UAS operators.
  • Based on JARUS SORA v2.5.
  • A new digital UK SORA Application Service will streamline applications.

Differences Between UK SORA and OSC-Based Applications

  • UK SORA is quantitative, reducing subjectivity in risk assessments.
  • The application is online and guides users through SORA steps.
  • The process is split into two phases, so all assurance evidence is not required at the start.
  • An online calculator will help applicants determine necessary mitigation measures.

Impact on Current Operational Authorisations (OAs)

  • Existing OSC-based OAs remain valid until expiry.
  • Renewal using OSC is possible only before the UK SORA Application Service goes live.
  • New applications after UK SORA implementation must use the UK SORA process.
  • Two webinars will be set up directly by the CAA to guide operators.

Key Dates

  • Q1 2025 – UK SORA policy published (not yet in force).
  • Q1 2025 – Remote Pilot Competency Policy published.
  • Q2 2025 – RAE(F) and SAIL Mark policy concepts published.
  • Q2 2025 – UK SORA goes live and becomes mandatory.

Read more Regulation related news on our Regulatory Matters – News Repository

CAA Website | Drones

10 February 2025

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Protected: FPV Training Fleet: MOD Expression of Interest

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GEO Business 2025: Network, Exhibit & Speak at the UK’s Geospatial Event – 4-5 June

Mark your calendars! GEO Business 2025 is returning on 4-5 June 2025 at ExCeL London, bringing together 4300+ visitors and professionals from across the geospatial sector. This key industry event is an opportunity to explore the latest innovations, engage with sector leaders, and gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of geospatial technology and services.

With a strong focus on practical applications and real-world case studies, GEO Business provides an excellent platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and business development.

Come Say ‘Hello’ at Stand G90It’ll be great to see you!

ARPAS-UK will be at Stand G90 this year, where we’ll be on hand to discuss our work supporting the commercial drone industry. We welcome members, partners, and professionals to visit us, learn more about our work, and explore how we can collaborate to help advance the industry.

Why Attend GEO Business 2025?

GEO Business is more than just an event – it’s a focal point for professionals working with geospatial data, technology, and solutions. Whether you’re attending, speaking, or exhibiting, this is an opportunity to stay informed, make connections, and position yourself at the forefront of industry advancements.

Register for your event ticket: GEO Business 2025

Thinking About Exhibiting?

For businesses looking to expand their reach, exhibiting at GEO Business offers direct access to industry leaders, potential clients, and key decision-makers. This is a great way to highlight your products and services to an engaged audience.

Find out more about exhibiting here: Exhibit at GEO Business

We look forward to seeing you there!

Find out about more Trade Shows & Events taking place this year
See Our 2025 list here – Members Only Access

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Protected: NATS OpenAir consultation: ARPAS-UK response (MEMBERS ONLY)

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Live Fireside Chat 01 | UK PDRA-01 Standstill – WATCH AGAIN

CEO Anne-Lise Scaillierez and ARPAS-UK Director David Thurston hosted the first live-streamed Fireside Chat, discussing the CAA’s announcement to delay significant changes to the UK PDRA-01.

Live Chat was available during the stream to Subscribers of our YouTube Channel

If you would like to read ARPAS-UK’s official Statement on the CAA’s announcement regarding PDRA-01, please find it here.

3 February 2025

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Focus Group – Help Shape the Future of Drone Innovation with The Structural Battery Company – 11 Feb at 1pm

At The Structural Battery Company, an ARPAS-UK member, innovation is at the heart of their mission. They’re developing a revolutionary technology: a structural battery for drones. This solution integrates energy storage directly into the drone’s frame, which the team promotes as a lighter, stronger, and safer alternative to traditional designs.

To ensure this innovation, known as the Drone Spine, meets the real-world needs of drone manufacturers and operators, The Structural Battery Company is calling for participants to join their customer Focus Group.

Why Join the Focus Group?

Your expertise and insights could play a pivotal role in shaping a scalable energy solution that not only powers drones but enhances their structural performance. By participating, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Influence the development of state-of-the-art drone technology tailored to your needs.
  • Gain early insights into the innovative structural battery system.
  • Support a startup at the forefront of drone innovation.

This is an opportunity to collaborate and support a technology set to transform the drone sector.

Interested in taking part? Get in touch using the link below

Help Shape the Future of Drone Innovation – Join the Structural Battery Company Focus Group

30 January 2025

The Structural Battery Company website

Read more Opportunities here

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Bird & Bird: UAS Roundtable: 6 February 2025

Timing: 6 February 2025 16.00-18.00

Location: Bird & Bird London, 12 Fetter Lane, London, EC4A 1JP

Bird & Bird recognises it has been a long time since they hosted their last event, and would be delighted for you to join them at our upcoming UAS Roundtable event in the New Year. 

Bird & Bird’s UAS Roundtable provides a forum for those working in the UAS industry to network in an informal environment, explore industry trends and exchange views on matters of common interest.

Agenda

1600 Arrival & Registration

16.30-18.00: Roundtable discussion, with a short break   

  • Discussion 1: Law Commission Consultation on Aviation Autonomy
  • Discussion 2: Leveraging Data

18.00 Refreshments

Discussion 1:

Law Commission Consultation on Aviation Autonomy

One constantly hears a range of views on the adequacy of law and regulation affecting UAS and the AAM sectors. Too much regulation or not enough? Is it sufficiently detailed for novel technology or does it hold back an emerging sector? Bird & Bird are therefore very pleased that Connor Champ from the Law Commission has accepted our invitation to discuss their consultation on Aviation Autonomy. You may recall that Bird & Bird wrote on the subject in May 2024 Aviation Autonomy – a New Legal Order? – Bird & Bird in interviews with Chris Daniels of Flarebright and Gareth Beverley, until recently of Consortiq, who have also kindly agreed to join Simon Phippard and Hannah Moran-Ellis to summarise their views. Bird & Bird looks forward to hearing from the Law Commission on the next phase of the consultation.

Discussion 2: Leveraging Data

In a world where data may be the new oil, many drone operators are, in reality, data analytics businesses. With this in mind, emerging legislation on gathering, processing and granting access to data is of growing importance. To inject an international perspective, Simon and Hannah will also be joined on this occasion by Berend van der Eijk, Partner in Bird & Bird’s practice in the Netherlands, to brief on the EU Data Act and how this may impact those closely engaged in the data business.

Hosts:

  • Simon Phippard, Of Counsel, UK
  • Hannah Moran-Ellis, Legal Director, UK
  • Berend van der Eijk, Partner, Netherlands

More about Bird & Bird London

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20 January 2025

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Wessex Rescue Achieves CAA Authorisation & Expands Capabilities

The Wessex Rescue Drone Unit announces it has successfully achieved CAA authorisation, a critical milestone that ensures their operations comply with regulatory standards. This milestone supports their ongoing efforts to expand capabilities and better serve the Fire & Rescue and Police services in their region.

With a training programme supported by UAV Hub and Dronedesk, the team is on track to have eleven qualified drone pilots by the end of the year to meet growing deployment demands, with six qualified pilots already and a further five in training. Their Mavic 2 Enterprise, provided by Dorset Police, has already proven highly effective during operations, including a major fire and water rescue exercise.

The unit has established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service to provide drone support for search and rescue operations. To ensure full coverage and enhance their ability to respond effectively in emergencies, the team has identified the need for thermal capability to be implemented. This would allow them to detect heat sources, which is critical for locating missing persons. Many search operations take place during night-time hours, and the addition of thermal technology would enable the team to deploy around the clock, providing 24-hour operational readiness.

Currently, drones are deployed from the Water Rescue Vehicle, with plans for a dedicated drone vehicle in the future. This would allow greater flexibility to support the water rescue team or assist the community where needed. The use of drones has already demonstrated significant benefits, such as identifying hazards before deploying rescue personnel, reducing risks, and improving overall safety during operations.

The team is committed to improving their ability to save lives and serve the community. Acquiring a thermal drone is a critical step toward achieving this goal, and they would greatly appreciate any assistance the drone community can provide in helping them make this capability a reality. If you would like to learn more about their work and financially contribute – however great or small all donations area appreciated, please find the links below.

28 January 2025

Read more ARPAS-UK Member articles here…

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Protected: Towards Better Autonomy with Elastic AI for Aerial Robots – Seminar 4 Feb at 2pm

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