The CAA has published CAP3008 – our guide for operators who wish to carry out UAS BVLOS operations in the Specific Category in the UK under current regulations. The guide describes a number of current operational pathways for operating BVLOS, the authorisations and approvals required and the expected timelines. To help operators better understand these pathways, CAA subject matter experts will provide operators with the opportunity to discuss their BVLOS plans prior to them submitting a final application via our new service that provides operators with up to seven hours of advice on their initial application.
Introduction to Risk Quantification Summary & BVLOS SIG next steps: watch again
We ran out of time at the ARPAS-UK Annual Conference 2024 – due to some excellent discussions in previous sessions and weren’t able to run this session. We promised to run a webinar on Risk Quantification and the next steps for the BVLOS Special Interest Group and this is it.
In addition the JARUS SORA v2.5 went live this week (20/6/24), which means it will be coming soon to a UK SORA which will go out for consultation. How will industry understand enough to respond?
Find out about this and more in the summary presentation on BVLOS and Risk Quantification that ARPAS-UK delivered in November 2023 – as well as Next Steps will be presented by Aleks Kowalski and Owen McAree.
Key Points that will be covered:
Introduction, Background & Context
Active Engagement
Fundamentals of Risk
Qualitative Risk Analysis
Course Fundamentals: Ground Risk, Air Risk
MAC Mitigations & Risk Ratios
Conclusions & Next Steps
About the Speakers
Aleks Kowalski
Aleks is an Airline Captain with 20 years aviation experience. In 2014, he co-founded UAVAir (RAE), which became Consortiq and in 2018 co-founded Neuron Innovations Ltd. He now advises multiple organisations on BVLOS, alongside being a Director of ARPAS-UK he is also co-chair of the Drone Platform and Counter-Drone Special Interest Group for ADS.
He is a Flight Safety Specialist for BALPA within their ATM, Environment and Emerging Technology Groups, and sits on many committees including standards bodies. He is also the secretary and Founder Member of the Shared Airspace Council. He holds an Engineering degree (MA) from Cambridge University, and a PGCE in Mathematics (Cantab). Having seen the influence an effective trade association can have at government level, Aleks looks at the longer-term strategic importance bringing together all UAS pilots, large and small, the ecosystems around them – whilst highlighting the value of education to make drones a career path.
Owen McAree
Owen spent over ten years working in aerospace engineering research, including building drones, writing the relevant software through to working out how to use them in the real world. This included working at distance, liaising with several Aviation Authorities and writing the Safety Cases for the projects.
This naturally showed him multiple different approaches to BVLOS operations, including Risk Quantification which rapidly became the clearest option, particularly in terms of scalability for companies.
Owen wrote and taught the ARPAS-UK RQ for BVLOS Operations that ARPAS-UK ran in the autumn 2023.
Watch the Interview between Elena Major & Owen McAree about the 2023 Risk Quantification courses:
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Gotonomi and Videosoft partner to simplify UAV live video streaming
Partnership will integrate satcom and ultra-low bandwidth video streaming solutions, enhancing BVLOS operations for UAV operators
18th April, UK: Gotonomi, a UAV satellite connectivity platform provider, and Videosoft, developers of video streaming solutions, today announced a partnership that will simplify video live-streaming over satellite for UAV operators.
By integrating Videosoft’s low-bandwidth video software with Gotonomi’s Velaris Multi-Link satellite communication module, the partnership will enable operators to effortlessly receive real-time video from UAVs, even in remote areas without mobile or direct radio coverage. This new solution, which uses Viasat Velaris, a dedicated UAV connectivity service, will be particularly advantageous for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations as it will address scenarios where conventional communication methods fall short.
Secure video transmission is a key enabler for commercial UAV operators. It allows operators to perform tasks such as surveillance and monitoring in remote or hazardous locations, which are too dangerous or inaccessible for personnel to reach directly, providing an immediate response to emergencies. This combined solution has potential for ground, marine and IoT use cases, as well as for BVLOS UAV missions.
The Velaris Multi-Link module is a low size, weight and power hybrid terminal with integrated edge computing. The System on Module (SoM) allows custom applications such as Videosoft’s video compression software to process data for streaming over Viasat’s resilient Velaris global satellite solution, available almost anywhere on the planet. In addition, the Multi-Link includes an LTE module providing low latency 4G communications for redundancy. Videosoft’s software allows users to easily manage remote activities and guide remote decision-making with up-to-the-minute information and 24/7 access. This enables real-time control, and provides enhanced communication, safety, and efficiency across land, sea and air. The software will be pre-loaded and Videosoft will offer a FREE trial with each unit.
The Gotonomi Multi-link Module and 200-A Omni standalone antenna, LTE antenna also shown
Matthew Hill, General Manager at Gotonomi, said: “We are delighted to provide Videosoft’s software pre-loaded on Gotonomi’s Velaris Multi-Link terminals. There was always a vision for the requirement of edge compute to add value to UAVs operating in BVLOS situations and video compression has become a lead application. Videosoft is pioneering ultra-low bandwidth streaming capabilities and we’re excited to enter this partnership to optimise this combined solution. This is a great demonstration of why both parties are part of Viasat’s Velaris network and why its L-Band network is a perfect choice for making safe and scalable BVLOS operations a reality.”
Stewart McCone, CEO at Videosoft Global, said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone for us, tapping into a wide range of opportunities in BVLOS operations by enhancing aerial communications. Our solution is rapidly gaining traction in the UAV industry, and this collaboration has taken it to greater heights. With video integration seamlessly embedded into the Velaris Multi-Link Satellite Terminal, organisations can confidently embrace the aerial autonomy revolution.”
Anthony Spouncer, Senior Director of Advance Air Mobility (AAM) at Viasat, said: “This is a huge step forward in providing affordable Satcom for commercial UAV operations, starting with real-time video in the remote inspection & surveillance sectors. I believe the ability to use the ‘System on Module’ for embedded applications, edge processing and multi-path data links, with LTE and our highly resilient Velaris service, will transform commercial UAV operations and use cases.”
Through this partnership, Gotonomi and Videosoft will offer an integrated solution that leads the market in terms of a lightweight, low-power and cost-effective solution for remote inspection and surveillance markets: the Velaris Multi-Link Module with embedded secure video transmission via the Gotonomi 200-A OMNI stand-alone antenna.
Come and meet us at Xponential 2024, booth #5213, 23-25th April, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA.
Key specs: Velaris Multilink – 140 x 95 x 15 mm (5.5 x 3.7 x 0.6”), 230g (8.1 oz) mass, 18W average power (full specs here) Gotonomi 200-A Omni Antenna – 103mm (4.1”) diameter, 72mm (2.8”) high, 210g (7.4 oz) mass
About Gotonomi
Gotonomi’s mission is to enable always on-connectivity for autonomous and remotely piloted vehicles, making safe and scalable beyond visual line of sight operations a reality. We have a vision to provide a platform for the development of UAV services for safe autonomous operation on land sea and air. Our disruptive miniaturised communication system designed by TTP plc enables satellite and cellular connectivity to smaller and lighter-weight UAVs. Connecting to the Viasat Velaris network, our technology enables beyond visual line of sight operations by enabling command and control, telemetry, data services such as video streaming, voice relay and all services required for air traffic management.
Videosoft Global is proudly solidifying its position as the “Best in Breed” video streaming solution today, offering top-tier, low-latency live video streaming services across wireless networks. With working locations spanning across the UK, France, Australia, US, Canada & Asia. Its unparalleled technology seamlessly integrates adaptive video compression and transmission protocols, revolutionising streaming capabilities by delivering remarkable ultra-low bandwidth performance starting from as little as 4kbps. This redefines the notion of a ‘low bandwidth’ video solution and ‘works when you need it most,’ even in the most challenging of environments. Hardware and network agnostic, Videosoft is well placed to meet the needs of customers experiencing real-time video challenges from remote locations, providing tailored solutions across many markets.
NATS Services and Altitude Angel partner to deliver Integrated Traffic Management Services Portfolio
The strategic partnership to support new airspace user integration across the UK.
NATS Services, the commercial arm of the UK’s leading ANSP and Altitude Angel, a global leader in unified traffic management (UTM) and creators of the 165 mile UK drone superhighway, have chosen the first day of Airspace World Expo in Geneva to announce a strategic commercial partnership which will revolutionise the way the sky is managed for new airspace users.
The combination of Altitude Angel’s GuardianUTM suite of technologies and NATS Services’ leading airspace management expertise will enable competitive and innovative services to integrate new airspace users, while maintaining safe operations for its existing commercial aviation customers.
This deal will also see GuardianUTM Flight Approval Services being deployed at some NATS-controlled airports later in 2024, allowing for digitally managed UTM flight requests and approvals and enhances situational awareness.
The partnership will also accelerate Altitude Angel’s roll-out of its transformative ARROW technology, which when fused with its GuardianUTM platform, detects and identifies all airspace users, enabling drones to fly BVLOS and share the airspace with crewed aviation safely and securely.
Supporting the development of New Airspace Users through airspace integration and the provision of new services is one of our strategic priorities. This partnership with Altitude Angel is a milestone in UK aviation, bringing together the technology, operational expertise and innovation that will allow us to further support the industry.
The combination of Altitude Angel’s UTM technologies and NATS’ deep understanding of air traffic and airspace management will allow us to further embrace the integration of this new generation of airspace users, while also continuing to deliver the very highest standards of safety and efficiency.
Guy Adams, Managing Director of NATS Services
Through this alliance, NATS and Altitude Angel bring together the unparalleled strength of air traffic control expertise with the world leading innovation of UTM.
“This partnership brings together in-depth knowledge, real-world experience, and, most importantly, a shared vision for a future where the skies are not just open but interconnected, where traditional and emerging aviation seamlessly coexist. Together, we will create an airspace which reflects the harmony of collaboration and the promise of a safer, more sustainable aviation future for all. We are pleased our leadership and innovation has been recognised by NATS as important to not only its future, but to the future of UK airspace.”
Richard Parker, CEO & Founder of Altitude Angel
18 March 2024
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ARPAS-UK supports the introduction of Atypical Air Environments to unlock BVLOS opportunities.
Let’s each respond to the CAA’s consultation by April 2.
ARPAS-UK supports the introduction of the Atypical Air Environment policy, as 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.
We will respond to the consultation as an organisation. If you would like to get involved in our response, do let us know by emailing us at [email protected], and join either or both REG SIG and/or BVLOS SIG.
To understand the proposed policy, you may want to listen to the podcast by Callum Holland from the CAA’s Future Safety and Innovation Team. Then please respond to the consultation as well by April 2. Compared to other consultations, it is pretty straight forward.
CAA: BVLOS Within Atypical Air Environments – podcast & consultation
Callum Holland from the Future Safety and Innovation Team discusses the UK CAA’s proposed policy on unlocking beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations using an Atypical Air Environment.
Hear how this could work in practice and how your views can help shape the final policy.
Drones are catalysts for positive change, and this animation highlights some of their benefits.
Enter Skyway, the UK’s drone superhighway, unlocking the potential of Beyond Visual Line of Sight drone operations safely. Project Skyway’s dedicated team has been working hard in recent months, creating the necessary infrastructure and technological advancements that lay the foundation for a future where the skies are accessible, and society reaps the rewards of advanced drone capabilities.
13 December 2023
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Risk Quantification Courses Success
ARPAS-UK has now run two of four courses on Risk Quantification for BVLOS Operations in Stoke-on-Trent and Newport.
The feedback has been fantastic:
“The workshop opened my eyes to the processes involved in assessing factors through probability and how they are applied. It provided an ideal forum for wider discussion between industry partners around BVLOS operations and is highly recommended.”
“Big shout out to Owen McAree and ARPAS-UK for the two day event covering the challenges of beyond visual line of sight flying for drone operations. Day one went really quickly and I have already learnt so much already. Looking forward to day two!”
CAA: New study on Electronic Conspicuity published by aviation regulator
At a glance
A study has been published looking at how human factors affect the use of Electronic Conspicuity (EC), and what can be done to can enhance airspace safety.
The research is part of progress being made on the regulator’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy.
Work underway to help inform Electronic Conspicuity standards that should be adopted in the future.
New researchshows there are untapped benefits of Electronic Conspicuity devices in light aircraft, which is vital to help avoid mid-air collisions and situations where air safety is threatened, known as Airprox.
A report published by the UK Civil Aviation Authority today [16 November 2023] has looked at the importance of technology used in light aircraft that helps make pilots aware of other aircraft such as planes, gliders, helicopters and drones to avoid collisions and increase airspace safety.
The findings of the report will be used alongside new research the regulator has commissioned to set a future standard for the use of Electronic Conspicuity equipment.
As well as enhancing airspace safety, Electronic Conspicuity is vital to enabling the safe and efficient integration of airspace for all airspace users, one of the objectives of the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy.
Electronic Conspicuity is an umbrella term for the technology that can help General Aviation pilots, drone operators and air traffic services be more aware of what is flying in surrounding airspace. It includes the devices fitted to aircraft and unmanned systems that send out position information, and the support infrastructure on the ground to help them work together.
Jon Round, Head of Airspace, Aerodromes and Air Traffic Management at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:
“Electronic Conspicuity is key to unlocking progress on modernising airspace in the UK.
“Not only can it help to mitigate the risk of mid-air collisions and infringements into controlled airspace, but it can enable the safe and efficient integration of all airspace users in our skies.
“This new report shows how important it is for us to continue our work in this area, so that we can enable the modernisation of the UK’s airspace structure and route network.”
The milestone report was carried out by GASCo and Jarvis Bagshaw, who surveyed pilots to investigate how Human Factors affect the safe use of Electronic Conspicuity.
The results of the survey were complimented by four trial flights, using eye-tracking technology, to observe pilot behaviour in flight when using EC to enhance their visual scan and situational awareness.
Mike O’Donoghue, Chief Executive at GASCo, said:
“Electronic Conspicuity is a really important tool for keeping our airspace safe. Our report shows its advantages, but also highlights the need for more training, awareness and hands-on practice.
“We will continue to work with the UK Civil Aviation Authority on the progress being made in this area, so that the benefits of Electronic Conspicuity can be realised.”
The research found that, despite the advantages of Electronic Conspicuity, there were many learning points including a ‘false sense of security’ from some pilots, issues around distraction when flying, and over-reliance on the technology.
The report also made recommendations on enhancing pilot training for Electronic Conspicuity devices, emphasising the importance of understanding in-flight effects and their mitigation, as well as the need for hands-on practice on the ground and in the air.
The publication of the report comes as the regulator commissions a new study on Electronic Conspicuity, which will look at how the technology can enhance airspace safety and enable integration of crewed and uncrewed airspace users. The research will aim to characterise UK airspace while researching methods of practically implementing Electronic Conspicuity.
The regulator will use this recent report from GASCo and Jarvis Bagshaw, and the newly commissioned study, to inform future decisions on an Electronic Conspicuity Standard, and how such a Standard can be implemented.
BVLOS Sandbox Trials to make BVLOS an Everyday Reality
Six projects have been chosen for trials under a UK Civil Aviation Authority scheme that will help make beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights an everyday reality.
Among those included are schemes that involve medical drone deliveries, energy infrastructure, and ‘sky highways’.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority invited organisations to bid to participate in an innovation sandbox earlier this year to validate and test their concepts, supporting the development of BVLOS capabilities.
Projects involved include Apian London Health Bridge; Cranfield Airport and Project BLUEPRINT; Droneprep Open Skies Cornwall; HexCam; Skyports Project TRAject; and Snowdonia Aerospace Centre Project Dragons Eye.
Innovation sandboxes help organisations prepare for regulatory approval, and helps the regulator develop policies that better meet the needs of the industry in the future.
Sandboxes are controlled environments where organisations can test their innovative technologies against the existing regulatory framework, helping applicants maximise the readiness of their innovation, and also help the UK Civil Aviation Authority develop better, more efficient ways to develop new regulations.
These new trials will help develop plans for how drones can be safely integrated with other airspace users, as part of the regulator’s wider Airspace Modernisation Strategy.
The trials will consider a new policy concept that focuses on a specific type of airspace structure called a temporary reserved area (TRA) to enable the trialling of systems and approaches to safely enable drones to operate within the same airspace as other aircraft.
Prior to the new concept, drone operators wanting to fly BVLOS typically had to apply for a temporary danger area (TDA), which would effectively close a section of airspace for most other users for up to 90 days.
Sophie O’Sullivan, Head of Future Safety and Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:
“Our innovation sandboxes play a pivotal role in our ongoing mission to develop efficient, forward-thinking regulations that will allow different types of aircraft to use the same airspace.
“The chosen projects encompass a range of critical applications, including medical deliveries and infrastructure surveying. They highlight the varying role that drones could play in the aviation ecosystem and the trials will provide invaluable insights into how we integrate drones safely with existing airspace users.”
ARPAS-UK would like to congratulate its members involved in these projects.
