CAA CONSULTATION ON SAIL MARK AND RAE-F POLICIES DUE 8 NOV
The CAA has launched its consultation on the proposed RAE(F) and SAIL Mark Policy, for UAS in the Specific Category. These policy proposals are linked to the UK SORA, which is also under consultation, here.
This consultation forms part of the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) ongoing work to enable Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to operate in UK Airspace in the Specific Category, a key component of the CAA Future of Flight Programme.
Organisations can apply for a share of £750,000 to support outreach projects that will contribute to the Generation Aviation programme. Outstanding outreach projects that can meet the following three objectives should apply before 27 September 2024.
Inspire the next generation of aviation professionals, championing the opportunities available in the sector. Activities should focus on developing interest and engagement with the opportunities available in aviation. This might also involve supporting someone to develop skills or experience that could be useful for a career in aviation but should not replace formal education i.e. delivery of statutory licences or educational qualifications.
Reach individuals who would not otherwise be aware of opportunities available within the aviation sector. We would encourage applicants to consider how their project might benefit under-represented groups (i.e. women and girls, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, lower socio-economic backgrounds).
Have a broad impact by reaching and engaging multiple people. This might be achieved through some form of mass participation event, delivery through an education setting or youth group, or via virtual methods that can reach a mass audience.
CAA CONSULTATION on DETECT AND AVOID POLICY due 19 Sep
The CAA policy consultation on their DAA policy concept is launched – seeking views on the proposed methodology and means of compliance. DAA is one of the cornerstones of integrated airspace, providing RPAS with the ability to ‘See and Avoid’ other air traffic, reducing the mid-air collision risk of RPAS operating in airspace with other users. With an agreed DAA methodology, the regulator and industry can work together towards making extended routine BVLOS operations in UK airspace become a reality.
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 CAA launched their policy consultation for a UK specific version of JARUS SORA 2.5, an internationally recognised set of recommendations and guidelines for conducting a risk assessment and meeting the required target levels of safety, including ensuring compliance with regulations and standards.
The expectation is that UK SORA will be implemented in H1 2025, via the DiSCO digital platform like PDRA01.
It is very important for OSC holders, and for those who wish to expand their operational authorisation beyond PDRA01.
If you would like to understand SORA, please watch our 2 webinars:
Also, to access the full JARUS SORA v2.5 including the annexes, click HERE: https://www.arpas.uk/safety-methodology-sora-v2-5-published-pack-accessible-here/
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.
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 [email protected] Thank you!
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.
For further information and to register, please contact [email protected].
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.
