drones

SAM IS ....
Fireside Chat 03 | Drone Class Marking in the UK in 2026 – March 2025

In this third episode of the ARPAS-UK Fireside Chat series, Directors Anne-Lise Scaillierez and David Thurston discuss the UK government’s recent announcement on drone class marking and the appointment of the Market Surveillance Authority (MSA).

From 1 January 2026, drones in the Open Category must meet new product standards under the Class Marking framework, aimed at improving safety and compliance.

Anne-Lise and David discuss what these changes could mean for drone operators and the wider industry, and how ARPAS-UK will support members through the transition.

We recently wrote about the MSA appointment and Drone Class Marking announcement – Read the full article

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2 April 2025

SAM IS ....
ARPAS-UK at Westminster eForum: UK Drone Regulation & Growth

ARPAS-UK was invited as part of Westminster eForum conference on 31 March 2025 entitled: “Next steps for the UK drone industry – policy, regulation, investment, growth and innovation”.

This recording provides ARPAS-UK keynote, delivered by CEO Anne-Lise Scaillierez, who contributed specifically to a panel focused on the relationship between Regulation and the Drone Industry.

Please note that this is not an extract of the actual conference, but an audio recording of the keynote.

31 March 2025

SAM IS ....
DfT announce over £20 million to help drones and flying taxis take to UK skies

The UK Government wants the UK to have an advanced aviation ecosystem where everyone can benefit from new technology while tackling emissions. To help it get there, the Department for Transport has announced over an additional £20 million.

Drone services at a commercial scale and flying taxis could soon be a reality as the Aviation Minister confirms over £20 million funding today (1 April 2025) to launch new flight technologies.  

The new funding will unlock barriers to growth – which is the priority of the Plan for Change – and maximise opportunities for better and cheaper public services while cutting carbon emissions.

It is designed to advance aviation tech to support healthcare for the NHS, assist police forces in combatting crime, help inspect and survey critical infrastructure and unlock delivery services for businesses and communities across the country.   

As part of this, both the Aviation Minister and Science Minister have today also set out how the Department for Transport (DfT), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) will streamline regulatory processes to support the commercialisation of the industry. 

Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, said:  

I want the UK to have the most advanced aviation technology ecosystem in the world.  

That means creating a nimble regulatory environment and a culture of innovation so everyone can benefit from cutting-edge transport while tackling emissions, traffic and potentially saving lives. 

Our investment alongside the new Future of Flight industry group will bring together tech experts, drone operators, flying vehicle manufacturers and local communities to identify where change needs to happen.

With safety at the heart of these advancements, the RIO is driving smarter regulation to cut red tape while ensuring high safety standards. It will support DfT and CAA in enabling faster, integration of drones and flying taxi industries, helping businesses grow and innovate.

This includes consulting on the mandatory use of new electronic conspicuity standards and technologies, which allow aircraft to share their location electronically, helping drones and crewed aircraft fly safely alongside each other. By making approvals quicker and operations more efficient, this will open new opportunities for the industry while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Science Minister, Lord Vallance, said:

These regulatory reforms for drones – requiring all aircraft to share their location – will make drone operations safer and therefore speed up approvals, allowing them to operate near airports and simplifying their use for delivering medical supplies – while unlocking further commercial opportunities.

This is a practical step to cut red tape and a great piece of progress for the Regulatory Innovation Office, growing the UK’s position as a world leader in emerging technologies and helping drive the growth that will deliver our Plan for Change.

In addition, as previously confirmed by the Chancellor, plans are now underway to simplify regulations to enable 2-year airspace change for drone operations. This will enable operators to fly safely for longer and gather data to inform future services.    

Other changes will simplify regulations to enable emergency services including firefighters and paramedics to use drone services, as well as noise exemptions for drone trials within the Airspace Change Process, and simplifying the drone operational application process to enable them to get flying faster and easier.

Furthermore, the regulator, drone operators, flying vehicle innovators and local authorities will come together with government at the Future of Flight industry group to help guide the government on its mission to transform technology in aviation. 

Part of the government’s Plan for Change, the group will focus on how to unlock the benefits of future aviation technologies to propel the country’s economic growth forward. It will look at how government can harness the potential of technology and create a culture of innovation, with the aim of improving everyday challenges like emergency across the public sector face, while helping cut carbon emissions. 

The Minister for Aviation will co-chair the group, alongside Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports and Co-Chair of the Future of Flight industry group, said:

This additional government funding is a vital boost for the UK’s leadership in next-generation aviation. This investment will accelerate the development and deployment of innovative flight technologies, from complex drone operations to advanced air mobility solutions. 

I welcome this commitment, which will not only drive progress towards a more sustainable and connected future but also deliver significant economic benefits, high-value jobs and export opportunities across the UK. I look forward to continuing to work in close partnership with government and the regulator to turn these opportunities into reality.

The funding will be divided between the CAA, receiving £16.5 million in 2025 to 2026, to deliver a regulatory programme to enable drones to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and progress toward routine use of air taxis (eVTOLs) in UK skies.  

This includes publishing a piloted eVTOL ‘roadmap’, development of ‘drone pathways’ for industry to follow and consulting on concept of operations for uncrewed traffic management (UTM) and Detect and Avoid (DAA) technology. This will make it quicker and easier for industry to prove the safety of these new technologies, deliver the necessary digital infrastructure and make sure that people, property and other aviation remain safe and secure when these new technologies fly in our skies. 

Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said:

Flying taxis will transform the way we move — making it quicker, quieter and cleaner to travel while connecting communities and supporting essential services.

The UK has an incredible opportunity to lead the world in this new era of aviation, delivering not just greener transport but real economic growth and skilled jobs.

This latest funding is another welcome step towards seeing that ambition realised and our world-leading aircraft flying in British skies from 2028.

In addition, the Future Flight Challenge will receive up to £5 million from DfT and Innovate UK, to support industry to turn these new technologies into profitable business that benefits communities and support growth. This will include regional demonstrations and supporting development of commercial drone and air taxi solutions.

Mike Biddle, Executive Director of Net Zero, Innovate UK, said:

Innovate UK is excited to build on the highly successful work of the Future Flight Challenge by working in partnership with DfT through this joint funding. We look forward to working with industry, end-users, DfT, DSIT and the CAA as we accelerate the transition from innovation to commercial operations.

1st April 2025

SAM IS ....
DRONES IN ACTION: Peatland Restoration

Drones in Action End User Stories:

Reducing CO2 by 50 Tonnes/Ha Annually

The ‘Drone Re-peat’ project by SEAD Artists uses drones to reseed degraded peatlands, helping to reduce CO₂ emissions, lower flood risk, and open up new opportunities for crop cultivation.

Peatland degradation has led to the release of vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Restoring these ecosystems is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.

Read more below

Peatland RestorationDownload

Read more about SEAD Artists

Read our most recent Drones in Action Report in full

The report explores how drones are transforming industries – from asset inspection and precision agriculture to complex oil and gas infrastructures – enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability across sectors. We update every 6 months.

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More on Drones in Agriculture

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31 March 2025

SAM IS ....
DRONES IN ACTION: Decommissioning Nuclear Sites

Drones in Action End User Stories: Sellafield Ltd has embraced the future of safety and efficiency by deploying cutting-edge drone technology.

Taking apart the old nuclear site at Sellafield is tricky because traditional inspection methods pose significant risks to personnel. There was a critical need for a safer and more efficient way to conduct inspections and map areas, especially where there might be lots of harmful radiation, to ensure safety and accuracy without exposing workers to danger.

Enhanced Safety | Cost Savings | Improved Efficiency

Read more below

Decomissioning Nuclear SitesDownload

Read more about Sellafield Ltd

Read our most recent Drones in Action Report in full

The report explores how drones are transforming industries – from asset inspection and precision agriculture to complex oil and gas infrastructures – enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability across sectors. We update every 6 months.

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More on Construction, Mapping & Survey

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28 March 2025

SAM IS ....
ARPAS-UK Raises Concerns with Checkatrade Over Drone Inspection Pricing

ARPAS-UK has formally written to Checkatrade, the well-known online directory of trusted tradespeople, to express serious concerns regarding the way drone roof inspections are currently being priced and represented on their platform.

We were prompted to act after noting listings offering drone inspections for as little as £99, a figure that does not reflect the true cost of delivering a safe, compliant, and fully insured drone service.

In our view, this under-pricing not only misrepresents the complexity of professional drone operations, but also risks misleading consumers and undermining reputable operators.

Key Issues Raised in the Letter to Checkatrade

One: True Cost of a Professional Drone Inspection
We explained that £99 is not a realistic price for a professionally delivered drone roof inspection. A legitimate and compliant operation typically costs between £250 and £400, depending on factors such as:

  • The size and complexity of the property
  • Proximity to controlled airspace
  • Reporting and data requirements

This pricing reflects the real-world cost of ensuring the job is completed safely, legally, and to a high professional standard.

Two: What a Proper Drone Inspection Involves
We highlighted that a professionally delivered inspection goes far beyond simply flying a drone. Key elements include:

  • Public Liability & Aviation Insurance: Operators should hold aviation-specific insurance that complies with EC Regulation (EC) 785/2004 — this is not covered by general business insurance.
  • Risk Assessments and Pre-Flight Planning: Professional operators undertake detailed pre-site surveys, including airspace checks, weather analysis and safety risk assessments.
  • Qualified Operators: While certification is not always legally required, those holding recognised Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approvals have demonstrated a clear understanding of safe and responsible drone operations.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Quality inspections include high-resolution imagery or video, and where relevant, expert commentary on defects or issues — adding further time and value to the service.

Three: Risks of Underpricing and Misrepresentation
We urged Checkatrade to recognise that pricing drone inspections at unrealistic levels increases the likelihood of:

  • Consumers inadvertently hiring uninsured or unqualified operators
  • Low-quality outcomes due to rushed or unsafe practices
  • Damage to Checkatrade’s own reputation, should poor experiences occur

Four: A Call to Collaborate
Rather than simply raising an objection, we invited Checkatrade to work with ARPAS-UK to ensure drone inspection services are better represented on their platform. We believe that providing guidance and realistic expectations will benefit:

  • Consumers, by improving transparency and safety
  • Qualified operators, by helping them compete fairly
  • Checkatrade, by upholding its reputation as a trusted source of quality services

Why This Matters

As the UK’s leading professional body for drone operators, ARPAS-UK is committed to high standards, safety and supporting consumer trust in drone services. The growing popularity of drones in the construction and property sectors brings huge benefits — but only if these services are delivered responsibly.

We believe this is an opportunity for platforms like Checkatrade to become part of the solution: helping customers make informed choices, while supporting qualified, insured, and compliant operators.

We look forward to a constructive response and hope to establish a dialogue on this important issue.

Link to Checkatrade page being discussed in this article

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26 March 2025

SAM IS ....
Drones in Action: Flood Management

Drones in Action End User Stories: The Environment Agency (EA) employs a 24/7 drone response service, providing live-streamed footage within six hours of an incident to support flood monitoring and emergency response.

With the increasing impact of flooding in the UK, real-time data is essential for decision-making.

By using drones, the EA has improved emergency management, enhanced flood defence planning, and contributed to an estimated £4.6 billion in averted damages.

Read more below

Flood ManagementDownload

Learn more about RUAS

Read our most recent Drones in Action Report in full

The report explores how drones are transforming industries – from asset inspection and precision agriculture to complex oil and gas infrastructures – enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability across sectors. We update every 6 months.

Read More

Drones & Local Authorities

Drones in Emergency Services and Blue Lights

25 March 2025

SAM IS ....
Excellent Milestone: Drone Class Marking introduced in the UK.

From 1 January 2026, drones operating in the Open Category – which covers low-risk drone flights and leisure activities – will be subject to product standards under a framework known as ‘Class Marking’, improving the safety and security of the sector.

The current transition period for the Open category is due to expire on 1 January 2026, and there were question marks about what would happen next. Today’s announcement provides visibility and clarity that the UK is moving towards adopting drone class marking, which is excellent news.

This is a long awaited outcome of the 2023 “Review of UK UAS Regulations” consultation. Back then, elements of our response to the consultation on the matter were:

  • “Implementing product requirements is a great step forward, so that the safety risk mitigation is not only on the remote pilot but also on the system.”
  • “In terms of product class marking, we certainly see the benefit of taking the class marking/ flight worthiness/ product quality assurance that have been done and funded  by other Tier 1 reliable markets such as the USA, the EU, Canada, Australia…  and not spending resourcing unnecessarily on it, especially in the Open category where these are global products.”

Our understanding is that the CAA will take advantage of class marking delivered by other major jurisdictions, like EASA, especially since a reasonable pool of drones are now vetted under the European class-marking scheme.

Why is the introduction of Class Marking good news?

At the moment, the A1 250g+ and A2 subcategories within the Open category are somehow useless, and that is because matching class-marked drones were not introduced.

Today, for commercial operations, flying in the Open category is probably mostly either flying in A1 with a sub 250g drone, or flying in A3 with a sub 25kg drone.

The minimum distance of 50m from uninvolved person means that this A2 subcategory is almost useless for commercial operations in an urban environment.

The introduction of class marking means that more operations will be accessible in the Open category, because the product requirements will contribute to the safety argument.

We should start asking ourselves a few questions…. including on Professionalism… Is a A2 CofC sufficient proof of remote pilot competency when operating very close from uninvolved people? Subject to what would really be authorised in A2, would a GVC be more appropriate as a minimum training level in urban environments in A2?

The A2 Certificate of Competency (A2CofC) provides basic theoretical knowledge and does not include practical flight training or assessments. While it allows drone operators to fly closer to uninvolved people under certain conditions, it does not sufficiently prepare pilots for the complexities of urban environments, where risks are higher due to dense populations, obstacles, and unpredictable scenarios. The General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC), on the other hand, includes both theoretical and practical assessments, ensuring pilots can demonstrate safe operational practices, emergency handling, and risk mitigation strategies.

Given the challenges of flying in urban settings, we query whether the GVC should become the minimum training requirement to ensure competency, improve public safety, and maintain professional standards in drone operations.

What is a Market Surveillance Authority MSA for drone Class Marking?

Formally, on Monday 17 March 2024, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, named the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as the UK’s drone Market Surveillance Authority (MSA). The MSA will be responsible for ensuring required standards for drones are met by manufacturers, as well as importers and distributors, and intervening when there is non-compliance. It means drone users will have more confidence that drones they purchase are safe and comply with safety standards.

This move positions the CAA as the lead authority responsible for setting and enforcing product standards for unmanned aircraft. It’s a significant step that promises greater regulatory clarity, better alignment with international norms, and enhanced safety across the sector.

Possibly some incremental steps will be put in place after 1 Jan 2026?

Our understanding is that changes in the Open category requires legislative change, because the Open Category is written in the 2019/047 itself – or at least decision making at Department for Transport DfT ministerial level.

It may be that not everything is fully in place from Day 1 on 1 January 2026, in which case we can assume that an incremental transition would be organised. Possibly drones that have already received class-marking or equivalent in other jurisdictions like EASA could be reviewed and class-marked in the UK by the CAA. Assessment of drones or UAS without any form of class-marking, requiring full review by the CAA, would take longer.

Providing a transition period for the pool of existing drones without Class Marking to maintain active use and relevance on 1 Jan 2026

In 2026, UAS without class marks will have been used routinely, safely, under the current Open category regime. It would make sense to offer a transition period during which they can be operated under the same transitional regime as today for a few years – until they become obsolete.

ARPAS-UK will keep you informed on this major industry step

For the UK drone industry, now is the time to stay informed and actively engage with these developments. As you know, the devil can be in the details, but we are confident.

Whether you’re a drone operator, a manufacturer, or another stakeholder, being proactive will ensure you’re ready for the coming changes.

If you’re not yet a member, join our community and stay informed with ARPAS-UK

Read the full CAA Press Release

December 2022 post on the open category period extension: Open category transition period extended to 1 Jan 2026. No Class marking in the UK (at all or at least for now). – ARPAS UK

24 March 2025

SAM IS ....
Orthomosaic Maps for Construction Sites explained by Carrot Drone Services

Drones are fast becoming an important asset in the construction and building industry. Using orthomosaic maps significant time and money can be saved on all sizes of projects. This article will explain what an orthomosaic map is, what it can be used for and the advantages of using drones to create orthomosaic maps for your project.

Credit to Carrot Drone Services

What is an Orthomosaic Map?

An orthomosaic map perfectly represents an area of land, it is an accurate representation of the geography of the area. They are a bit like satellite images, such as Google Earth, but unlike satellite images the data is totally up to date, the physical representation is far more accurate and the quality is significantly superior.

The orthomosaic map is created by piecing together hundreds if not thousands of separate, but overlapping, photos (orthophotos) taken by drone. Using GPS data that the drone tags each picture with the photographs are then orthorectified to create a geometrically accurate picture of the land.

Normal aerial photos have a perspective view, an orthorectified image is geometrically accurate creating a perfectly straight down view. Orthomosaic maps have no distortion and are to a uniform scale.

The orthorectification process corrects for:

  • Lens distortions
  • Camera tilt
  • Perspective
  • Topographical relief
  • Elevation
Before Orthorectification
Before Orthorectification
After Orthorectification
After Orthorectification

Orthomosaic maps can be produced quickly, easily and cheaply allowing imaging to be carried out more regularly. Some projects even requiring imaging to be done on a daily basis.

The costs of using a drone operator to create an orthomosaic map are negligible compared to the cost of even the smallest project, especially bearing in mind the savings that up to date data can provide all involved.

Uses of Orthomosaic Maps in Construction

An orthomosaic map allows for accurate measurements to be made of the land and can be used to streamline every stage of a construction project.

Orthomosaic maps can help project teams with:

  • Documenting project progression
  • Improving communication with all agencies involved
  • Dynamic & timely decision making
  • Keeping clients informed of progress
  • Fast & safe site inspections
  • Locating areas of workflow that can be improved & streamlined
  • Observation of hinderences/stoppage
  • Checking conformance to schedule
  • Assessment of quality of work
  • Assessment of stored supplies
  • Asset monitoring
  • Resolving scheduling issues with staff and supplies which may have occurred due to lack of up to date information
  • Dispute resolution
  • Evaluating compliance with appropriate regulations
  • Topographical surveys
  • Locating drainage spots
  • Studying vegetation
  • Studying water ways
  • Optimising grading & earthwork plans
  • Comparing differences from “as built” to the original plans

CAD drawings can be overlayed to check for errors and that drainage and utilities are located correctly.

Drone maps are routinely being used to monitor projects, to keep records and document progress.

Advantages of Orthomosaic Maps

Drone surveying of a site is time-saving, thorough, reliable, clear and can be done inexpensively on a regular basis to ensure the most up to date data is being used.

Traditional methods of site monitoring involved boots on the ground which was inaccurate, incomplete (not all areas being accessible), time consuming and not very regular. Once the survery had been completed the situation would have changed significantly.

Improved Communications

With numerous agencies, from architects, clients, investors, contractors, banks to workers, being involved in construction projects data can be shared quickly and easily. Disparate stakeholders are able to be kept up to date especially when project meetings are taking place virtually. The resultant maps are normally cloud based so easily shared amongst all interested parties.

Quicker & Improved Decision Making

With up to date and accurate information from drone mapping project managers can make quicker and more strategic decisions avoiding costly mistakes, saving time and money and keeping the project on track.

Safety

Aerial mapping is helping contractors spot and assess safety risks and potential hazards where in the past these have been spotted too late avoiding injury and expensive litigation.

Dispute Resolution

As the orthomosaic map represents a complete and up to date picture of the site disputes can be easily resolved or, preferably, avoided. With drone mapping being used to keep documents it is much harder for any parties to dispute issues down the line. Drone maps are increasingly being used in courts to resolve legal cases.

Save Time & Money

Ultimately the use of inexpensive, safe and accurate orthomosaic drone mapping will save time and money allowing all agencies to then concentrate on new profit making projects.

Contractors using drones are able to stay ahead of the competition, winning more clients and maximising profits.

Conclusion

This article explains that if you are in the building/construction industry why you should be considering the regular use of drones in your projects and how they can offer an almost immediate return on investment.

Carrot Drone Services are experienced drone operators having held CAA approval since 2015 and are fully insured.

Please contact us now to discuss how we can help you improve efficiency and drive down costs of your projects. We will carry out your first drone orthomosaic map for free.

Please note that orthomosaic maps are not guaranteed to have survey grade levels of accuracy.

Contact: Carrot Drone Services

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15 March 2025

SAM IS ....
AutoSpray Systems Secures CAA Approval for BVLOS Agricultural Drone Operations

ARPAS-UK Member, AutoSpray Systems is proud to announce that they have obtained an Operational Authorisation from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (received on 11th March 2025) to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in an Atypical Air Environment (AAE). This milestone marks a significant advancement in agricultural drone applications, unlocking new commercial opportunities across multiple sectors.

Expanding Their Capabilities

With this approval, AutoSpray Systems is authorised to operate their 120kg agricultural drone for spraying liquids and spreading granules across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and many other use cases. Unlike previous restrictions that limited operations to within 500m of the remote pilot, this BVLOS AAE approval allows them to operate without distance limitations, subject to location-specific risk assessment.

Unlocking Commercial Opportunities

Andy Sproson, Director of AutoSpray Systems stated- 

“Historically, our low-level drone operations were restricted by distance regulations, limiting their full potential. With BVLOS approval, we can now reach even more remote and inaccessible areas, making a profound impact in sectors such as:

  • Peatland Restoration – Enabling large-scale reseeding and rehabilitation of degraded peatlands.
  • Paludiculture Crop Seeding – Supporting the cultivation of wetland-adapted crops to enhance biodiversity and carbon sequestration as part of our work with DEFRA, as part of the SEAD Artists consortium.
  • Reforestation Projects – Deploying drones for tree seeding and afforestation in challenging terrains where human access is impractical.

This authorisation significantly expands their ability to scale sustainable land management solutions, reinforcing our commitment to innovation in aerial agriculture.”

Acknowledgments

Achieving BVLOS approval is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of multiple industry and academic experts. We extend our sincere gratitude to the SEAD Artists:

Who are SEAD Artists? This is a consortium of organisations and individuals with the sole aim to become a singular voice and point of contact for the agriculture and environmental industry when they are looking to interact with drones and new technology – speaking with one voice.

It is an initiative that supports an evidence-based data approach to facilitate environment and agriculture which will be as inclusive of all users and operators, and representative bodies as is reasonably possible.

  • Aleks Kowalski – Skypointe Ltd
  • Hasan Hasan and Mohammed Hasan from ITSurveillance
  • Dr Owen McAree from The University of Liverpool
  • Gareth Whatmore and Karina Nasretdinova from DronePrep
  • Abu Hassan from Theory and Practice of Software 
  • Andy Sproson / Robert Pearson and Scott Dowell of AutoSpray Systems 

A special thanks also to the RPAS team at the CAA and all other colleagues involved in shaping the BVLOS AAE policy whosesupport has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.

When can we see this happening? 

Additional information will be released in due course and AutoSpray Systems will be hosting an open day, conducting live demonstration flights week on Monday 28th April 2025, in the Greater Manchester Area.

If you would like to attend, please contact AutoSpray Systems on the contact details below.

For further information, please contact: Andy Sproson
Director, AutoSpray Systems Ltd on Andy@autospraysystems.com

20 March 2025

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