drones - ARPAS UK

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£1.3m for Freight Innovators Selected for Trials with Industry Heavyweights

From new cargo drones to upcycling freight trains, the latest firms selected for the Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator have been unveiled.

Ten small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will each receive a share of £1.3m to conduct technology trials with industry partners. The SMEs will also benefit from trial and business support tailored to their needs as part of the programme. This includes trial design training, monitoring and evaluation, investment readiness, pitch coaching, marketing support, and business modelling.

The Freight Innovation Fund is backed by the Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Connected Places Catapult. The Fund was launched in January 2023 to help SMEs develop greener and more efficient solutions for freight. The first round of winning projects on the Accelerator was announced in April 2023.

“Our freight sector is growing at pace and has the potential to support jobs and economic growth in every region of the UK.
“Transforming freight also provides opportunities to unlock efficiency savings for businesses and drive down carbon emissions. I’m pleased to welcome this exciting group of innovators to the Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator.”
Erika Lewis, Chief Executive at Connected Places Catapult

Speaking at the Microlise Transport Conference last week, Minister for Roads and Local Transport, Guy Opperman MP, announced that a new group of SMEs have been selected. Meet the accelerators’ Second Cohort :

Ai Automation
Ensemble Analytics Ltd
Flexible Power Systems
Go Rolloe Ltd
Hubl Logistics Ltd
Inteliports: Inteliports has developed a solution that can seamlessly integrate drones into communities, providing the quickest and most affordable instant delivery service in the market. In partnership with Vodafone, they aim to demonstrate that drone deliveries are a viable option and can be implemented on a large scale using autonomous hardware and the latest blockchain technology.
IONA: IONA is testing its novel tilt-rotor cargo drone that logistics providers can use instead of delivery vans and oversized vehicles in the last-mile delivery space. As part of the Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator programme, IONA is partnering with Eagle Couriers in Scotland to validate a technical proof of concept. IONA’s trial involves testing the drone’s ability to carry cargo and preparing the necessary documents for certification.
Meteor Power Limited
Sorair Technologies
Zugbox Ltd

The Freight Innovation Fund programme also features the Freight Innovation Cluster, launched last year, which has already grown to a network of over 320 businesses. The Cluster connects industry, innovators, and investors looking to explore joint opportunities and progress disruptive technologies in freight.

For more information:

IONA is an ARPAS-UK Member. www.ionadrones.com

8 April 2024

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April 10 2024: Drone Related Jobs

Disclaimer: All jobs posted here are from LinkedIn and other job sites including member and non-member organizations.

Due to growing demand Texo is now on the hunt for experienced UAS Pilots to join the TEXO DSI team at our Essex Office.

If this could be you, please reach out to info@texodsi.co.uk

Innovair is looking for a Drone Inspection Engineer: Job Advert – Drone Inspection Engineer (innovair.co.uk)

Job via Phoenix Resourcing Services/Indeed

UAV & Drone Training Manager, based in West Yorkshire with some UK travel.

Hollis is looking to recruit a UAV Operator / Visualisation Specialist / Drone Pilot.

Want to join a leading international, independent real estate consultancy with an all together different approach?

Callen-Lenz are looking for an Uncrewed Aircraft Test Pilot. They are also looking to fill a number of other UAV industry related roles.

Cyberhawk are looking to recruit for a UI/UX Designer and a DevOps Engineer.

BATCAM is looking to recruit a UAV Pilot

Tekever are looking for a Remote Pilot with a valid CAA FISO Licence

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ICO: Tech Horizons Report 2024

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) recently launched their 2024 Tech Horizons Report, including a chapter on the commercial use of drones.

Dr Anna Jackman of the University of Reading, an ARPAS-UK Member, was one of the academic experts to be interviewed in relation to this.

In their first annual Tech horizons report, published in 2022, the ICO highlighted the implications of four of the most significant technological developments for privacy in the next two to five years.

In light of continuing rapid technological advancement, this second edition considers a further eight technologies the ICO believes may have a particularly significant impact on our societies, economies and information rights in the next two to seven years.

The ICO Tech Horizons Report

Chapter on Commercial Use of Drones

April 2024

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CAA launches new PDRA01 Operations Manual Template, plus updates to CAP 722H & CAP 2606

The CAA has now changed how you apply for a PDRA01.

They no longer ask you to upload your Operations Manual when you apply or reapply. Instead, they ask you to confirm that you have, and will maintain, a valid manual that meets the requirements. You may be selected for an audit at any time.

These changes are part of their activities to transform the operational authorisation process for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in the Specific Category.

Changes that come as part of the overhaul include:
⏱️ Application process cut from 6 weeks to 24hrs
💰 Single fee of £234 applies to all applications and reapplications
📈 A new and improved reapplication scheme

Note: Existing PDRA01 Operational Authorisations remain unaffected and will continue to be valid until their expiration date.

The CAA has published an update to CAP 722H (Pre-defined Risk Assessment requirements, guidance and policy) and CAP 2606 (template Operations Manual to support PDRA-01).

CAP 722H has been updated following the launch of the PDRA digital online system, and CAP 2606 has been updated to clarify certain operational requirements.

Both of these documents can be found on their website:
• CAP 722H
• CAP 2606

What is PDRA01?

The Pre-Defined Risk Assessment 01 (PDRA01) is the simplest type of Operational Authorisation to apply for. It gives you authorisation to fly unmanned aircraft (UA) below 25kg within visual line of sight (VLOS) at residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational areas.

Examples of the reasons people use PDRA01 include:

inspecting roofs
taking photos of buildings
surveying recreational sites

PDRA01 is the only PDRA that’s currently available. The Civil Aviation Authority may add more in the future.

Find out more or Apply for a PDRA01

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Royal Air Force Autonomous Collaborative Platform Strategy

The Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) intent for use of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) in the Air domain.

The Defence Drone Strategy provides the core reference baseline for the RAF ACP Portfolio ensuring coherence for the introduction of new developments in capability, supported by lessons learnt in our recent past and in current conflicts.

Advances in human-machine teaming, AI and other technologies mean that the world of uncrewed systems is rapidly advancing towards the use of autonomy. The war in Ukraine has also highlighted the rapid evolution of weapon systems and tactics. The ACP strategy sets out how the RAF intends to take advantage of this technology, working closely with the Royal Navy, British Army, across MoD, with industry, and our trusted partners and allies. This collaborative endeavour will pursue the best solutions for UK Defence, supported by UK industry, to find options with the correct cost-benefit analysis to augment our forces.

Using emerging technologies, ACP will undertake critical roles that complement and enhance the operational effects achieved by our current and future crewed aircraft, acting as a force multiplier. Implementation of this strategy will reduce risks to personnel and provide us with the opportunity and means to learn, develop and fight faster than our adversaries, whilst maintaining a keen eye on the legal and ethical considerations.

“As we look to the future, it is clear that Autonomous Collaborative Platforms will play an important part in enhancing the mass, lethality and survivability of our combat air forces. Building on the Defence Drone Strategy and in close collaboration with the Royal Navy and Army, the RAF will focus on low-cost Autonomous Collaborative Platforms to augment the operations of our existing crewed combat air platforms. We expect to field an operational capability within the next year.”
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
Chief or the Air Staff

The strategy sets out what military capabilities and structural changes are required within the RAF to support this growth area, alongside the development of UK-based industry. Although uncrewed platforms are now commonplace, the strategy also highlights the key issues surrounding the law and autonomy as this technology matures.

27 March 2024

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What is an Accountable Manager and Why Does My Organisation Need One? Watch Again

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced changes to regulations classifying operators of drones and drone services.

Going forward, any organisation using or procuring drone services will be considered an operator, with vicarious liability falling to the company director or designated Accountable Manager. This presents challenges for organisations where drone operations are not the core business, use is fragmented across departments and locations, or operations span multiple geographies. Universities, schools, colleges, local authorities, construction firms or consultancies, and energy companies are especially vulnerable.

During this webinar, we will:

examine the challenges organisations face in controlling the safe and legal use of drones.
provide insight into critical areas demanding attention and improvement.
define the role of an Accountable Manager and their duties.
discuss how to identify the right candidate for the role, given the complex legal duties, and the benefits of adopting a standardised, best-practice approach. This enables drone operations to demonstrate safety, legal compliance, and due diligence to mitigate risks in a court of law, if necessary.
provide an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and share perspectives on how recent regulatory changes may impact organisational drone strategies. Various compliance options such as bringing operations in-house or utilising third-party auditing and oversight will be discussed.
provide a high-level checklist to help participants incorporate these considerations into their processes. This holistic view aims to empower attendees to help develop a comprehensive checklist that can be implemented to consistently facilitate safe and compliant flight operations, cultivating a positive culture of drone safety throughout an organisation.

All interested parties are invited to attend in order to gain valuable insights as the commercial drone industry continues its projected growth trajectory.

About the Speaker:

Andy Hugget, Global Training Manager & Global Regulations Specialist, Consortiq

Andy served in the British Army prior to becoming a law enforcement officer with Sussex Police for thirty years. Always on the Operations side of policing (Traffic, Firearms, Dogs, Helicopter Unit etc) he was also part of a General Aviation Team countering terrorism. As an emergency response drone pilot for Sussex and Surrey Police he undertook many differing roles piloting the police drones.

He founded his own company providing drone services prior to leaving the police and upon retirement worked full time in this role. He was approached by Consortiq to work as a freelance instructor delivering the UK based Unmanned Aircraft Qualification. Subsequently he moved into a full time role in Consortiq as the Global Training Manager. Andy holds both CAA and FAA qualifications for fixed wing and multi-rotor aircraft.

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Pioneering simulations pave the way for routine drone flights in the UK

The prospect of remotely piloted drones operating in and out of some of the UK’s busiest airports has taken a step closer to reality following a series of pioneering simulations by the air traffic management service, NATS.

The simulations, run at NATS’ head office in Hampshire, demonstrated how drones could be seamlessly integrated alongside other air traffic at a busy airport. This included drone operators filing flight plans, flying in and out of the airport and being safely deconflicted with other aircraft.

The leading work forms part of Project CAELUS, a UKRI industry collaboration of 16 partners including AGS Airports, University of Strathclyde, NATS and NHS Scotland, aiming to use drones to transport essential medical supplies throughout Scotland.

The project’s first test flight occurred at Glasgow Airport last year, with a drone flying to the nearby NHS Golden Jubilee hospital. The concept development and simulation work NATS has led on is essential to understanding how that one-off flight could be safely scaled up to include dozens of drones flying ‘Beyond Visual Line of Sight’ and delivering medicines and blood tests to patients across Scotland and potentially beyond.

The airspace integration was overseen by a new Airspace Manager function using new technology developed by NATS. As part of this proposed ‘concept of operations,’ direct voice communication between a drone operator and air traffic control would only be required by exception – including the kind of emergency scenario demonstrated during the simulations.

Richard Ellis, NATS New Airspace Users Director, said: “Everything we’re doing is striving towards enabling the seamless, safe integration of drones and other new airspace users into our skies. There is a lot of work still to do, including the development and approval of new technology and regulations, but I believe what we and our Project CAELUS partners are doing will help support that process and is taking us a step closer to an exciting future.”

Fiona Smith, AGS Airports Group Head of Aerodrome Strategy and Project CAELUS Director, said: “We have continued to see some valuable collaboration and innovation across Project CAELUS and this latest work led by NATS truly demonstrates our ambition to forge a new path.”

“Our first live flight trial last year was incredibly important and demonstrated a means of integrating drones into an airport environment.”

“This year, we look forward to showcasing many more demonstrations including a ramped up flying programme across Scotland and we are delighted to kick start that programme with this exciting NATS showcase”.

Hazel Dempsey, Caelus National Programme Manager from NHS Grampian added: “Exploring how drone technology could be usefully used as a way of delivering care to people who live in urban, remote, rural and island locations, is edging ever-closer to a reality.”

Project Caelus is a Future Flight Challenge programme jointly funded by UK Research and Innovation. Further test flights are planned for later this year.

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ARPAS-UK Directors are thrilled to welcome Sarah Lay as a new Director of the Board.

Sarah’s experience within the aviation domain has given her a broad experience set, which has fed her passion for this industry and its combination of innovative technology and human interaction. Throughout her career, Sarah is proud to have been able to contribute to its development and improvement in areas such as safety management, safety training, safety culture and human performance. Whilst focussing on managing and delivering safety and operational efficiency improvement initiatives, she has a keen interest in understanding wider societal implications such as environmental safety, security and economic impacts.

Sarah has been already appointed by the current board of directors, and will be confirmed at our next general meeting on 18 April 2024.

Sarah brings complementary skills, knowledge and background to our organisation, and we’re excited that she joins the team.

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~ 2800 PDRA01 Holders + ~ 100 OSC holders in the Specific Category

Until DISCO is in place, the CAA’s Shared Services are in charge of processing the PDRA01 within the CAA. Based on their database, we can assess that there were 2838 PDRA01 holders in CY 2023, vs 3515 in CY2012. The numbers for the early months of 2024 tend to indicate a continued attrition rather than a stabilisation.

In addition, the Specific Category includes roughly 100 operators holding operational approvals based on Operating Safety Cases.

The numbers may indicate a trend that we feared: some operators may not renew because they are out of business; or they genuinely no longer need a PDRA01 and can fly within the Open category; or operators aren’t sure anymore if they should renew or not. The regulation is complex, it is difficult to follow it all, and they elect not to renew. The privileges attached to the PDRA01, now that the guidelines wrt flying close to uninvolved people are more restrictive, may no longer justify the effort of maintaining an Operations Manual and an Operational Authorisation.

Project DISCO should go live in the first week of April. Hopefully the digital platform will be easy to use, so that existing operators continue to renew.

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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 membership@arpas.uk, 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.

Link to Podcast

Link to Consultation (Closed 2 April 2024)

19 March 2024