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Drone logistics: Transporting Dangerous Goods by Drone: webinar WATCH AGAIN

What kinds of items are classified as dangerous goods and how can they be transported by uncrewed aircraft?

This seminar answers these questions and presents an overview of the relevant regulatory requirements plus options for how operators can become compliant, opening the door to new commercial use cases.

Speaker Bios:

Geoff Leach, Viking Drone Packaging.

Geoff is one of the world’s foremost authorities on the safe transport of dangerous goods and former head of the UK CAA dangerous goods office and Chairman of the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel.

Anthony Venetz, Founder & Managing Director of Across Safety Development

Anthony is a UAS regulatory and safety management expert, and founder of Across Safety Development, a training and consulting business that has helped clients achieve many firsts in the uncrewed aviation industry, including the UK”s first operator approvals for the transport of dangerous goods by drone.

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Maritime & Coastguard Aviation Evolution: webinar WATCH AGAIN

Join us as Philip Hanson, Aviation Technical Assurance Manager at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency discusses the evolution of Coastguard aviation and how that led the MCA to explore BVLOS drone use to support time critical missions, to increase search efficience and effectiveness, while reducing the risk to the rescuers.

Speaker Bio:

Phil Hanson, Aviation Technical Assurance Manager at HM Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

Phil’s career began as an Avionic engineering apprentice at the Royal Naval Aircraft Yard Fleetlands in Gosport Hampshire.

Career Highlights include:

  • Implementing business change in the Defence Aviation Repair Agency
  • Working in MOD airworthiness policy
  • Management and development of UAV research programmes for the MOD
  • Project managing the implementation of interim Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopter contract in introducing new technology
  • Project engineer for the Joint SAR Helicopter Procurement, holding airworthiness and safety delegations
  • Managing through life support of 20+ MOD UAV capabilities which provided surveillance and information superiority for the RAF, RN and Army.

Current role: Responsible for technical aspects and service acceptance of SAR Helicopter, Aerial Surveillance and Maritime drone capability.

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ARPAS-UK & GeoBusiness in Partnership – Again!

GeoBusiness 5-6 June 2024

ARPAS-UK is delighted to be partnering with GeoBusiness on their 10th anniversary to promote the use of drones in the geospatial industry. This collaboration brings forth a dedicated Drone Conference Theatre and ARPAS-UK Members Exhibition Pavilion.

New exhibitors can benefit of an exclusive offer extended to our members: a 15% discount on booth reservations and a coveted 15-minute speaking slot on the conference theatre.

The development of the Drone Theatre continues our support for our members, as well as the wider drone industry, to improve skills, professionalism, knowledge, expertise and promote the safe adoption of drones by end-user industries.

In addition, we will be keen to ensure that the Drone Conference Theatre is packed with informative, educational presentations covering a range of topics from regulations, survey accuracy, how to be a professional drone operator, how BVLOS will affect the geospatial world and more. If you are interested in delivering a keynote, please respond to this Call for Speakers and let us know too, via membership@arpas.uk as we will co-curate speakers at the Drone Conference Theatre!

27 November 2023

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CAA: UAS Regulations Review Consultation due 10 Jan. DO RESPOND!

The CAA have launched a consultation on proposals to make it easier for drone users to fly safely and meet regulatory requirements. This is a follow-up to the Call for Input that took place in October – our responses were made available via the bulleting and the website.

The responses are due on January 10 2024, and we encourage all members to respond with their own views. The primary audience are the hundreds of thousands of Flyer and Operator ID holders and the Open Category operators, but the proposals also reach operators in the Specific category. A quick skim through the document indicates that it is going in the right direction, with among other proposals:

  • Proposal to implement a UK version of Class Marking, which will bring to life the real intended benefits of the Open category and its subcategories
  • Proposal that C1/UK1 (<900g) drones may fly over uninvolved people, like C0/UK0 drones
  • Gradual phase out of the CAP722 series and the merger of key content into a revised Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material AMC & GM. To avoid duplication of documentation and contradictions between documents.

Proposals also include the extension of Flyer ID training to users of drones under 250g, and the extension of time period to adopt class-marked drones by 2 years.

The most challenging proposal is most likely the introduction Remote ID. We know that there is no consensus among our members, based on your feedback collected in October for the Call for Input . Our position as an Organisation is in favour of Remote ID, with caveats, for the reasons outlined in our response at the time. You can read it again by clicking Here (password protected). We will also make our response to this formal consultation available to members once we’ve reviewed it within the Regulation Special Interest Group REGSIG.

We will share our thoughts and our response with members, in the meantime we encourage all members to respond with their own views:

Consultation Opened: 22 November 2023

Consultation Closes: 10 January 2024

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BSI: Future Flight Vocabulary standard: first iteration released

BSI Flex 1903 v1.0 2023-08

With thanks to our member BSI Group, to Anthony Venetz, long standing aviation expert at Across Safety Development, the Technical Author, and to all ARPAS-UK members who contributed to this first version.

What does BSI Flex 1903 cover?

The standard includes definitions of 90 terms and 53 acronyms used in future flight systems and the ecosystem in which they operate. This creates a shared vocabulary for everyone involved, ensuring a common understanding and use of terminology.

Why is it needed?

By enabling clear and effective communication across different fields and stakeholders, BSI Flex 1903 will help to streamline discussions and collaboration and accelerate acceptance of and trust in the technology.

Having a shared language will also foster innovation and development within the domain, playing a critical role in revolutionizing how we connect people, transport goods and provide services through new types of air vehicles.

Who is it for?

The standard is applicable to the UK-based future flight systems ecosystem. It is for use by legislators, regulators, insurers, and organizations involved in uncrewed aircraft systems operations, technologies, and infrastructure, as well as aircraft manufacturers.

Autumn 2023

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Introduction to SORA v2.5 (SORA to be adopted by CAA in 2024). WATCH AGAIN

SORA is the Specific Operations Risk Assessment safety methodology that the CAA intends to adopt/recommend as an acceptable means of compliance to regulations in 2024 (est.), in its next version SORA v2.5.

The JARUS group of experts published SORA v2.0 in 2019. That version is already implemented in many countries around the world.

The CAA intends to adopt/adapt the next version, v2.5, that should be published by JARUS in Q1 2024.

It is time to understand the details of SORA, especially if you are an OSC holder! Watch the webinar:

Alternatively, you can watch the slidedeck below:

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Protected: NATMAC 94 on 12 Oct’23. Key take-aways for drone community – MEMBERS ONLY

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November 10 2023 Drone Related Jobs

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

Cyberhawk™ are hiring for the position of Solution Architect

Vision Survey Ltd is looking for a Trainee Surveyor

AALTO HAPS has multiple job opportunities

Vantage UAV is looking for a Drone Pilot Manager

Windracers has multiple roles available

Frazer-Nash Consultancy is hiring for Uncrewed Air Systems & Future Air Vehicle Graduate Engineer

DroneDeploy is hiring for a Customer Success Manager, EMEA

TechnoServe is looking for a Drone mapping service of cashew plantations.

vertinetik is hiring for the position of Researcher – Forest Data and GIS Analyst

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Webinar: Drones and Electric Air Taxis- The Impact on Councils & Local Authorities

As cities and communities embrace a rapidly evolving future, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) are becoming more than just buzzwords. These are transformative technologies with profound implications for local governance.

ARPAS-UK, in a pioneering collaboration with AAM4GOV, presents an enlightening online webinar tailored especially for local authority and council members. Dive deep into the world of drones and understand their pivotal role in the trajectory of UK’s industrial advancement.

Date: Tuesday, 21st November 2023

Time: 12:30 – 13:30

As AAM technologies, especially drones, begin to profoundly influence various industries, being informed and proactive is no longer just an advantage; it’s a necessity. Councils have a unique opportunity to be at the forefront, directing the urban landscapes of tomorrow.

Local government authorities are not merely regulators or observers in this transformative journey. They are the pilots, the navigators, the visionaries. With their intimate understanding of local wants and community needs, they are best placed to steer our cities and towns into the future of AAM.

Join us, as we together embark on this enlightening journey into the future of urban air mobility, ensuring our cities are not just participants but leaders in this global technological renaissance.

Meet The Speakers

ChairGraham Brown
A dedicated advocate for integrating airspace for all users, Graham Brown stands as the distinguished Chairman of ARPAS-UK. His associations stretch far, being the co-chair of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) C-UAV Advisory Group and a pivotal member of the UK Airspace Strategy Board. His involvement doesn’t end there; Graham is a part of the Drone Industry Action Group and many other organizations and working groups. Their collective aim? Developing opportunities, ensuring proportionate legislation, and spearheading the safe adoption of drones across various industries.

ConsultantPhilip Butterworth-Hayes:
Specializing in aviation, Philip Butterworth-Hayes wears many hats – consultant, writer, editor, and more. With a rich history as the Managing Editor of Jane’s Transport Press and editor for several of Jane’s renowned publications, his expertise is sought after globally. His roles have also extended as the Director of Communications and Strategy at the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation and as the current editor of Skyway. As the editorial director of PMI Media Limited, Philip’s influence in the aviation sector is undeniable. His insights have found their way to global media outlets, including heavyweights like BBC, CNN, and the Wall Street Journal.

Department of Transport- Sofia Stayte
Head of Future of Flight Policy at the Department for Transport (DfT) in the United Kingdom. With an impressive career spanning various government leadership roles, Sofia is a seasoned professional skilled in policy development, implementation, and analysis. Currently at the forefront of shaping the future of flight policy, she brings over six years of dedicated service to the DfT. Sofia’s extensive experience includes heading the Independent State Pension Age Review for the UK Government, leading innovative initiatives at the Department for Work and Pensions, and serving as a Team Leader for Private Pensions Policy. Her comprehensive background, coupled with her role as a member of the Future Flight Community Integration Group, showcases Sofia’s commitment to driving collaborative initiatives and fostering innovation in the aviation sector. We are honored to welcome Sofia Stayte as a distinguished guest speaker for our upcoming webinar.

LawyerSimon Phippard:
Bringing in over 25 years of experience in aviation law, Simon Phippard is an Of Counsel in Bird & Bird’s Aviation & Aerospace practice in London. From advising leading businesses in the aerospace sector to handling contracts between airlines, suppliers, and MROs, Simon’s portfolio is vast and varied. His stint at Rolls-Royce for seven years gave him an insider’s perspective into engine aftermarket services. Simon’s expertise also covers unmanned aerial systems, touching on technical regulation, liability, and supply chain challenges in this budding sector. As a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Freeman of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Simon’s contributions to the aviation industry are immeasurable.

Police- Simon Bachelor
With an illustrious 29-year career as a dedicated police officer, Simon Bachelor currently serves as the Policy and Legislation Lead for Counter Drones at the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). His expertise extends across various operational and strategic roles with a primary focus on public safety and security. Since 2019, Simon has been embedded within the Home Office Counter Drones Unit, actively contributing to the UK’s Counter Unmanned Aircraft Strategy. As the team manager for NPCC Counter Drones, Simon plays a pivotal role in governing and coordinating UK police counter-drone efforts, collaborating across government agencies to strengthen policies and operational policing.


Unable to attend our live webinar? No problem! A recording will be available after the event. Simply sign up, and we’ll notify you when it’s ready to watch at your convenience.


By registering, you consent to us contacting you in the future with news and updates about drones. You can opt out at any time by emailing membership@arpas.uk.

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Protected: NATMAC 94, October 2023 meeting. MEMBERS ONLY

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