FLY SMART, FLY SAFE
The Wessex Rescue Drone Unit announces it has successfully achieved CAA authorisation, a critical milestone that ensures their operations comply with regulatory standards. This milestone supports their ongoing efforts to expand capabilities and better serve the Fire & Rescue and Police services in their region.
With a training programme supported by UAV Hub and Dronedesk, the team is on track to have eleven qualified drone pilots by the end of the year to meet growing deployment demands, with six qualified pilots already and a further five in training. Their Mavic 2 Enterprise, provided by Dorset Police, has already proven highly effective during operations, including a major fire and water rescue exercise.
The unit has established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service to provide drone support for search and rescue operations. To ensure full coverage and enhance their ability to respond effectively in emergencies, the team has identified the need for thermal capability to be implemented. This would allow them to detect heat sources, which is critical for locating missing persons. Many search operations take place during night-time hours, and the addition of thermal technology would enable the team to deploy around the clock, providing 24-hour operational readiness.
Currently, drones are deployed from the Water Rescue Vehicle, with plans for a dedicated drone vehicle in the future. This would allow greater flexibility to support the water rescue team or assist the community where needed. The use of drones has already demonstrated significant benefits, such as identifying hazards before deploying rescue personnel, reducing risks, and improving overall safety during operations.
A Call for Support: Enhancing Thermal Drone Capability
The team is committed to improving their ability to save lives and serve the community. Acquiring a thermal drone is a critical step toward achieving this goal, and they would greatly appreciate any assistance the drone community can provide in helping them make this capability a reality. If you would like to learn more about their work and financially contribute – however great or small all donations area appreciated, please find the links below.
28 January 2025
ARPAS UK welcomes the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) announcement regarding the postponement of significant changes to UK PDRA-01. The decision to maintain the current iteration of PDRA-01 until 31 March 2026 demonstrates an understanding of the industry’s need for stability during the introduction of UK SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment).
DiSCO, the digital platform for PDRA01 applications, was a success, and the community recognises it. There is no value in another cycle of changing regulations and format with no benefit in terms of operating envelope, and following a new methodology that has not been tested yet with the OSC/ORA holders.
In December 2024, ARPAS UK highlighted concerns to the CAA regarding the transition to the SORA methodology and advocated for “no impact, no change” on existing PDRA-01 operations. We are pleased to see the CAA addressing these concerns and delaying immediate changes, allowing operators to continue their activities without disruption.
Feedback from the EASA IAM Forum in October 2024 highlights the low adoption rates of SORA-based PDRAs and Standard Scenarios in Europe. The EASA PDRAs derived from SORA are notably conservative and impose restrictions far greater than those under UK PDRA-01. They do not adequately meet industry needs and as a result adoption so far is low. The SORA methodology is developed, but its implementation is still a work in progress. It has become clear now that those initial scenarios need rework to become effective tools. A review of UK PDRA01 that would result in an alignment with one of those PDRAs would hinder “business as usual” operations for many UK operators.
While aligning UK operations with the global standards followed by JARUS member countries offers long-term benefits, ARPAS-UK remains concerned about the challenges posed by the transition to SORA:
The current PDRA-01 covers drones up to 25kg, yet many operators fly much smaller, lower-risk drones. ARPAS UK continues to advocate for additional PDRAs tailored to the realities of drone operations, focusing on:
We propose standardised and scalable authorisations, not location-specific, and facilitated through a streamlined, digitised process. These improvements would make low-risk activities more accessible, encouraging more operators to apply for or renew their Operational Authorisations.
As the UK’s trade association for the drone industry, ARPAS UK strongly supports regulation that is both appropriate and proportionate. We believe that relevant and accessible authorisations will encourage operators to remain within the regulatory framework, promoting industry growth and maintaining high safety standards.
By continuing to engage with the CAA and advocating for sensible regulatory solutions, ARPAS-UK aims to ensure that the UK drone industry thrives under a system that balances safety with operational practicality.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) releases their latest CAA Future of Flight update this month, providing a PDRA-01 update and highlighting key milestones for 2024.
Topics include:
Read the full CAA’s Future of Flight update below.
20 January 2025
Disclaimer: All jobs posted here are from LinkedIn and other job sites including member and non-member organizations. Drone Related Jobs.
Eagle Eye Innovations are looking to recruit an RPAS Operator
Vertical Aerospace are looking to recruit a Test Pilot.
SORA Aviation are looking to recruit a Senior Stress Engineer.
AALTO is looking to recruit a Senior Manager, Global Spectrum Affairs.
Link to other Drone Related Jobs.
First: ARPAS-UK, the UK’s leading drone industry body, calls for a revision of the narrative surrounding the 2018 Gatwick Airport incident. No credible evidence of malicious drone activity at Gatwick Airport was provided post-investigations. Yet, to this day, the Gatwick Drone incident and its sensational coverage has had far-reaching negative implications for the drone industry.
Second: ARPAS-UK advocates for the responsible use of drones, both recreationally and commercially, and recommends addressing the evidence-based issue of airspace infringements near airports through education and awareness.
The 2018 Gatwick event
Despite the widespread reports at the time, subsequent investigations and freedom of information requests have failed to produce any credible evidence supporting claims of sustained malicious drone activity. As we enter 2025, continuing to assert that Gatwick Airport suffered a three-day disruption in December 2018 due to such activity lacks credible backing.
The ramifications of this incident have been far-reaching and detrimental to the drone industry. The sensational coverage has contributed to a negative perception of drones, leading to stricter regulations both in the UK and internationally. This event has also tarnished the industry’s reputation, with the public associating drones with disruption and danger. Such misperceptions overshadow the potential of drones to drive economic, environmental, and social benefits. Some media however seem unable to help themselves and cannot resist talking about 2018.
Addressing the evidence-based issue of airspace infringements near airports through education and awareness.
We support reasonable and proportionate measures to prevent misuse near sensitive areas such as airports, prisons, and critical infrastructure. Violating these laws, particularly actions that endanger aircraft, can lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment for up to five years.
Since 2018, airports have significantly improved their preparedness for drone-related incidents, with many implementing detection systems and streamlined response procedures to manage drone activity effectively.
However, too many unauthorised drone flights detected in restricted zones continue to pose challenges. Many of these involve very small recreational drones which, despite their size, pose risks to other aircraft. What if an incident were to happen?
We believe that part of the problem is that new fliers are not aware of, or do not understand the regulations and laws that are relevant to flying drones. ARPAS-UK strongly advocates for education, communication, and simplifying the advice to reduce unauthorised flights. By equipping drone users with the knowledge of legal requirements, associated risks, and the consequences of non-compliance, we can foster a culture of safety and responsibility. ARPAS-UK contributes to National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) committees to address these concerns, promoting initiatives that support safe and lawful drone operations while encouraging innovation and growth within the industry.
The safe adoption of drones drives GDP Growth, health and safety as well societal benefits.
Drones have proven their value across various sectors. They take on tasks that are challenging, hazardous, and labour-intensive, reducing risks for workers while enhancing efficiency and productivity. From delivering life-saving medical supplies and conducting environmental monitoring to enhancing public safety and enabling infrastructure inspections, drones are transformative. With their electric propulsion systems, drones also contribute to CO2 reduction efforts.
Conclusion
The drone industry offers immense opportunities for societal and economic advancement. It is essential to base incident narratives on verified facts, and to support the safe use of drones across the recreational and commercial communities. ARPAS-UK remains committed to supporting the responsible and safe use of drones into our daily lives, delivering the benefits of this transformative technology.
About ARPAS-UK
ARPAS-UK is a Non-Profit Trade Association founded in 2013. We serve as the Collective Voice Empowering the UK drone Industry. Our objective is to accelerate the safe and professional adoption of drones across all industries, unlocking transformative for the economy and wider society.
ARPAS-UK strives to work in the general public interest. We engage with a broad range of stakeholders with a fair and balanced approach, we foster a collaborative approach across the ecosystem. We advocate respect, inclusiveness and politeness in exchanges, and request professionalism within its membership through compliance with an agreed Code of Conduct.
On the 6th February 2025 in central Manchester, ARPAS-UK member Periphery (formerly known as qomodo) will be holding an exclusive round table discussion on advancing UAV security in UK critical infrastructure.
With limited seats available, this is a unique opportunity to connect with peers and drive meaningful conversations. Interested in joining the conversation? Register below to secure your place….
Date: 6th February 2025
Time: Lunch time onwards, followed by dinner
Location: Central Manchester
(Full event agenda & location to be shared in the coming weeks.)
Format: Round Table Discussion & Dinner (10-15 seats only)
To explore key challenges and collaborate on solutions, this gathering will bring together:
14 January 2025
Stay Ahead of the Curve with SORA 2.5
2 Day Training with DroneTalks Academy
March 2025 | London UK & Online
DroneTalks is holding an interactive online and in-person two-day training session this March, designed to help participants quickly gain a comprehensive understanding of the SORA methodology. Covering everything from foundational concepts to real-world applications, the course is designed to equip attendees with the skills needed to effectively utilise the best risk management framework for drones. The training will be led by Lorenzo Murzilli, aviation safety expert, Co-founder and CEO of Murzilli Consulting, and former leader of JARUS and Swiss FOCA.
Key Benefits:
13-14 March 2025
Why Attend the DroneTalks Training Event?
Led by Lorenzo Murzilli, aviation safety expert, Co-founder and CEO of Murzilli Consulting, and former leader of JARUS and Swiss FOCA, this two-day training offers:
DroneTalks are offering 20% OFF to ARPAS-UK Members
See your latest ARPAS-UK Members Bulletin (15.01.25) for your Discount Code
7 January 2025
