
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is proactively addressing artificial intelligence (AI) in aviation. Their strategy focuses on safe regulation and responsible use of AI to enhance aerospace efficiency, sustainability, and scalability while ensuring safety, security, consumer protection, and environmental sustainability.
Key points include:
The CAA collaborates with international partners and industry stakeholders to align with global best practices and meet UK aviation needs. They welcome public engagement and feedback on their AI strategy.
Link to other regulatory matters.
28 November 2024
Disclaimer: All jobs posted here are from LinkedIn and other job sites including member and non-member organizations. Drone Related Jobs.
Prismatic are looking to recruit a Battery Technician, a Battery Team Leader, UAS System Operator and an Air Operations Safety & Regulations Lead.
Murphy Geospatial are looking to recruit a UAV Operator.
Strativ are looking to recruit a drone technician.
Vertical Aerospace are looking to recruit a Test Pilot.
Mitie are looking to recruit a fixed-term drone pilot (12 months).
Iona are looking to recruit a GNC Engineer.
The University of Liverpool have a position open: Postdoctural Research Associate in Drone Aerodynamics & Wake Testing
Air6 Systems are recruiting for a Robotics / Embedded Systems Engineer.
The survey results of ARPAS-UK’s Drone Industry & Membership Survey, conducted in September of this year, offer a revealing snapshot of the UK’s commercial drone landscape.
With responses from both members and the wider drone community, the survey highlights perspectives from across the sector, including drone operators, SMEs, blue light services, academia, and more.
There’s still time to make your voice heard.
The survey remains open, and we’ll be updating our findings in February 2025. Share your perspective today and help shape the future of the UK drone industry.
Watch the Resulting Analysis of Our Findings…
25 November 2024
The CAA launched their consultation on their proposals for revisions to the existing UK Civil Aviation Authority CAA 2025/26 Scheme of charges, due to take effect from 1 April 2025.
Our preliminary analysis indicates major/ massive increases on all charges related to UAS.
· Fee Increases for PDRA-01: We have already expressed concern informally to the CAA over the proposed increase from £234 to £500 and its potential impact on operators, particularly given the significant role PDRA-01 plays in enabling safe and efficient operations for 95% of specific category operators.
· All other fees in the Scheme of Charge: we will seek clarification on the rationale for all charges increases and exact scope of application, in order to push back and formally respond to the consultation by Jan 6.
· Transition from PDRA01 to SORA? The recent CAA PDRA survey could suggest an intent to phase out PDRAs entirely, whereas the Charging Consultation mentions exploring additional PDRAs. We have already raised that point informally, and we will seek further clarification on the long-term plans for PDRAs in our Regulations Position Paper #2, due end November, that we will share with our Members and more importantly with the CAA and DfT.
· The Need for Additional PDRAs and SORAs: ARPAS-UK has reinforced the need for more predefined risk assessments (PDRAs) or simplified, generic SORAs to reflect common operational scenarios, such as reduced separation distances, BVLOS with visual observers, increased height limits. If there is no class-marking of drones in the UK in the Open category, why not develop asap new PDRAs that would function like A1 and/or A2 for reduced distances from uninvolved people, including in urban environments?
The transition to the SORA safety methodology will create lots of changes. The objective must be efficiency and proportionality, not complexity to a point that both the drone operators’ teams and the regulator’s teams need much more time to formulate and assess applications, translating into hikes in charging fees.
We recognise the importance of a feedback loop with the CAA during this period of change and are committed to advocating for solutions that balance safety with practicality – and proportionality.
Please don’t hesitate to share any thoughts or concerns with us as we continue to represent the interests of the membership.
The Scheme of Charges consultation is accessible through the link below:
18 November 2024
ARPAS-UK has today published its first Drone in Action Report. The purpose of this guide is to provide examples which demonstrate the range of benefits and financial savings that can be achieved by the safe adoption of Drones.
Graham Brown, Chair of ARPAS-UK says, “When applied, drones are faster, cheaper, safer and greener than other solutions for the same job. We want businesses, as well as the general public, to understand the immense benefit of drones and understand that there will be positive adoption over the coming years.”
In the dynamic landscape of technological advancement, the safe adoption of drone technology stands as a testament to innovation, human ingenuity and its capacity to redefine and improve industrial operations. This report examines a collection of use cases across a spectrum of sectors, each showcasing the transformative impact of drones. From asset and building inspection to the precision agriculture fields to the complex infrastructures of oil and gas platforms, we explore how uncrewed aerial vehicles or drones are not just enhancing operational efficiency but also creating the path towards a safer, more sustainable future.
Author: Mohammed Hasan
Support by: Graham Brown, Anne-Lise Scallierez, Aleksander Kowalski, Chris Daniels, Sarah Lay, David Thurston, Rupert Dent, Elena Major, Annabel Worthington, Ashna Sharma, Dylan Brooks & Prajjwal Roy
Graphics: Sam Barrett, Manna & Canva
View further Drones & Industry Reports
12 November 2024
This blog is written for organisations and professionals navigating the evolving regulatory landscape for drones in critical sectors, offering insights into how new UK, EU, and US standards are shaping UAV cyber security requirements.
The rapid expansion of drone technology is reshaping whole industries such as defence, critical infrastructure, and emergency services;, however, this expansion demands an equally fast response in regulatory oversight, especially concerning cybersecurity and supply chain integrity. In the UK and Europe, regulatory developments are intensifying as lawmakers respond to the risks and potential vulnerabilities drones introduce, there’s also the additional influences of established US frameworks, such as the Blue UAS and Green UAS programs that are worth considering and will be explored below. These programs in the U.S. prevent certain foreign technologies, including semiconductors from restricted nation-states, from being used in drones within national security, defence, and critical infrastructure.
European NIS2 Directive
The NIS2 Directive aims to strengthen cybersecurity across the EU, focusing on sectors of essential services, including energy, transport, and digital infrastructure (critical infrastructure). Enacted in early 2023, NIS2 mandates all EU member states to integrate these standards into national laws by October 2024.
This directive potentially imposes stringent cybersecurity standards for industries using ‘connected’ drones in critical infrastructure, including risk management protocols, vulnerability assessments, and mandatory incident reporting within 24-72 hours. NIS2, while not UAV-specific, brings drones under its scope in any industry where they serve critical functions.
The UK Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is a significant upcoming regulation expected to come into force in 2025. This bill will likely include strict cybersecurity guidelines, secure supply chain
requirements, and reporting mandates for sectors where drones are increasingly deployed such as
transport, energy, and health.. Though details are still unfolding, this bill reflects the UK’s alignment with EU cybersecurity standards and will become a pivotal law for any organisation using UAVs in critical sectors.
The EU Cyber Resilience Act passed in 2023 and anticipated to be enforceable by 2025, sets requirements for the cybersecurity of connected devices across industries. Though not UAV-focused, it covers all devices communicating within a network, including drones used in sensitive sectors. The CRA mandates secure-by-design principles, continuous patching, and risk assessments throughout a device’s lifecycle, ensuring that UAVs used in critical industries maintain a high level of cybersecurity.
The Blue UAS and Green UAS programs, led by the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), set high security and sourcing standards for drones in U.S. defence and critical infrastructure. Specifically, they ensure that drones meet rigorous cybersecurity and supply chain requirements, preventing drones containing semiconductors and components from restricted nation-states from entering US markets for national security uses. The focus on sourcing transparency and third-party testing reduces the risk of foreign influence and data compromise.
Driven by similar national security and geopolitical concerns, the UK and Europe are gradually adopting comparable standards, recognising the importance of secure sourcing and strong threat mitigation as drones take on increasingly critical roles in high-stakes sectors.
The UK and EU are intensifying regulatory efforts to secure UAVs, driven by geopolitical tensions, technological advances, and the growing role of drones in critical sectors. Key trends include:
To stay compliant and competitive, organisations leveraging drones in critical sectors should take proactive steps to prepare for incoming regulatory requirements, these include:
The demand for secure, resilient drone operations will only increase as regulations continue to evolve, positioning UAVs as crucial assets that must adhere to the highest security standards. As the UK and EU approach US-level security measures for drones, the regulatory environment is becoming more stringent, driven by cybersecurity concerns and global political shifts. With frameworks like the NIS2 Directive and Cyber Resilience Act coming into enforcement within the next year or so, UAV operators across critical sectors should look to prioritise cybersecurity, secure sourcing, and compliance now to stay ahead and maintain seamless business operations.
Qomodo is an ARPAS-UK Member.
Email: contact-us@qomodo.io
Click here for more ARPAS-UK Member Success Stories & Blogs.
11 November 2024
Disclaimer: All jobs posted here are from LinkedIn and other job sites including member and non-member organizations. Drone Related Jobs.
Volatus Aerospace is looking to recruit:
NPAS are looking to recruit: XP299 Futures Development Manager.
Bristow is looking to recruit a UAS SAR Operator.
Tekever are looking to recruit a Regulations Manager – Defence.
Skeye are looking to recruit a UAV Pilot.