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Framework for Future Flight in the UK: Principles from a deliberative Public Dialogue July 2024

The UKRI’s Future Flight Challenge (FFC) aims to position the UK as a leader in aviation by funding research and development of new flight technologies. A public dialogue was conducted to understand public views on Future Flight technologies, including non-passenger-carrying drones, eVTOLs, and electric/hydrogen Regional Air Mobility (RAM).

Alongside a wider programme of social science research funded by the Challenge, UKRI/Innovate UK commissioned this dialogue, which was led by the Future Flight Challenge Social Science Research Director and team based at the University of Birmingham. The dialogue was supported by UKRI’s Sciencewise programme and delivered by Thinks Insight & Strategy.

  • Principles for Development: Participants developed 14 principles for the roll-out of Future Flight technologies, emphasizing public good, safety, sustainability, accessibility, and affordability.
  • Concerns and Hopes: Participants expressed concerns about noise, visual pollution, safety, and affordability, but also saw potential benefits in improved connectivity, sustainability, and accessibility.

July 2024

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CAA CONSULTATION on DETECT AND AVOID POLICY due 19 Sep

The CAA policy consultation on their DAA policy concept is launched – seeking views on the proposed methodology and means of compliance. DAA is one of the cornerstones of integrated airspace, providing RPAS with the ability to ‘See and Avoid’ other air traffic, reducing the mid-air collision risk of RPAS operating in airspace with other users. With an agreed DAA methodology, the regulator and industry can work together towards making extended routine BVLOS operations in UK airspace become a reality. 

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Commercial UAV Expo: Las Vegas, USA 3-5 September 2024

Sep 3: Outdoor Flying Demos, Exhibitor Showcases, Workshops, Welcome Reception
Sep 4-5: Conference, Keynotes, Networking Happy Hour, Exhibit Hall Theater  & Exhibits

Event Description
Commercial UAV Expo, presented by Commercial UAV News, is the world’s leading commercial drone trade show and conference focusing on the integration and operation of commercial UAS in select vertical markets.

2024 marks the 10th edition of Commercial UAV Expo, demonstrating a passionate continued commitment to the commercial UAS industry. Since its inception, Commercial UAV Expo has aimed to serve as an essential platform for collaboration, and knowledge exchange amid the ongoing growth and revolution of the commercial UAS sector – and this year is set to be its biggest yet.

ARPAS-UK has TWO free guest passes for the event to give to members. These are for the full 3-day conference passport, which includes all workshops, sessions, exhibits, receptions and AI-powered matchmaking. They do not include flights there, accommodation or any other expenses. They are available on a first come, first served basis. Please contact membership@arpas.uk

Commercial drone professionals are eagerly anticipating Commercial UAV Expo 2024, where they can look forward to critical, timely education delivered by industry leaders, opportunities to network and engage with peers, and the best opportunity of the year to see and learn about the newest technology through conference sessions, workshops, and live-action Outdoor Flying Demonstrations. The show floor features an expanded exhibit hall with an expected 225 industry-leading providers showcasing their latest UAS solutions including airframes, software, sensors, and services.  The event is expected to attract 3,750 commercial drone professionals from around the world and is backed by more than 300 associations and media companies.

The conference program provides actionable information in Keynote Presentations and industry focused panels, where drone innovators, regulators, and end-users share their expertise and vision and discuss the critical issues facing the industry; solutions-based conference sessions that offer practical, actionable education for professionals working with UAS across markets including construction, infrastructure, and energy & utilities; and in-depth conference sessions that provide up-to-the-minute information on topics that affect everyone in UAS, such as FAA regulations, BVLOS operations, technology adoption, accuracy requirements, safety, power, and more.

The Drone Pilot Hub is a new, dynamic space in the Commercial UAV Exhibit Hall that will feature content tailored for attendees who are new or current professional drone pilots. Learning opportunities include drone pilot preparations for Part 107 tests, discussion of standard operating procedures and best practices for flights, and details of regulation and documentation.

Commercial UAV Expo and Commercial UAV News are organized by Diversified Communications, a global event producer that also organizes Commercial UAV Expo Europe, Digital Construction Week and Geo Business (London, UK), and Geo Week (Denver, CO).

Keynotes:

This year’s Commercial UAV Expo keynotes are set to define what it means to accelerate commercial viability for drone technology on a whole new level. Keynoters will answer these questions and more while also outlining developments that will have a profound impact on the entire drone industry.

  • What are some of the most pivotal changes, challenges, and implications shaping the landscape of commercial drone regulation from the FAA?
  • What does it mean for a “drone champion” to define efficiencies that the technology can unlock for large organizations in the public and private sectors?

Reasons to attend:

  •  Are we finally beyond the hype? For years, drone technology rode a wave of speculative excitement, promising explosive growth. While this hype proved unsustainable and led to industry consolidation, it was rooted in a genuine vision of the value drones could offer. In 2024, that value is finally being demonstrably quantified, marking a clear shift into a post-hype era. However, the question remains: has the industry definitively climbed out of the initial slump, or is it merely on an upward trajectory? Whether the technology is fully through the trough or on an upward slope will be a major topic of discussion at Commercial UAV Expo.
  •  What are the top real-world use cases of drone technology?
    Commercial UAV Expo is set to showcase the tangible impact drones are delivering across industries in a whole new way. In Energy & Utilities, drones are optimizing operations and inspections. In Construction, they’re creating value out of thin air. For Critical Infrastructure Inspections, they’re enhancing safety and efficiency. These specifics will be broken down in separate education tracks, each of which will feature multiple case studies that will outline exactly where and how the technology is creating value.
  •  Will Part 108 redefine commercial drone regulation?
    Part 107 unlocked a new era for commercial drones, but Part 108 could be an even bigger milestone. This groundbreaking FAA rule will unleash a wave of lucrative opportunities and supercharge existing applications, allowing drones to truly scale across countless industries. This topic will be specifically explored during a Part 108 brief but will dominate conversations across the program and floor.
  •  What does it mean for the drone pilot community to come together?
    As the commercial drone industry evolves, so do the opportunities for drone pilots. Technological leaps, evolving regulations, and growing industry recognition are fueling these opportunities, but how can pilots best navigate these new developments? And who can pilots look to for support? For the first time ever, Commercial UAV Expo will offer dedicated education and networking—designed specifically for drone pilots—to answer these questions individually but also for the larger drone pilot community.
  •  What’s the latest for drones and AI?
    The UAV industry is at the forefront of breakthroughs in automation and artificial intelligence (AI). Drone data is being utilized to create detailed 3D models for inspections, and it is also guiding drones through areas with no GPS signal, all of which is happening thanks to AI-enabled innovations. From streamlined flight plans to advanced security systems to operations that counter rogue drones, AI is making a difference in multiple sectors. Commercial UAV Expo will showcase how drone companies are harnessing automation and AI to make their operations more efficient, safer, and more profitable.
  •  Who are the individuals and organizations defining the future of the industry?
    The drone industry is defined by the innovators, visionaries, and disruptors who are bringing fresh approaches to current challenges. This year’s program features individuals who are shaping the present and future of the industry, while the exhibit floor will feature industry stalwarts that are doing the same. Additionally, several companies that are new to Commercial UAV Expo will be showcasing their products and services. Discover the established giants and rising stars who are shaping the future of drones.
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Royal Holloway University’s New £2.5M Omnidrome Research Facility: A Unique Opportunity

Royal Holloway University has made a significant leap forward in research and innovation with a £2.5 million investment into the Omnidrome Research & Innovation Centre. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for pioneering research and development in various advanced technological fields, focusing on unmanned autonomous systems (UAS/UAVs), robotics, artificial intelligence, and information security.

Omnidrome: Pioneering the Future

The Omnidrome at Royal Holloway University is poised to become a world-leading centre for research, innovation, education, and knowledge exchange, dedicated to the study and application of drones and autonomous vehicles. This new facility will address contemporary and future challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering an environment where cutting-edge research can thrive.

Research and Innovation at Omnidrome

The Omnidrome Research & Innovation Centre aims to support a broad range of research initiatives, including:

  • Robotics, AI, and Information Security: Focusing on the development and secure integration of autonomous systems.
  • Drone and Sensor Technology: Advancing the capabilities and applications of aerial, surface, and submersible drones.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Utilizing drone technology for geospatial analysis of environmental, ecological, and geological systems.
  • Law, Culture, Arts, and Humanities: Exploring the legal, cultural, and social implications of drone technology.

Building a Collaborative Community

The Omnidrome is dedicated to nurturing a diverse and multidisciplinary community of researchers, educators, technical staff, and students. The Centre will also build a robust network of academic and non-academic collaborators, including business, industry, government partners, and NGOs. This collaborative environment aims to:

  • Develop funding opportunities and promote impactful research.
  • Train staff and students in drone industry applications and software skills.
  • Support student research projects and geospatial data analysis.

Unique Features of Omnidrome

What sets the Omnidrome apart is its comprehensive approach to research and innovation:

  • Unrestricted Research Directions: Supporting all ideas and opportunities within the Omnidrome Innovation Network.
  • Multidisciplinary Expertise: Engaging academics from arts, humanities, science, and social sciences to address diverse research challenges.
  • Industry Partnerships: Directly addressing sector-specific challenges through innovative solutions and economic benefits.

Membership and Opportunities

The Omnidrome offers membership to an innovation network of academic and non-academic collaborators. Membership benefits include:

  • Direct networking opportunities with academic researchers and industry practitioners.
  • Discounts on access to the Omnidrome Training and Testing Facility and other resources.
  • Invitations to annual events, including a research and education conference and a networking and partnerships meeting.

Training and Testing Facilities

The Omnidrome provides state-of-the-art facilities for drone training, testing, and development:

  • Controlled Environment: A bespoke facility measuring 25m x 35m x 10m for safe and robust testing.
  • Training Areas: Dedicated spaces for visual line-of-sight flight training and sensor applications.
  • Technical Infrastructure: Access to high-capacity electrical power systems, drone support vehicles, and specialized equipment.

Join Us at the Omnidrome Innovation Networking Event

On behalf of Royal Holloway University, We are delighted to invite knowledge exchange professionals and industry brokers to the Omnidrome Innovation Networking Event on Tuesday, July 23, from 10.00 to 16.30 at the Royal Holloway University Campus in Egham. This event will feature expert talks, workshops, and opportunities to connect with peers in the field of drone and robotics technology.

For further information and to register, please contact KnowledgeExchange@rhul.ac.uk.

Explore how our Omnidrome facilities could benefit your work and that of your stakeholders. Find out more at royalholloway.ac.uk/research/omnidrome.

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SORA v2.5: a practical case from Switzerland to understand how it works – watch again

SORA v2.5 is now published, and the UK CAA intends to implement a UK version of v2.5.

Let’s walk through a practical example in conversation with Nathanel Apter, who has been advising operators on how to get approvals from the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation using SORA. Nathanel has also been part of the JARUS task force behind v2.5.

Remember that SORA is for the Specific Category.

PDRA01 holders won’t be directly affected because their OA is pre-defined, but non-PDRA01 authorisations, like OSC, will eventually follow UK SORA. Plus: SORA may open opportunities for all in the specific category.

Speakers: Anne-Lise Scaillierez, CEO of ARPAS-UK & Nathanel Apter, UASolutions CEO

Nathanel Apter, UASolutions, CEO & Partner.

Nathanel previously worked for the Digitisation & Innovation Team at the Federal Office of Civil Aviation Switzerland, before founding UASolutions. In addition, he is a Board Member of the Drone Industry Association Switzerland (DIAS) and Member of the JARUS SORA v2.5 Main Body Task Force.

The SORA is a methodology for the classification of the risk posed by a drone flight in the specific category of operations and for the identification of mitigations and of the safety objectives. It helps the operator to identify operational limitations, training objectives for the personnel essential for the operation (e.g remote pilots, observers, maintainers etc..), technical requirements for the drone and to develop the appropriate operational procedures that will be part of the operator manual.

Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) | EASA (europa.eu)

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Iprosurv Limited Shortlisted for Prestigious Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2024

Iprosurv Limited is thrilled to announce that it has been shortlisted for the 2024 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Recognised in the Innovation Entrepreneur of the Year category.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, often referred to as the “Grammys of Entrepreneurship,” celebrates the achievements of the UK’s most dynamic and innovative businesses. Each year, the awards receive thousands of applications, underscoring the competitive nature and high standard of the competition. This year’s shortlist showcases a combined turnover of nearly £2.9 billion and employs approximately 20,000 people, highlighting the critical role these businesses play in driving economic growth and innovation.

Iprosurv Limited, based in South Yorkshire, is recognised for its outstanding contributions to the Aviation industry/ RPAS sector.

“As we celebrate our 10th year anniversary, we are incredibly honoured to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we are excited to celebrate this achievement with the wider entrepreneurial community,” said Rebecca Jones, Co-Founder, Iprosurv.

Previous winners of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards include the founders of BrewDog, MyEnergi, Zilch, Grenade, and ClearScore, who have gone on to become household names. It is with thanks to national and regional sponsors Allica Bank, Airwallex, Basket, Caudwell Children, de Novo Solutions, GiftRound, GS Verde Group, GS1 UK, Home Grown, JF Growth Menzies, Quidos, Randal Charitable Foundation, ScoreApp, TikTok, UBS Wealth Management and Vestd that the Great British Entrepreneur Awards has been able to celebrate the very best of Great British entrepreneurs for 12 years.

The awards ceremony will take place on Monday, 18th November, at London’s prestigious Grosvenor House, where winners for each category in each region will be announced. This event is the largest entrepreneurial celebration in the UK, providing a platform for businesses to connect, celebrate, and champion the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Francesca James, Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, stated, “The calibre of entries this year is truly outstanding. These entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy, and their stories are a testament to the incredible resilience and creativity of the UK’s business community. We are thrilled to recognise their achievements and support their continued growth.”

Allica Bank, the headline sponsor for this year’s awards, shares this commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success. “It has been a real honour to sponsor this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Hearing the inspiring stories from the incredible businesses that these awards champion really brings to life the important contribution that British entrepreneurs make to our economy” says Conrad Ford, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Allica Bank.

For more information about Iprosurv Limited,  please visit www.iprosurv.com.

To learn more about the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, visit www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com

Contact: Rebecca Jones, Co-Founder & CEO, Iprosurv Limited

About Iprosurv

Operating in the commercial sector since 2014, Iprosurv has been at the forefront of pioneering the use of drones across a variety of industries. Our mission is to drive the widespread adoption of drone technology across business sectors, helping to improve operations, reduce costs, and increase safety while positively impacting the UK economy. We aim to position Iprosurv as one of the UK’s leading drone services businesses.

Leveraging a national supply chain of expert drone operators, we serve a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies and global organisations. Iprosurv holds extensive regulatory approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), enabling us to operate under complex operations exemptions.

Authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority as a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE), we offer both standard and bespoke training solutions for organisations and individuals aiming to become CAA-approved drone pilots or upgrade their qualifications.

From building surveys and flood response to supporting emergency services, Iprosurv continues to push the boundaries of drone technology in business applications. Our commitment to innovation and safety ensures that we remain leaders in the rapidly evolving field of commercial drone operations.

Iprosurv Limited is an ARPAS-UK Member

25 June 2024

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Innovate UK: Future Flight Challenge Project Showcase

The UKRI Future Flight Challenge, delivered by Innovate UK and ESRC, has launched a project library showcasing the range of large-scale projects taking place as part of Phase 3 of the Challenge. The showcase demonstrates the breadth of activities, successes and impacts to date, and the +130 organisations currently involved in the Challenge. These include businesses, universities, local authorities, emergency services, the NHS and the third sector.

  • AgiLe Integrated Airspace System (ALIAS)
  • Air Mobility Ecosystem Consortium (AMEC)
  • Atypical Airspace BVLOS Solution (AABS)
  • Caelus 2
  • Future Flight and Infrastructure Land Programme (FFLIP)
  • HADO
  • Intelligent Drones for Ports and Highways Technology (InDePTH)
  • Morecambe Bay Medical Shuttle 2
  • Open Skies Cornwall
  • Project BLUEPRINT
  • Project HEART Phase 3
  • Project PORTAL
  • Project SeaWatch
  • Protecting Environments with UAV Swarms
  • SafeZone Phase 3
  • Skyway
  • Sustainable Aviation Test Environment 2

23 May 2024

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Unlocking Social Value:  Why It Matters for Small Business Drone Operators

by Sarah Stone, Founder & Director of Samtaler

In the ever-evolving landscape of drone operations, business owners often focus on the technical aspects of their trade — mastering flight manoeuvres, capturing stunning aerial footage, inspecting commercial assets or post processing data efficiently. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily operations, it’s easy to overlook a crucial aspect that can significantly impact long-term success: social value.

What is Social Value?

Social value refers to the positive impact a business has on society, or the benefits it creates, beyond its financial performance. It encompasses a variety of elements, including employee recruitment and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, community engagement, ethical business practices, and contribution to social causes.

Why is Social Value Important to Drone Operators?

The public sector is a key customer for the industry with UAVs used across the public sector in a wide range of capacities from providing aerial surveys and data collection services to inspections of infrastructure like bridges, power lines, and pipelines.

Public sector bodies are increasingly conscious of the implications of their purchasing decisions and want to buy from suppliers who operate ethically and sustainably.  To identify whether a supplier does this they place social value requirements in their tenders. 

Which means if you want to win work with public sector bodies such as Local Authorities you will almost certainly be asked to make social value commitments; and with social value worth from 10% of the total marks it can make the difference between winning and losing the contract.

Another reason that social value is important is that providing opportunities for SMEs to enter supply chains and supporting economic growth is a social value outcome which public sector organisations are trying to create themselves.  Which means that if you are an SME, simply by buying from you, the public sector will be creating social value themselves. 

It isn’t just public sector procurement requirements that make it important. It’s now recognised that operating with a focus solely on profits can lead to short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability. Thinking about the social value your business can create will help you differentiate your company and stand out in the market as well as offering a range of other business benefits; businesses that prioritise social value are more likely to adopt environmentally friendly practices, ethical standards, and fair labour policies, all of which ensure their viability in the long run. 

5 things Drone Operators can do to create social value

So, what sorts of things can drone operators do to create social value?  We’ve put together this list of five things to help you:

1 – Prioritise sustainability in your own operations

    Drones offer significant environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon emissions and minimising the need for traditional transportation methods.

    Consider what sustainable practices you could implement throughout your operations, from energy-efficient flight planning to responsible waste management. Think about the environmental impact of your equipment, materials, and operational processes, and explore opportunities for carbon reduction or renewable energy adoption.  The British Business Bank have put together this great guide on Net Zero for small businesses. 

    By prioritising sustainability in their operations, drone operators can not only minimise their own ecological footprint but also position the industry as responsible stewards of the environment.

    2 – Raise awareness amongst young people about career opportunities in the industry

    Globally, the drone industry is growing exponentially.  According to a 2023 US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) report, the number of commercial drones in the United States is projected to grow from 42,000 units in 2017 to over 352,200 in 2023, whilst the commercial drone market is estimated to grow by $44.85 billion between 2022 to 2027.  This growth is leading to significant demand for people to fill a wide range of specialist roles including Drone Aerial Surveyors, Cinematographers, Search & Rescue pilots and coordinators and Industrial Inspectors, Agricultural specialists and delivery coordinators.  The sector demands a certified, specialised workforce but with the world of work changing so rapidly, many young people studying today are unaware of the opportunities the industry presents to them, or the career pathways available and qualifications required. 

    Contact your local school or youth group and offer to deliver a workshop to young people on opportunities in the industry.  Better still offer to mentor a young person or provide work experience.  Not only will you be helping inspire young people to enter careers in the industry you could also be identifying a source of potential recruits for your own business as it grows.

    3 – Educate and Advocate

    Drones have the potential to revolutionize various industries, from agriculture to emergency response, and using drones can be both more sustainable and efficient but there is a lack of knowledge and awareness about what the possibilities are. 

    Use your expertise as a drone operator to educate others about the benefits of drone technology and advocate for responsible use. Address misconceptions, promote safety measures, and advocate for ethical standards within the industry.

    Host workshops and educational sessions with local schools and business groups or  conduct outreach programs in your local community to raise awareness about drone technology and its benefits. 

    Engaging with local communities and stakeholders not only fosters collaboration but can also lead to mutually beneficial outcomes and help identify opportunities where drones can be used that might not otherwise have been spotted.

    4 – Prioritise Ethical & Safety Considerations; Uphold Standards and respond to concerns:

    Ethical dilemmas surrounding drone use, such as privacy concerns and data security, are increasingly relevant in today’s society.  Ignoring these only stores up problems but by adopting transparent and ethical practices, drone operators can mitigate these concerns and build trust with customers and stakeholders.

    Respecting privacy rights, adhering to regulatory frameworks, and safeguarding data integrity are essential steps in demonstrating a commitment to ethical conduct. 

    Embrace transparency in your business practices, including data handling procedures, privacy policies, and compliance with regulatory requirements and communicate openly with stakeholders.  Foster open communication with customers, local communities, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders. Listen to their concerns, solicit feedback, and actively involve them in decision-making processes.

    Create and publish a policy which demonstrates how you hold yourself accountable for upholding ethical & safety standards and continuously strive for improvement and seek feedback, listen to concerns, and collaborate on initiatives that address societal needs and priorities.

    5 – Give Back

    Allocate your time and expertise to social causes that align with your business values. This could involve volunteering the use of your drone for community projects, supporting local charities, or participating in environmental conservation efforts.  One drone operator we know offers his time for free to local charities to film their events and then shares their videos to social media for them.  This is not only immensely invaluable to them; he gets a huge amount out of it personally as well. 

    Social value is not just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental aspect of sustainable business success. For small business drone operators, embracing social value can lead to a host of benefits, from enhanced reputation and resilience to attracting talent and ensuring long-term viability. By integrating social responsibility into their operations, drone businesses can not only thrive financially but also make a meaningful difference in the world.

    Useful Resources:

    Sarah Stone, Founder & Director of Samtaler

    Sarah began working in social and sustainable procurement in 2016 for Local Authorities in Scotland to implement the requirements of the (then brand new) Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act. In 2019 she created Scotland’s first community benefit wish list for Perth & Kinross Council. This concept was adopted by Local Authorities across Scotland and the UK.

    This concept was adopted by Local Authorities across Scotland and the UK. She has extensive experience in social value design and delivery across multi-sectors and consults with many blue-chip corporations and procurers across the UK. Before that, she was a senior advisor to David Cameron (2006-12) and Ruth Davidson (2015-17). She also co-founded and ran a social enterprise working with community groups and grassroots campaigners before launching Samtaler in 2017.

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    GeoBusiness 2024: Celebrating Innovation with the Drone Theatre

    ARPAS-UK is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with GeoBusiness for their landmark 10th anniversary event, taking place on June 5-6, 2024, at ExCeL London. This year promises to be the most exciting yet, with the introduction of the Drone Theatre, a dedicated space highlighting the pivotal role of drones in the geospatial industry.

    The Drone Theatre: A Hub for Innovation

    The Drone Theatre, curated in collaboration with ARPAS-UK, will be a focal point at GeoBusiness 2024. This dynamic stage will feature a series of talks and presentations that delve into the latest advancements in drone technology and its applications across various industries. Topics will range from regulatory updates and survey accuracy to beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and the professional development of drone operators.

    Experts from across the geospatial and drone industries will share their insights, making the Drone Theatre an essential destination for professionals eager to stay at the cutting edge of technology and best practices. Notable sessions will include case studies on integrating drones into surveying workflows and discussions on the future of BVLOS in geospatial applications.

    Supporting the Drone Industry

    The partnership between ARPAS-UK and GeoBusiness underscores a shared commitment to promoting the safe and effective use of drones. The Drone Theatre is designed not only to educate but also to inspire attendees about the potential of drones in various sectors, including construction, mapping, surveying, and environmental monitoring.

    Through this collaboration, ARPAS-UK continues to support the growth and professionalization of the drone industry. By providing a platform for knowledge exchange and networking, the association helps ensure that its members are well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly evolving geospatial landscape.

    Join Us at GeoBusiness 2024

    GeoBusiness 2024 is free to attend and is open to all professionals interested in the geospatial field. With over 150 expert speakers and a diverse range of sessions across eight different stages, the event promises to offer invaluable insights and networking opportunities.

    To register or learn more about the event, visit the GeoBusiness website and follow ARPAS-UK’s updates for the latest information on the Drone Theatre and other exciting developments.

    We look forward to seeing you there and exploring the future of the geospatial industry together!

    Date: 5-6 June 2024

    Location: Excel, London


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    Aviation Safety Culture: Fostering a Positive Safety Culture within the Drone Industry Webinar watch again

    Safety culture is not just about following rules and ticking boxes; it is about creating a shared value of safety as a core principle within an organisation for its people and the business to thrive. Safety culture is part of a wider organisational culture, but has its own distinct values, beliefs and behaviours. To establish, manage and maintain an effective safety culture it is necessary to understand these safety related values, beliefs and behaviours, and how they influence safety performance.

    This webinar will introduce safety culture and its importance across multiple industries, highlighting key benefits and impacts. In addition, we will review industry challenges to a positive culture for those new to the aviation community.

    Speaker:

    Sarah Lay, BSc (Hons), PGDip, GCGI, MRAeS

    Senior Consultant, Ebeni Ltd

    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.