CAA explores future for BVLOS drone ops

The CAA has published its Airspace Architecture Concept of Operations (ConOps), setting out its vision for how drones and other new airspace users could operate routinely and safely at scale within UK airspace.

Drones are already being used to inspect critical infrastructure, support emergency services and transport medical supplies, but as demand grows, the UK’s airspace system must be able to safely accommodate far more operations than it does today.

Many BVLOS drone operations currently rely on dedicated airspace arrangements and bespoke approvals. While these have enabled innovation and safe testing, they are not designed to support the volume of operations needed for widespread commercial use.

Greater drone integration

The Concept of Operations sets out how future BVLOS drone operations could move towards greater integration with other aircraft through a combination of technology, digital services and risk-based safety measures.

The vision includes:

• Technology that helps drones and aircraft electronically detect one another
• Systems that help drones identify and avoid potential conflicts in flight
• Reliable communication links between drones and remote pilots
• Digital traffic management services that can coordinate large numbers of drone flights
• Better sharing of information between operators, air traffic services and other airspace users

The publication forms part of the CAA’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy and Future of Flight programme and builds on the recently published BVLOS Roadmap. It describes how the UK could progressively move towards routine drone operations while maintaining safety for all airspace users.

Enabling drone use at scale could unlock a wide range of benefits, including:
• Faster inspection of critical infrastructure such as railways, roads and power lines
• Medical and healthcare logistics between hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Enhanced support for emergency services and first responders
• New logistics and delivery services
• Environmental monitoring and maritime surveillance operations

Maintaining high safety standards

Sophie O’Sullivan, Director of Future Safety and Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Drone technology has enormous potential to deliver economic and societal benefits across the UK but realising those benefits means enabling operations at a much greater scale than is possible today.

“This Concept of Operations sets out our vision for how drones and other airspace users could safely share the same airspace in the future. It provides a roadmap towards a more integrated, digitally enabled airspace system that supports innovation while maintaining high standards of safety.”

Shaping future UK airspace

The CAA intends for the Concept of Operations to evolve over time as technology develops, testing progresses and industry feedback is gathered.

The regulator is encouraging operators, manufacturers, technology developers, airports and other airspace users to engage with the programme and help shape the future of UK airspace.