Marshall approved by CAA as RAE(F) for UAS

Image courtesy Marshall

To support the growing UAS market, the CAA has recently introduced a UK-Specific Operations Risk Assessment (UK SORA) that provides a means to assess the risks posed by UAS operations, identifying the assurance and integrity levels required. Under the risk assessment method, designers or operators must provide independently assured evidence of compliance in order for the CAA to grant an operational approval.

Sophie O’Sullivan, Future of Flight Director, UK Civil Aviation Authority“As we enable the safe expansion of the UK’s commercial drone market to support economic growth, Recognised Assessment Entities like Marshall will play an important role in providing technical expertise to ensure drone operators and designers are compliant.”

As an approved assessment entity, Marshall will review and verify the compliance evidence submitted by UAS designers or operators to determine the flightworthiness of the intended operation. Marshall is authorised to assess the design, construction and flying characteristics of the proposed UAS operating in the ‘Specific’ category which includes UASs being used in more complex or higher risk operations, such as flights in populated areas. The outcome of each review will enable Marshall to make a recommendation to the CAA as to whether the proposed UAS meets the applicable requirements set out by UK SORA.

Mark Hewer, Aero Engineering Services Director, Marshall, said: “Becoming a CAA recognised assessment entity will enable Marshall to drive the safe and responsible adoption of more advanced civil UAS technologies and services in the UK.

“It is also a testament to our team’s extensive knowledge of the evolving regulatory frameworks in and beyond the UK, and our ongoing role helping to shape and advance those frameworks.”

Marshall has a wealth of expertise as a design and certification organisation for manned aircraft as well as expert technical and regulatory knowledge gained from years of experimental designs, novel modifications and contributions to evolving global regulations and flightworthiness standards. This background positions the company well to advise on compliance with safety and regulatory standards in line with new UK SORA requirements for UAS.