The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is initiating a bold move to reform drone operation regulations to expand drone operation beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), especially near buildings or infrastructure.
This significant step aims to enhance the utility of drones in various sectors, including delivering medicines and inspecting vital infrastructure.
The initiative, part of the “Future Flight” program, aims to integrate innovative airspace use, backed by industry and government collaboration.
Our Annual Drone Report 2023/24 offers in-depth insights into this program, including the ongoing 6 CAA sandbox trials that explore the evolving landscape of BVLOS drone operation.
On 20th February 2024, the Civil Aviation Authority plans to unveil new proposals. These will enable drones to operate in close proximity to other aircraft and fly beyond the pilot’s direct line of sight without requiring separation.
One of the other proposed changes is to permit drone flights on private property without prior permission, provided they do not exceed a height of 15 meters. This adjustment could significantly benefit industries involved in infrastructure inspection, such as railways, power lines, and roads, as well as agriculture and site security.
“Our proposals are a positive step towards unlocking the next stage for drone flying in the UK. Allowing drones to fly beyond the sight of the remote pilot, without placing restrictions on other aircraft in the area, will be a major achievement for UK drone operations.”
Kevin Woolsey, Head of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, CAA
By identifying sensible mitigations for drone flight paths, the CAA aims to ensure the safe coexistence of drones with other aircraft.
The consultation, part of the UK’s Future Flight program, seeks to enable drones to safely share more of the skies with other airspace users. It is open for feedback for six weeks and aims to foster developments not only for drones but also for emerging forms of aerial transportation.
By allowing drones to fly in “atypical air environments” — areas where conventional aircraft presence is minimal due to proximity to ground infrastructure — these proposals could unlock new potentials for drone use across various sectors.
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