CAA roadmap to unlock routine BVLOS drone operations by 2027
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published its Future of Flight: BVLOS roadmap setting out operational pathways to unlock the economic and societal potential of airborne drones in the UK by 2027.
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The flying of drones beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of their operator is the biggest challenge facing the industry. This involves drones safely sharing the airspace with all other types of aircraft, as well as flying over cities and infrastructure.
Supporting the government’s major regulatory airspace reforms, the roadmap builds on the trials already being undertaken by UK companies conducting drone delivery and inspections and sets out “a safe, realistic and proportionate roadmap for the near future”.
Enabling BVLOS operations will unlock numerous applications of drones including:
Inspections of infrastructure such as railways, power lines and wind turbines
Security inspections, such as perimeter inspections of large sites
Deliveries including shopping, and medical supplies and tests
Emergency assistance in remote locations
Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said, “This technology has the potential to deliver huge benefits, and our roadmap sets out sensible and effective regulation that will enable the UK drone industry to continue to develop and grow.
“We are working closely with innovators and their positive reaction to our roadmap endorses our approach and will enable the UK to play a leading role as the market develops internationally.”
Anne-Lise Scaillierez, CEO of UK drone trade body ARPAS UK said, “ARPAS-UK welcomes the CAA’s updated BVLOS roadmap. We value this transparent engagement and the focus on use cases that deliver near-term real value for the sector, supported by clearly articulated and progressive requirements for each scenario in the longer-term.
“The industry is, of course, ready to move faster, especially in lower air risk operations, and we will continue working collaboratively to help accelerate delivery.”
Alex Brown, CEO of Skyports Drone Services which has trialled BVLOS flights in the UK said, “The CAA’s BVLOS Roadmap is a welcome step forward for unlocking drones’ full potential in the UK. By the CAA taking an improved and bolder stance, and embedding industry at the centre of policy development, together we can accelerate progress, scale safely, and help unlock drones’ contributions to private and public services.”