The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published a roadmap for a future in which drones carry out tasks like transporting specialised chemotherapy drugs to hospitals, mail to remote locations and even carrying defibrillators to emergencies.
A drone preparing for take-off.
The plan focuses on two critical milestones: demonstrating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) activities by the end of this year and establishing routine BVLOS operations by 2027.
However, integrating these operations into the UK’s airspace presents many complex challenges. The Civil Aviation Authority is working with industry to fully understand these challenges. The new document will evolve with industry ensuring that the sector is a constant part of the journey to enable UK BVLOS operations.
Sophie O’Sullivan, Programme Director for Future of Flight at the Civil Aviation Authority, said:
“Drones have the potential to transform our lives but to make that future possible we need to lay strong foundations for the future.
“Our delivery model shows how we will protect the public while enabling this exciting new technology.
“It is vital that we create the right rules and regulations that current and new airspace users are all happy with while maintaining the highest safety standards.”
The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s delivery model is a key part to guarantee that BVLOS operations in the UK are run safely. This includes checking safety features in drone technology, comprehensive pilot training, and enabling the sharing of the UK’s airspace safely.
BVLOS operations are crucial for expanding the capabilities of drones and unlocking innovation. The launch of this delivery model marks a major step forward. The regulator and industry are working ever more closely to maximise the economic and social benefits of the use of drones in the UK to bring innovation and growth in the sector.