
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a policy to facilitate Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in Atypical Air Environments (AAEs). This policy is designed to reduce the risk of mid-air collisions by allowing UAS to operate near infrastructure with lower air traffic risks. Following public consultation, key themes included collision avoidance, operational distances, and stakeholder engagement.
Understanding the AAE Concept
The AAE policy leverages existing airspace near infrastructure where UAS can safely operate without introducing entirely new airspace classifications. The objective is to enable UAS operations in specific zones that are less likely to interact with conventional aircraft. This doesn’t eliminate risk entirely, but it reduces it to acceptable levels. Importantly, UAS operators are expected to introduce supplementary safety measures, ensuring risks are managed both in the air and on the ground.
Key Consultation Feedback
The CAA’s consultation process generated 239 responses from UAS operators, military, emergency services, general aviation, and public stakeholders. These responses raised several concerns:
- Mid-Air Collision (MAC) Risks: Some expressed fears that AAEs could increase collision risks with manned aircraft. The CAA clarified that AAEs reduce, though do not eliminate, MAC risks, and additional mitigation strategies must be in place.
- Operational Responsibilities: Stakeholders sought clarity on who would be responsible for avoiding collisions in AAEs. The CAA confirmed that the standard "see and avoid" rules still apply, meaning both UAS and conventional aircraft operators share responsibility for collision avoidance.
- Engagement with Stakeholders: Landowners and infrastructure managers called for greater consultation before UAS operations commence. The CAA agreed that engagement is crucial for securing approval for UAS operations in AAE zones.
- GNSS Outages: Concerns about GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) reliability in AAEs were raised. The CAA is working with the Department for Transport to address this issue and enhance GNSS reliability.
CAA’s Response and Adjustments
In response to the consultation, the CAA outlined several adjustments. While AAEs help reduce the risk of mid-air collisions, they form only part of a comprehensive risk mitigation strategy. UAS operators must also incorporate onboard traffic detection systems and ensure continuous engagement with stakeholders, including infrastructure owners and other airspace users. The CAA will monitor ongoing UAS operations to ensure safety remains a priority.
UAS operators are required to conduct detailed risk assessments for each AAE application. These assessments must demonstrate that operations will not interfere with other airspace users and that appropriate mitigations are in place to address risks.
Next Steps for AAEs
Moving forward, the CAA plans to raise awareness of the AAE policy through a comprehensive communication campaign targeting relevant stakeholders, including the general aviation community, emergency services, and UAS operators. The policy is designed to evolve alongside the expanding role of UAS in UK airspace.
The CAA’s new AAE policy represents a significant step in advancing BVLOS UAS operations in the UK. It provides a flexible framework for safe operations while ensuring risks are properly managed. By encouraging collaboration between UAS operators and other aviation stakeholders, the CAA is helping to pave the way for the future integration of drones into one of the world’s most complex airspaces.
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