CAA Future of Flight Industry

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is working with colleagues across industry and government to deliver the regulatory frameworks and certification that will enable the next generation of aircraft to be developed and operated in UK airspace while continuing to protect the public and other aviation users from harm. If you have colleagues who would like to receive this or further updates from the CAA, they can sign up here.

OUR SECOND TRA RPAS INTEGRATION SANDBOX GOES LIVE As part of our work to enable the safe integration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) flying Beyond the Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) we have developed an airspace policy concept using Temporary Reserved Areas (TRA) of airspace. We’ve also launched a regulatory sandbox alongside this to support the development for the integration of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) into UK Airspace . We encourage industry stakeholders to apply to join the trial to test the integrated Concepts of Operation (ConOps), supporting the ongoing development of CAA policy and our understanding of UAS flights integrated with other airspace users. The trial is open to individual organisations or consortia working on the development of BVLOS UAS systems. View our briefing on the integrated airspace policy concept and Airspace Modernisation Strategy, as well more information on how to apply to join the trial. Full details and further information on how to apply are available in CAP 2616. Applications close at 23:59 on Thursday 29 February 2024.

SUCCESSFUL ELECTRONIC CONSPICUITY FUNDING SCHEME ENDS IN MARCH Electronic Conspicuity devices can enhance aviation safety, helping to avoid mid-air collisions and increasing situational awareness in the air. They are also a key enabler for the safe and efficient integration of airspace users needed to successfully complete the CAA Future of Flight Programme. The scheme allows pilots of fixed and rotary wing craft, sailplanes, balloons and UAS/UAV operators (who hold a CAA authorisation) to claim a 50% rebate from the cost of purchasing of an Electronic Conspicuity device – up to a limit of £250. So far, the Department for Transport funded programme, administered by the UK CAA, has given out almost £1.8million in funding to thousands of pilots since its launch in late 2020. Pilots have until 31 March 2024 to submit their application for the Electronic Conspicuity Rebate scheme and we urge eligible pilots to apply to benefit from enhanced situational awareness in the skies.

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UK CAA NOW JOINTLY CHAIRS JARUS SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT AIR RISK TASK FORCE FROM JANUARY 2024 Dr Andrew Berry is jointly chairing the Air Risk Task Force on behalf of the UK CAA within the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) Working Group – Safety Risk Management (SRM). The JARUS SRM Working Group is responsible for developing and updating the Specific Operating Risk Assessment (SORA) process. An updated SORA air risk model is a key step towards unlocking UAS BVLOS operations, which is currently a significant barrier to the growth of the UAS industry. Under the new leadership a series of Air Risk Task Force meetings were held at the CAA’s Gatwick offices in mid-January as part of a week-long JARUS SRM Working Group meeting. The taskforce meetings were attended by UAS and airspace experts from multiple aviation authorities, regional aviation safety bodies including EASA, EUROCONTROL and industry. This work will continue across 2024, and an updated air risk model update is expected to be a major element within the JARUS SORA 3.0 workplan.

UAS RESTRICTED FROM FLYING NEAR PRISONS AND YOUNG OFFENDER INSTITUTIONS WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION The Secretary of State for Transport has restricted the flying of unmanned aircraft near Prisons and Young Offender Institutions in England and Wales for reasons of security and public safety from 25 January 2024. Requests to operate inside these Restricted Areas should be made by completing the CAA Airspace Regulation notification form. Exemptions, if approved, will be issued by His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service.

UK REMOTE PILOT COMPETENCE CONSULTATION REACHES SECOND PHASE We recently published an initial consultation on the future of Remote Pilot Competence. The consultation was open from 5 July 2023 to the 23 August 2023 and received 112 detailed responses from a wide range of stakeholders. We are proposing expansion of the UK Remote Pilot Competence scheme to include training for complex operations including BVLOS, as a key enabler for the future of the UK UAS industry. Remote Pilot Competence is critical to the ongoing safety of UAS operations, hence the proposals to introduce 4 new levels of Remote Pilot Competence ranging from level 1 to level 4. This second consultation builds on the feedback the CAA received by providing a more detailed policy position. We invite stakeholders to give us your feedback, responses are requested by 14 March 2024.

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eVTOL VERTIPORT CONSULTATION OPENS We have launched a consultation on design proposals for vertiports at existing aerodromes, paving the way for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations in the UK.  Our proposals acknowledge that existing aerodromes are already equipped to handle aviation activities and are best placed to have the first design specifications for vertiports introduced. The utilisation of existing infrastructure will give eVTOL aircraft a place to operate from whilst the aviation industry becomes more familiar with their design, operations and performance.  The factors being consulted on look at placing additional safety requirements on existing aerodromes should they want to establish eVTOL aircraft operations. This includes: The design of operating areas Obstacle limitation surfaces and visual aids Rescue and firefighting services.

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OUR HYDROGEN CHALLENGE SANDBOX AND SURVEY RECEIVE A STRONG RESPONSE FROM STAKEHOLDERS We’ve received 20 applications to take part in our Hydrogen Regulatory Sandbox. The sandbox will allow close collaboration with industry and academia to ensure future regulation is fit for purpose and reduce the many challenges associated with the introduction of hydrogen fuel. All applicants will be informed of the success of their application shortly. Our Hydrogen Survey closed on 8 January. We received 230 responses which will help improve the UK CAA’s understanding of hydrogen-related risks in aviation, identify gaps in policies, and help us propose new recommendations to develop our net-zero policies.

FINAL CALL FOR INPUT ON BATTERY HANDLING FOR ELECTRIC/HYBRID VTOL AIRCRAFT We recently published our position on battery handling rules for electric or hybrid VTOL aircraft using batteries as a means of propulsion. We would encourage current or potential future aircraft operators, groundhandling providers and maintenance facilities engaged in the charging, discharging, maintenance and or replacement of batteries of VTOL aircraft to review our policy statement and give us your feedback. Responses are requested by 2 February 2024.

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