As Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems or Unmanned Aircraft Systems as it is also known continues to evolve, integrating operations into a State’s regulatory framework is ever more important to facilitate and grow the societal and business benefits of drones, both safely and securely. We provide world-class advice and recommendations on RPAS regulation, safety and security oversight, helping States integrate RPAS operations into national aviation regulatory frameworks.

Advisory Services > Aviation Safety > Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

RPAS Regulation
To deliver a robust RPAS regulatory system, we assist States in the design and development of regulatory building blocks, through;
  • Policy and guidance on the RPAS regulatory approach
  • Reviews of primary legislation and recommendations to reflect RPAS operations
  • Drafting and implementation of new RPAS regulations
  • Organisational design for effective RPAS oversight
  • Training Needs Analysis of technical and non-technical RPAS staff
  • Guidance materials and tools (inspector manuals, forms, procedures and checklists)
  • General public and industry engagement programmes to promote the safe use of drone operations and RPAS best practice
  • Training

Our experts can help States optimise cutting-edge solutions to drone usage by developing a strong UAS oversight system, based on our experience in:

  • Establishment of the UK’s National Qualified Entity framework
  • Performance-based oversight of Recognised Assessment Entities and authorisation holders
  • Remote pilot competency testing
  • Expertise on RPAS swarming
  • Principles on assessing RPAS safety cases
  • Drone zone principles and airspace management
  • Aviation security airspace solutions
Our Work in the UK
The UK is a world leader on the development of unmanned aircraft and their safe integration to the wider aviation world.

Leading the world on unmanned aircraft and tomorrow’s aviation industry
The UK were one of the first nations to develop regulation on the use of unmanned aircraft and have continued to be at the forefront of areas such as developing beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flying, setting up an innovation sandbox and the safety education of consumer drone users. Thanks to our work tech innovators from around the world are using the UK to test and develop tomorrow’s systems.

Encouraging innovation
We have a team dedicated to working with innovators from around the world to push forward the development and integration of unmanned technology and future air transport. From trials of electric-powered vertical take-off air taxis to the safe rollout of autonomous BVLOS unmanned flight, to drone deliveries, the team is built to react quickly to safely meet industry’s needs.
The development of our roadmap for everyday BVLOS allows all the parties involved to have a clear path to follow. You can see this ground-breaking work here and more from our innovation team at www.caa.co.uk/innovation.

Educating drone users
Our work to educate consumer drone users flying for fun has been truly world-leading and delivered significant improvements in users’ knowledge of drone safety rules. By taking a novel approach to reach out proactively to users and actively encourage safe drone flying we have both educated, increased safety performance and gained user buy-in.

Our 400ft Britain drone photography competition encouraged users to take amazing landscape photographs with their drones while fully complying with flying rules. Its significant success saw the international media coverage and the idea being replicated by other nations.

Our Dronecode and Dronesafe collaborative safety brand make it easy for drone users to understand and follow the rules.

Drone Registration

Drones for good
Our safety oversight team is committed to the safest possible use of drones while still helping the unmanned industry achieve its future aims. Many trials are currently underway in the UK that aim to safely push the boundaries of drone use. These include active drone delivery of medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a trial at Southampton and another in the Scottish Highlands proving that these flights can significantly improve delivery times to more remote locations.

The team also works to oversee over 5,000 UK approved drone operators, regularly auditing each and developing future policy and regulation to let the sector safely flourish. You can see more on the team’s role at www.caa.co.uk/drones

In 2019, the UK successfully introduced one of the widest-ranging drone registration systems. By registering users and offering them safety education and a knowledge test, we are meeting regulatory needs and also enhancing drone safety. The system has significantly exceeded all targets with over 140,000 users registered in only seven months. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss setting up a drones registration system for your State.

Training
As an ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS corporate member, we provide extensive training for aviation professionals across the globe, covering all aspects of regulatory performance and compliance.

Based on UK, EASA, and ICAO international standards, our courses are quality assured by practising UK CAA Regulators – delivering training and professional development in a class of its own.

Our course specialisations include:

  • Safety and Risk Management
  • Design, Production and Maintenance
  • Regulation, Compliance and Monitoring
  • Airports, Air Traffic and Airspace
  • Aviation Security
  • Environment
  • Defence
  • Learning & Development

In addition to our open access course programme, we also deliver in-company and tailored training packages to suit an NAA’s exact requirements. Our training programmes focus on practical knowledge transfer using presentations, discussions, group exercises and practical application of theory to develop effective competencies, delivering results to individuals and organisations.

Get in touch

Speak to Alejandro about this service

Alejandro Polo
Senior Manager – International Development
E: international@caa.co.uk
Our work across the globe
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Aviation Safety and Compliance Training

Inspector Theory

Evidence-Based Training, Flight Operations, Dangerous Goods, Cabin Safety.

RPAS and UAS

We have developed a range of training courses, designed to help aviation regulators and industry organisations understand RPAS regulation and compliance.

Safety & Risk Management

State Safety Programmes, Safety Management Systems, Risk Monitoring, Barrier Modelling, Flight Time Limitations.

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