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

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.