#TrustinDrones - ARPAS UK

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Wessex Rescue Achieves CAA Authorisation & Expands Capabilities

The Wessex Rescue Drone Unit announces it has successfully achieved CAA authorisation, a critical milestone that ensures their operations comply with regulatory standards. This milestone supports their ongoing efforts to expand capabilities and better serve the Fire & Rescue and Police services in their region.

With a training programme supported by UAV Hub and Dronedesk, the team is on track to have eleven qualified drone pilots by the end of the year to meet growing deployment demands, with six qualified pilots already and a further five in training. Their Mavic 2 Enterprise, provided by Dorset Police, has already proven highly effective during operations, including a major fire and water rescue exercise.

The unit has established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service to provide drone support for search and rescue operations. To ensure full coverage and enhance their ability to respond effectively in emergencies, the team has identified the need for thermal capability to be implemented. This would allow them to detect heat sources, which is critical for locating missing persons. Many search operations take place during night-time hours, and the addition of thermal technology would enable the team to deploy around the clock, providing 24-hour operational readiness.

Currently, drones are deployed from the Water Rescue Vehicle, with plans for a dedicated drone vehicle in the future. This would allow greater flexibility to support the water rescue team or assist the community where needed. The use of drones has already demonstrated significant benefits, such as identifying hazards before deploying rescue personnel, reducing risks, and improving overall safety during operations.

A Call for Support: Enhancing Thermal Drone Capability

The team is committed to improving their ability to save lives and serve the community. Acquiring a thermal drone is a critical step toward achieving this goal, and they would greatly appreciate any assistance the drone community can provide in helping them make this capability a reality. If you would like to learn more about their work and financially contribute – however great or small all donations area appreciated, please find the links below.

Contribute – GoFundMe

Learn about The Wessex Rescue Drone Team on Facebook

28 January 2025

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ARPAS-UK publishes Drone in Action Report

ARPAS-UK has today published its first Drone in Action Report. The purpose of this guide is to provide examples which demonstrate the range of benefits and financial savings that can be achieved by the safe adoption of Drones.

Graham Brown, Chair of ARPAS-UK says, “When applied, drones are faster, cheaper, safer and greener than other solutions for the same job. We want businesses, as well as the general public, to understand the immense benefit of drones and understand that there will be positive adoption over the coming years.”

Innovation with drones reshapes industries, tackling environmental, efficiency, cost, and safety issues, paving the sustainable future path.

In the dynamic landscape of technological advancement, the safe adoption of drone technology stands as a testament to innovation, human ingenuity and its capacity to redefine and improve industrial operations. This report examines a collection of use cases across a spectrum of sectors, each showcasing the transformative impact of drones. From asset and building inspection to the precision agriculture fields to the complex infrastructures of oil and gas platforms, we explore how uncrewed aerial vehicles or drones are not just enhancing operational efficiency but also creating the path towards a safer, more sustainable future.

View the Drones in Action Report

Author: Mohammed Hasan
Support by: Graham Brown, Anne-Lise Scallierez, Aleksander Kowalski, Chris Daniels, Sarah Lay, David Thurston, Rupert Dent, Elena Major, Annabel Worthington, Ashna Sharma, Dylan Brooks & Prajjwal Roy
Graphics: Sam Barrett, Manna & Canva

View further Drones & Industry Reports

12 November 2024

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Saudi Arabian AI & Drone Exhibition Forum

ARPAS-UK is thrilled to announce a ground-breaking partnership with SAADEF, the Saudi Arabian AI & Drone Exhibition Forum, taking place from the 4th-6th of November in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This collaboration signifies an incredible opportunity for ARPAS-UK to extend its reach into the Middle East, a region poised for rapid expansion in drone technology and AI applications. Representing the UK drone industry, Mohammed Hasan will lead the ARPAS-UK delegation at the exhibition, showcasing the innovation and expertise of our members to a global audience.

For ARPAS-UK Members:
This partnership provides unparalleled exposure to a booming international market, allowing members to gain visibility among Middle Eastern stakeholders, government bodies, and private enterprises with interests in drones, AI, and advanced air mobility. Through this event, ARPAS-UK aims to create new avenues for collaboration, sharing knowledge, and aligning with emerging global standards.

Networking and Expansion Opportunities:
As members of ARPAS-UK, this collaboration offers you a channel to explore partnerships beyond UK borders, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and promoting your work on an international platform. By joining our delegation, you have the chance to network with key players in the Saudi market and beyond, giving you insights into local demands, potential clients, and future prospects in a rapidly evolving region.

Invitation to Participate:
To maximise member representation, we invite all interested members to submit an A4 poster summarising your company’s services, recent projects, or drone innovations to [email protected]. These posters will be featured prominently at our stand, ensuring your work reaches an audience of global industry leaders and potential collaborators.

Get Involved in Shaping ARPAS-UK’s Middle East Strategy:
Beyond the exhibition, we are also compiling a list of member interests regarding the Middle Eastern market. If you have specific areas of interest, whether in direct partnerships, regional insights, or unique applications for drones and AI within the Middle East, please get in touch. Together, we aim to create a tailored approach that maximises the benefits of this partnership for all our members, paving the way for an annually revived collaboration with even greater potential in the future.

This partnership represents ARPAS-UK’s commitment to supporting our members as the drone industry expands globally. Join us as we seize the opportunity to foster growth, knowledge-sharing, and innovation on a global scale.

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Royal Holloway University’s New £2.5M Omnidrome Research Facility: A Unique Opportunity

Royal Holloway University has made a significant leap forward in research and innovation with a £2.5 million investment into the Omnidrome Research & Innovation Centre. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for pioneering research and development in various advanced technological fields, focusing on unmanned autonomous systems (UAS/UAVs), robotics, artificial intelligence, and information security.

Omnidrome: Pioneering the Future

The Omnidrome at Royal Holloway University is poised to become a world-leading centre for research, innovation, education, and knowledge exchange, dedicated to the study and application of drones and autonomous vehicles. This new facility will address contemporary and future challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering an environment where cutting-edge research can thrive.

Research and Innovation at Omnidrome

The Omnidrome Research & Innovation Centre aims to support a broad range of research initiatives, including:

Robotics, AI, and Information Security: Focusing on the development and secure integration of autonomous systems.
Drone and Sensor Technology: Advancing the capabilities and applications of aerial, surface, and submersible drones.
Environmental Monitoring: Utilizing drone technology for geospatial analysis of environmental, ecological, and geological systems.
Law, Culture, Arts, and Humanities: Exploring the legal, cultural, and social implications of drone technology.

Building a Collaborative Community

The Omnidrome is dedicated to nurturing a diverse and multidisciplinary community of researchers, educators, technical staff, and students. The Centre will also build a robust network of academic and non-academic collaborators, including business, industry, government partners, and NGOs. This collaborative environment aims to:

Develop funding opportunities and promote impactful research.
Train staff and students in drone industry applications and software skills.
Support student research projects and geospatial data analysis.

Unique Features of Omnidrome

What sets the Omnidrome apart is its comprehensive approach to research and innovation:

Unrestricted Research Directions: Supporting all ideas and opportunities within the Omnidrome Innovation Network.
Multidisciplinary Expertise: Engaging academics from arts, humanities, science, and social sciences to address diverse research challenges.
Industry Partnerships: Directly addressing sector-specific challenges through innovative solutions and economic benefits.

Membership and Opportunities

The Omnidrome offers membership to an innovation network of academic and non-academic collaborators. Membership benefits include:

Direct networking opportunities with academic researchers and industry practitioners.
Discounts on access to the Omnidrome Training and Testing Facility and other resources.
Invitations to annual events, including a research and education conference and a networking and partnerships meeting.

Training and Testing Facilities

The Omnidrome provides state-of-the-art facilities for drone training, testing, and development:

Controlled Environment: A bespoke facility measuring 25m x 35m x 10m for safe and robust testing.
Training Areas: Dedicated spaces for visual line-of-sight flight training and sensor applications.
Technical Infrastructure: Access to high-capacity electrical power systems, drone support vehicles, and specialized equipment.

Join Us at the Omnidrome Innovation Networking Event

On behalf of Royal Holloway University, We are delighted to invite knowledge exchange professionals and industry brokers to the Omnidrome Innovation Networking Event on Tuesday, July 23, from 10.00 to 16.30 at the Royal Holloway University Campus in Egham. This event will feature expert talks, workshops, and opportunities to connect with peers in the field of drone and robotics technology.

For further information and to register, please contact [email protected].

Explore how our Omnidrome facilities could benefit your work and that of your stakeholders. Find out more at royalholloway.ac.uk/research/omnidrome.

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21 May 2024: Drone Related Jobs

Disclaimer: All jobs posted here are from LinkedIn and other job sites including member and non-member organizations.

Sky Revolutions are looking for the following:

Drone Pilot
Time Lapse Technician
Land Surveyor

Find out more

Anduril Industries is looking for a Flight Operations Manager for their Test & Evaluations Team.

Find out more

Archangel Imaging are looking for:

Crowded Space Drones are looking for an Experienced Drone & FPV Pilot

Find out more

Callen-Lenz are looking to fill multiple roles.

Find out more

Skyports are looking to fill multiple roles.

Find out more

Zeitview is looking for a Field Operations Specialist.

Find out more

iRed is looking for a Junior Drone Technician.

Find out more

Frazer-Nash Consultancy are looking for a UAS Prototyping, Manufacture and Test Engineer.

Find out more

The CAA are looking for an Electronic Conspicuity Lead

Find out more

Tekever are looking for the following:

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GeoBusiness 2024: Celebrating Innovation with the Drone Theatre

ARPAS-UK is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with GeoBusiness for their landmark 10th anniversary event, taking place on June 5-6, 2024, at ExCeL London. This year promises to be the most exciting yet, with the introduction of the Drone Theatre, a dedicated space highlighting the pivotal role of drones in the geospatial industry.

The Drone Theatre: A Hub for Innovation

The Drone Theatre, curated in collaboration with ARPAS-UK, will be a focal point at GeoBusiness 2024. This dynamic stage will feature a series of talks and presentations that delve into the latest advancements in drone technology and its applications across various industries. Topics will range from regulatory updates and survey accuracy to beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and the professional development of drone operators.

Experts from across the geospatial and drone industries will share their insights, making the Drone Theatre an essential destination for professionals eager to stay at the cutting edge of technology and best practices. Notable sessions will include case studies on integrating drones into surveying workflows and discussions on the future of BVLOS in geospatial applications.

Supporting the Drone Industry

The partnership between ARPAS-UK and GeoBusiness underscores a shared commitment to promoting the safe and effective use of drones. The Drone Theatre is designed not only to educate but also to inspire attendees about the potential of drones in various sectors, including construction, mapping, surveying, and environmental monitoring.

Through this collaboration, ARPAS-UK continues to support the growth and professionalization of the drone industry. By providing a platform for knowledge exchange and networking, the association helps ensure that its members are well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly evolving geospatial landscape.

Join Us at GeoBusiness 2024

GeoBusiness 2024 is free to attend and is open to all professionals interested in the geospatial field. With over 150 expert speakers and a diverse range of sessions across eight different stages, the event promises to offer invaluable insights and networking opportunities.

To register or learn more about the event, visit the GeoBusiness website and follow ARPAS-UK’s updates for the latest information on the Drone Theatre and other exciting developments.

We look forward to seeing you there and exploring the future of the geospatial industry together!

Date: 5-6 June 2024

Location: Excel, London

Find out who’s talking on The Drone & UAV Stage

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How Drones can Support the Boom in Offshore Wind: webinar watch again

An online workshop on how drones are being used to support INTOG and Scotwind projects in northern Scotland so that windfarm developers can keep their projects on track and on budget without spending thousands in secondary inspections.

About the Speaker:

Matt Harmsworth

In the vibrant 1980s, young Matthew’s weekends were captivated by the high-octane adventures unfolding on his television screen: Murdoch’s aerial exploits, Street Hawk’s daring leaps, Knight Rider’s thrilling chases, and Blue Thunder’s chaotic flights. The excitement sparked a fire within him — a dream to soar the skies as an Army Air Corp helicopter pilot.

However, fate had other plans. At the tender age of 15, Matthew’s dreams were momentarily grounded by less-than-perfect eyesight.

Undeterred, Matthew channeled his adventurous spirit into a new endeavor. Just before his GCSEs, he embraced a fresh path, training as a countryside ranger. His boundless energy and relentless determination led him to establish and operate a thriving tree surgery company in Surrey for a decade.

In 2012, upon moving to the picturesque northern highlands of Scotland, Matthew stumbled upon the fascinating world of drones.

It was a serendipitous discovery that propelled him into a new realm of possibilities. Establishing the ROAVR Group, Matthew embarked on a globetrotting journey, immersing himself in the exhilarating domain of aerial robotics. His endeavors transcended the ROAVR Group, as he became a linchpin in ARPAS-UK, significantly impacting the regulatory framework for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). His engagement with governmental bodies, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Department for Transport (DFT), and international forums concerning the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), underscored his prowess in advocacy, negotiation, and diplomacy.

With the advent of the Scotwind leasing round, Matthew’s ingenious contributions were pivotal in fortifying wind developers’ assets. He spearheaded the creation of i-ROAVR, a revolutionary system first deployed in the Seagreen Project, and subsequently on Moray West, setting new benchmarks in asset protection.

Now, as a distinguished author, speaker, and consultant, Matthew’s wealth of knowledge and experience is an invaluable resource. He is available for personal consulting and speaking engagements, which can be arranged through this website.

Matt Harmsworth (matt-harmsworth.com)

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Aviation Safety Culture: Fostering a Positive Safety Culture within the Drone Industry Webinar watch again

Safety culture is not just about following rules and ticking boxes; it is about creating a shared value of safety as a core principle within an organisation for its people and the business to thrive. Safety culture is part of a wider organisational culture, but has its own distinct values, beliefs and behaviours. To establish, manage and maintain an effective safety culture it is necessary to understand these safety related values, beliefs and behaviours, and how they influence safety performance.

This webinar will introduce safety culture and its importance across multiple industries, highlighting key benefits and impacts. In addition, we will review industry challenges to a positive culture for those new to the aviation community.

Speaker:

Sarah Lay, BSc (Hons), PGDip, GCGI, MRAeS

Senior Consultant, Ebeni Ltd

Sarah’s experience within the aviation domain has given her a broad experience set, which has fed her passion for this industry and its combination of innovative technology and human interaction. Throughout her career, Sarah is proud to have been able to contribute to its development and improvement in areas such as safety management, safety training, safety culture and human performance. Whilst focussing on managing and delivering safety and operational efficiency improvement initiatives, she has a keen interest in understanding wider societal implications such as environmental, safety, security and economic impacts.

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NATMAC 95: 11 April 2024

Rupert Dent attended on behalf of ARPAS-UK to ensure the Drone Industry is kept up to date and has an opportunity for their voice and opinion to be hear.

Presentations included:

Airspace Modernisation Delivery Team on Electronic Conspicuity, Future of Flight Brief, Atypical Airspace & Manchester Low Level Route Update
Introduction to the Integration Sandbox
Airspace Change Organising Group (ACOG) Briefing
ICAO FIS alignment implementation
2023 AMS Progress Report

NATMAC-95-All-Presentations Download

12 April 2024

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Pioneering simulations pave the way for routine drone flights in the UK

The prospect of remotely piloted drones operating in and out of some of the UK’s busiest airports has taken a step closer to reality following a series of pioneering simulations by the air traffic management service, NATS.

The simulations, run at NATS’ head office in Hampshire, demonstrated how drones could be seamlessly integrated alongside other air traffic at a busy airport. This included drone operators filing flight plans, flying in and out of the airport and being safely deconflicted with other aircraft.

The leading work forms part of Project CAELUS, a UKRI industry collaboration of 16 partners including AGS Airports, University of Strathclyde, NATS and NHS Scotland, aiming to use drones to transport essential medical supplies throughout Scotland.

The project’s first test flight occurred at Glasgow Airport last year, with a drone flying to the nearby NHS Golden Jubilee hospital. The concept development and simulation work NATS has led on is essential to understanding how that one-off flight could be safely scaled up to include dozens of drones flying ‘Beyond Visual Line of Sight’ and delivering medicines and blood tests to patients across Scotland and potentially beyond.

The airspace integration was overseen by a new Airspace Manager function using new technology developed by NATS. As part of this proposed ‘concept of operations,’ direct voice communication between a drone operator and air traffic control would only be required by exception – including the kind of emergency scenario demonstrated during the simulations.

Richard Ellis, NATS New Airspace Users Director, said: “Everything we’re doing is striving towards enabling the seamless, safe integration of drones and other new airspace users into our skies. There is a lot of work still to do, including the development and approval of new technology and regulations, but I believe what we and our Project CAELUS partners are doing will help support that process and is taking us a step closer to an exciting future.”

Fiona Smith, AGS Airports Group Head of Aerodrome Strategy and Project CAELUS Director, said: “We have continued to see some valuable collaboration and innovation across Project CAELUS and this latest work led by NATS truly demonstrates our ambition to forge a new path.”

“Our first live flight trial last year was incredibly important and demonstrated a means of integrating drones into an airport environment.”

“This year, we look forward to showcasing many more demonstrations including a ramped up flying programme across Scotland and we are delighted to kick start that programme with this exciting NATS showcase”.

Hazel Dempsey, Caelus National Programme Manager from NHS Grampian added: “Exploring how drone technology could be usefully used as a way of delivering care to people who live in urban, remote, rural and island locations, is edging ever-closer to a reality.”

Project Caelus is a Future Flight Challenge programme jointly funded by UK Research and Innovation. Further test flights are planned for later this year.