FLY SMART, FLY SAFE
Drones in Action End User Stories:
Traditional inspections of live flare stacks offshore require shutting down operations which can cost up to £4 million per day and are hazardous due to extreme heights and heat.
Drones are now being employed by companies for offshore inspections, enabling pilots to operate safely from shore while drones perform complex data collection tasks over the sea.
Drones in Energy, Utility & Infrastructure Inspection
15 April 2025
The CAA’s Strategy for Regulating AI in Aerospace aims to enable the sector to benefit from this transformative technology.
The CAA is inviting stakeholders to provide their insights on the AI use cases being explored across the aerospace sector, to help shape regulatory requirements for the safe deployment of AI and advanced automation in aerospace.
Through this survey, the CAA seeks to understand:
In addition to the above, the CAA has also published a guide which explains how they continue to protect consumers as aviation adopts AI.
Closing date: 23 May 2025
Read more:
11 April 2025
Drones in Action End User Stories:
The key challenge at Dovecote Park and Severn Trent Water was the inefficiency and safety risks associated with manual security patrols and inspections, particularly in high-risk areas. Additionally, there was a pressing need to enhance security coverage, reduce operational time, and lower the carbon footprint in site management activities.
By integrating automated drone surveillance, security patrols became three times faster across a 13-acre site. Drones provided real-time monitoring with thermal cameras, reducing reliance on manual inspections, improving safety, and lowering operational costs and carbon footprint.
Severn Trent Water – An ARPAS-UK member
Drones in Energy, Utility & Infrastructure Inspection
Drones in Construction, Mapping & Surveying
11 April 2025
The End User Advancement and Sharing Exchange (EASE) has released a pivotal paper titled “End User Appraisal,” which offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state and future prospects of drone technology integration across various sectors in the UK. This document synthesizes insights from leading drone end users, highlighting critical challenges, cross-sector opportunities, and the maturity levels of drone adoption.
Critical Challenges in Drone Integration
The paper identifies several significant obstacles impeding the widespread adoption and impact of drone technology:
Cross-Sector Opportunities for Drone Applications
The document highlights promising avenues where drone technology can be effectively utilized across different sectors:
Maturity Levels of Drone Adoption
EASE conducted a benchmarking exercise to assess the maturity of drone integration among end users, categorizing them into four stages:
The assessment revealed that the majority of organizations are in the early stages of drone adoption, with five users at the ‘Initial’ stage and five at the ‘Developing’ stage, indicating substantial room for growth and development.
Strategic Actions for Enhanced Drone Impact
To address these challenges and capitalize on opportunities, the paper outlines strategic actions:
Conclusion
The EASE “End User Appraisal” paper underscores a critical juncture for the UK drone ecosystem. By addressing regulatory and financial challenges and promoting collaborative efforts, there is a significant opportunity to harness drone technology’s full potential, driving innovation and efficiency across multiple sectors.
Read other:
9 April 2025
Drones in Action End User Stories:
Emergency Response – 86 Lives Saved from Drone Enhanced Missions
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is integrating drones into search and rescue missions, enhancing emergency response capabilities. Traditional methods can be slow or limited in certain conditions, particularly in remote or hazardous areas.
By using drones equipped with thermal sensors and BVLOS capabilities, MCA has saved 86 lives with drone enhanced missions and improved operational efficiency, reducing reliance on costly alternatives.
This approach also contributes to over £50 million in annual savings while reducing risks for rescue teams.
Read more on Drones in Emergency Services & Blue Lights
8 April 2025
We’re delighted this year’s ARPAS-UK AGM & Annual Conference 2025 will take place at Cranfield University – a leading institution in aerospace and autonomous systems, and a long-standing ARPAS-UK member.
It’s the ideal setting for a day of insight, discussion, and networking. We know travel isn’t always possible, so the event will be hybrid, with the option to attend in person or online via Microsoft Teams.
Following the AGM, the programme will include talks and discussions across key industry themes. We’ll hear from end-users and sector leaders on market adoption, with speakers including Sellafield Ltd and Esri UK, followed by policy and regulation from the DfT and CAA, and sessions on innovation and airspace.
Interactive SLIDO will be run during the day to gather your views and questions.
Unable to attend in person? Submit your Proxy Vote to the Chair via the Registration Form – link below
We look forward to welcoming you – in-person or online – for what promises to be an engaging and valuable event!
Need to cancel? You may transfer your place to a colleague or contact [email protected]
March 2025
Drones in Action End User Stories:
£1 million Network Rail savings annually* thanks to a drone-based survey solution by Plowman Craven. The system operates 20 metres above the tracks with precision accuracy of +/- 5mm – meeting Network Rail’s requirements without disrupting services or putting workers at risk.
Traditional inspection methods often require access to live tracks, leading to service interruptions and safety concerns. In contrast, this approach removes the need for on-track workers and helps avoid the typical six-week lead time for possession, accelerating project timelines and reducing costs.
Learn how this “boots-off-ballast” approach is transforming rail inspection across the UK.
Learn more about Plowman Craven
Read more about Energy, Utility & Infrastructure
4 April 2025
Disclaimer: All jobs posted here are from LinkedIn and other job sites including member and non-member organizations. Drone Related Jobs.
Across Safety Development are looking to recruit a UAS Regulation Consultant.
Texo is looking to recruit a Remote Pilot.
Tekever is looking to recruit an UAS Safety Pilot.
Iona is looking to recruit a Principal Software Engineer.
The MOD is looking to recruit an Uncrewed Air Systems Desk Officer for the Military Aviation Authority.
Strativ Group – Future Mobility – is recruiting Senior Mechanical Design Engineer – UAV/DroneTechnology – UK (South) – Hybrid Working Options. UK/EU candidates only
Cyberhawk is looking to recruit a drone pilot.
FlyLogix are looking to recruit a UAV Remote Operator.
Callen-Lenz are looking to recruit a number of roles, including a UAV Programme Training Manager, Software & Systems Engineers, Procurement and Project Managers.
Murzilli Consulting is looking to recruit a Consultant – Drones Operational Authorisation.
CJK Drones are looking to recruit a Certified Drone Operator.
Bristow Group is looking to recruit a UAS Engineer.
Vertical Aerospace is looking to recruit a Data & Communication Engineer.
Altitude Angel are looking to recruit a Software Development Engineer in Test.
Malloy Aeronautics are looking to recruit a Safety Engineer.
3 April 2025
In this third episode of the ARPAS-UK Fireside Chat series, Directors Anne-Lise Scaillierez and David Thurston discuss the UK government’s recent announcement on drone class marking and the appointment of the Market Surveillance Authority (MSA).
From 1 January 2026, drones in the Open Category must meet new product standards under the Class Marking framework, aimed at improving safety and compliance.
Anne-Lise and David discuss what these changes could mean for drone operators and the wider industry, and how ARPAS-UK will support members through the transition.
Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, and hit the notification bell! Alternatively, listen to our Fireside Chats and updates on Spotify.
2 April 2025