The CAA highlighted a number of use cases for drones including the delivery of specialised drugs to hospitals. Credit: Mark Agnor/Shutterstock.com

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published its roadmap for the development of drones for use on beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) activities, with a target of establishing routine BVLOS operations in the country by 2027. 

The roadmap outlines a path to ensuring the technology can be used safely, with the CAA highlighting the need to check safety features in the drones, ensure comprehensive training for drone pilots, and prepare the UK’s airspace for the presence of BVLOS drone operations. 

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Sophie O’Sullivan, programme director for future of flight at the CAA, said: “Drones have the potential to transform our lives but to make that future possible we need to lay strong foundations for the future.  

“Our delivery model shows how we will protect the public while enabling this exciting new technology. It is vital that we create the right rules and regulations that current and new airspace users are all happy with while maintaining the highest safety standards. 

While the roadmap presents a timeline for the development of BVLOS operations in UK airspace, the CAA said it also expected the document to “evolve with the industry” as the authority worked with stakeholders on the regulatory journey of the sector. 

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Publication of the document continues the UK’s interest in preparing for next-generation aviation technology after a white paper released in 2023 called for the country’s authorities to do more on policy to support development of BVLOS operations. 

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Now, the CAA said its long-term aspirations were to see BVLOS operations becomes a part of the UK aviation industry’s “business as usual” with drones carrying out key services such as the delivery of specialised drugs to hospitals, and medical equipment to emergencies in remote locations. 

The BVOLS roadmap will likely play a similar role as the “Future of Flight” action plan published by the UK government earlier this year, with a focus on the launch of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations by 2026.