May 2019
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This conference considered next steps for the UK drones sector, looking at what is needed from policy and regulation to promote public trust in the use of drones, as well as supporting innovation and growth.
Following high-profile disruption at a number of airports resulting from drone misuse - and in the context of the Government’s announcement of an expansion of drone ‘no-fly-zones’ around airports - it was an opportunity to discuss key priorities for enhancing standards of safety and public trust, whilst also driving continued development in the UK’s drones sector.
It took place following the publication of the Government’s response to its consultation on drone safety and enforcement policy, as well as in the context of the anticipated publication of the draft Drones Bill.
Further discussion focused on key priorities for developing and streamlining regulatory processes to enable the routine conduct of fully-autonomous drone operations. Delegates also considered the future international regulatory environment - in the context of development of regulation by EASA and the publication of a draft set of international drone standards by the ISO.
It took place as the CAA prepared to introduce a new registration system for drone operators, and following the award of up to £1m from the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund to the CAA.
Discussion also took place on potential future developments in capability, new use cases, and the resulting regulatory and technical challenges - including facilitating Beyond-Visual-Line-Of-Sight (BVLOS) operations on a routine basis, as well as enabling fully autonomous flight in densely populated airspaces such as major cities.
