Consultation: Drones flying beyond sight of remote pilots

The UK Civil Aviation Authority have published proposals to enable drones to fly beyond the visual line of sight of remote pilots, as part of the UK Future Flight Programme. If adopted, the proposals would allow drones to fly in an atypical air environment. An atypical air environment is a volume of airspace where few aircraft operate, for example at low height close to buildings or powerlines. Allowing this could support inspections of railways, power lines and roads as well as medical deliveries. The aim is to help move the UK closer to a future where drones safely share more of our skies with other airspace users. While offering a host of benefits, drones can be noisy and IOA want to see protocols for use taking account of the potential impact of noise arising from their use. We have published a Briefing Note outling how the environmental pollution resulting from drone noise should be thoroughly considered, as well as safety.

Consultation: Step forward in unlocking drones flying beyond visual line of sight | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)