Next Steps for Drone Regulation and Use in the UK
This conference is bringing together stakeholders and policy makers to discuss the future of remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) regulation and commercial use in the UK.
It comes as the CAA updates the Airspace Modernisation Strategy, and Ofcom consults on spectrum management for unmanned aircraft systems – with further studies being conducted by UKRI and the Law Commission.
Delegates will discuss the priorities for the safe and effective integration of unmanned and remotely piloted aircraft systems into UK airspace, and what is needed from regulators and users to enable routine operations beyond visual line of site (BVLOS).
They will also examine emerging RPAS applications in key industries, the integration of drones into existing practices and business models, and the priorities for building business cases and attracting investment.
The Westminster Business Forum are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Stuart Lindsay, Head, Airspace Modernisation, Civil Aviation Authority; and Kevin Woolsey, Co-Head, General Aviation and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, Civil Aviation Authority.
Also making keynote contributions are Councillor Keith Artus, Chairman, Strategic Aviation Special Interest Group (SASIG); Helen Hearn, Director, Spectrum Policy, Ofcom; Dr Ruth Mallors-Ray, Director, RMR Consultants; John McKenna, CEO, sees.ai; Nicholas Paines KC, Commissioner for Public Law, Law Commission; Andrew Sage, Director, Safety Transformation, National Air Traffic Services; and Fiona Smith, Group Head of Aerodrome Strategy, AGS Airports.
Further sessions will explore:
- management of the safety and security risks of increased drone use, including emergency services response
- opportunity for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of public services and projects through the inclusion of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technology
- integrating RPAS into wider policy goals and realising their potential contribution to national efforts on sustainability and net-zero
The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from the Cabinet Office; DCMS; DfT; the Home Office; MCA; the UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government.