The success of these pilots is likely to determine the long-term viability of ‘beyond line of sight’ drone usage and the possible transformation of aerial transportation
We have in previous article here, considered how the use of drones may prove transformational for retail and logistic operators if the current Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Regulations are amended to permit operations beyond the human line of sight.
In a step to make the plans a reality, the CAA has announced its choice of six projects to test drone delivery services in retail deliveries, infrastructure inspections and emergency services. In each of the projects, operators will, contrary to the current Regulations, fly drones beyond “the human line of sight”.
Commentary from a spokesman for the CAA, as reported by Retail Insight Network, (article, 16 August 2024):
“The data and insights we gather from them will help us work on ensuring that drones flying beyond their usual line of sight can operate safely in the future”.
Amazon’s Prime Air, which announced previously that it would commence drone deliveries in late 2024 in parts of the UK and Italy has been named by the CAA as “the bellwether for drone deliveries in the retail industry”.
Glaswegian firm “Airspection” will carry out inspections across offshore windfarms in the North Sea whilst NGO Project Lifeline will test the drone delivery of medical supplies.
The success of these pilots is likely to determine the long-term viability of ‘beyond line of sight’ drone usage and the possible transformation of aerial transportation. It remains to be seen whether these developments can occur without creating unacceptable safety risks. We await the outcome of these pilots with interest.
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