UK Civil Aviation Authority unveils new drone roadmap

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has unveiled its new roadmap for drone operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

The plan, outlined in its Future of Flight: BVLOS Roadmap document, sets out a path to ultimately having routine long-distance drone operations across the UK by 2027.

The document is based on evidence gathered from a number of trials that have been conducted by UK companies and organizations over the past few years.

The roadmap also builds on the CAA’s initial proposals, first published in 2024 and then subject to a six-week consultation.

Key roles that drones are expected to increasingly fill in the coming years include:

• Emergency assistance in remote locations
• Deliveries of medical supplies, tests, and other goods
• Security inspections, particularly of the perimeters of large sites
• Infrastructure inspections – particularly railways, power lines, and wind turbines.

“This technology has the potential to deliver huge benefits, and our roadmap sets out sensible and effective regulation that will enable the UK drone industry to continue to develop and grow,” said Rob Bishton, Chief Executive of the CAA. “We are working closely with innovators, and their positive reaction to our roadmap endorses our approach and will enable the UK to play a leading role as the market develops internationally.”