UK proposes new regulations to allow medical deliveries by drone

Yesterday, the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced Britain’s intention to aid operations including the delivery of medical supplies and inspection of railways and power lines by unlocking drone flying beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS).

When beyond the visual line of sight, remote pilots rely solely on the drone camera. Under current regulations, drone users in Britain are only permitted to go beyond the line as part of trials with strict restrictions.

The new rules would permit drones to be flown beyond the line but at low heights and close to buildings and infrastructure, where few other aircraft operate.

Operations that could benefit from the CAA’s new regulations include security firms guarding property, flying medical supplies to emergencies, maintenance companies surveying infrastructure, or farmers viewing their land.

Kevin Woolsey, the CAA’s Head of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, said the proposals would maintain safety levels while developing the potential of drone flying in Britain.

“Allowing drones to fly beyond the sight of the remote pilot, without placing restrictions on other aircraft in the area, will be a major achievement for UK drone operations,” he said.

A six-week consultation will follow the recent proposals and, if necessary, amendments will be made, with regulation changes put in place over the next 12 months.

Drone operators would be instructed to keep drones within 30 meters of a building or 15 meters of a structure such as a road or railway. While on private property, they would be allowed to be flown if their height does not exceed 15 meters.