UK CAA launches new regulatory sandbox for UAS airspace integration

The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has launched a regulatory sandbox to help support the development for the integration of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) into UK Airspace.

The CAA intends for the integrated Concepts of Operation (ConOps) be trialled by appropriate industry stakeholders to support the ongoing development of CAA policy and understanding for UAS flights integrated with other airspace users. The call is open to individual organisations or consortia working on the development of UAS systems operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

There will be a short briefing event on 10 January 2024 at 14:00 via MS Teams where interested organisations can ask questions of the CAA with regards to the application process.

The application period for this sandbox has a staggered approach with three tranches:

• Tranche 1 – Closing date 23:59 on Thursday 1 February 2024
• Tranche 2 – Closing date 23:59 on Thursday 29 February 2024
• Tranche 3– Closing Date 23:59 on Thursday 4 April 2024

Those who are accepted into the sandbox trial will be able to establish a trial TRA.