UK CAA updates policy concept for BVLOS operations within atypical environments

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has released a new version of its policy concept aimed to assist uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) operators conduct specific beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations within an Atypical Air Environment (AAE).

The CAA will determine what is acceptable as an AAE, and what operational, strategic, and technical mitigations may be necessary to operate within it. The second edition of the policy concept document (CAP 3040) includes an update that pertains to electronic conspicuity and builds on mitigation efforts to avoid a mid-air collision within an AAE.

Amendments have been made to update the reference to Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) performance standards to RTCA DO-282B. According to the updated document, drones operating within an AAE should be equipped with an ADS-B transmitter and receiver or transceiver, and function in accordance with these RTCA DO-282B standards.