ARPAS-UK | The UK Drone Association

Agri-Tech | Agri-Drones: Skills, Standards & Pathways into the Sector

Agri-Tech Frontiers Webinar Series | E07 ARPAS-UK | Mohammed Hasan AutoSpray Systems | Rob Pearson Lantra | Andrew Palmer In the latest episode of the Agri-Tech Frontiers webinar series – with ARPAS-UK [https://arpas.uk/], AutoSpray Systems [https://autospraysystems.com/] and Lantra [https://lantra.co.uk/] – the focus is on how drone use in agriculture is progressing from early adoption into scalable, real-world operations. As uncrewed aerial systems work alongside LiDAR mapping and precision application technologies, the sector is becoming more structured, repeatable and increasingly aligned with established agricultural practices. The agricultural sector is now reaching a stage of genuine commercial maturity. The session explores how training standards are evolving to keep pace with operational demands – particularly as drones take on roles such as pesticide application and disease control – and why establishing clear, recognised career pathways is becoming increasingly important. It also reflects a broader shift beyond piloting alone, with effective operations requiring a combination of strategy, engineering, compliance and delivery on the ground. Scaling capability remains a central theme, with advanced permissions – including all-weather operations, reduced separation distances, night flying and BVLOS – seen as key enablers of wider commercial deployment across the UK’s operating environment. The session also highlights entry pathways for new operators and the strong relevance of transferable skills from established, high-reliability sectors. This web series is in conjunction with the ARPAS-UK Agri-Environment Special Interest Group [https://arpas.uk/agri-environment-sig/]. You can also find more Drones in Agriculture related content here [https://arpas.uk/drones-in-agriculture/] at ARPAS-UK. If you would like to get in touch with the Special Interest Group at ARPAS-UK, please contact agri_env@arpas.uk [agri_env@arpas.uk] This session is part of our eight-part web series ‘Agri-Tech Frontiers‘.

Agri-Tech | Safety at Scale - HSE & the Net Risk Approach

Agri-Tech Frontiers Webinar Series | E06 A clear, practical look at UK drone spraying - covering HSE requirements, the Net Risk debate & the path to adoption. AutoSpray Systems [https://autospraysystems.com/] | Andy Sproson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-sproson/] HSE Health & Safety Executive [https://www.hse.gov.uk/] | Dr Tony Wilson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-wilson-328b7952/] The Future of Drone Spraying in UK Agriculture: Regulation, Evidence & What Comes Next The use of uncrewed aerial systems for crop spraying is attracting growing interest across UK agriculture. The potential is clear – greater access to difficult terrain, more targeted application, and improved safety for operators. But moving from capability to routine use depends on one thing above all: robust evidence. In a recent ARPAS-UK Agri-Tech Frontiers webinar, speakers from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and AutoSpray Systems explored what it will take for drone spraying to move beyond trials and into practical, scalable deployment. Read more here [https://arpas.uk/watch-safety-at-scale-hse-the-net-risk-approach/] Looking Ahead The pathway to commercial drone spraying in the UK is progressing – but it is deliberately measured. The emphasis remains on safety, evidence and accountability. For both the drone and agricultural communities, the message is consistent: this is not about proving what drones can do, but about demonstrating how they can be used responsibly, reliably and at scale. This web series is in conjunction with the ARPAS-UK Agri-Environment Special Interest Group [https://arpas.uk/agri-environment-sig/]. You can also find more Drones in Agriculture related content here [https://arpas.uk/drones-in-agriculture/] at ARPAS-UK. If you would like to get in touch with the Special Interest Group at ARPAS-UK, please contact agri_env@arpas.uk [agri_env@arpas.uk]

Fireside Chat 14 | Electronic Conspicuity for BVLOS Drone Operations in the UK

Speakers: Anne-Lise Scaillierez of ARPASUK [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-lise-scaillierez/] Steve Hutt of uAvionix [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevehutt/] Earlier this month, ARPAS-UK was given a pre-launch look at the new ping978EC [https://uavionix.com/press/uavionix-introduces-new-ping978ec-ads-b-transceiver-enabling-uk-bvlos-uas-operators-to-meet-latest-caa-electronic-conspicuity-regulations], uAvionix’s latest product for the EC space. In a Fireside Chat recorded two weeks prior to the product’s official release, Anne-Lise Scaillierez of ARPAS-UK spoke with Steve Hutt of uAvionix about where Electronic Conspicuity now sits in the UK landscape – and why 978 MHz is increasingly central to the conversation around BVLOS integration. The recording also serves as a clear introduction to Electronic Conspicuity in the UK, helping to demystify the terminology, frequencies and regulatory references for those less familiar with the subject. At its core, EC enables aircraft – crewed or uncrewed – to broadcast their identity, position, altitude and speed. That data contributes to a shared situational picture across aircraft, ground systems and airspace networks. For BVLOS operations, where visual separation is no longer available, that electronic visibility becomes critical. 🎥 You can watch the full Fireside Chat video with uAvionix for an overview of Electronic Conspicuity in the UK and a closer look at the newly launched ping978EC here also. [https://arpas.uk/fireside-chat-14-electronic-conspicuity-for-bvlos-drone-operations-in-the-uk/] 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 Here are some useful links to find out more about ping978EC and airspace situational awareness for UAS. 𝘂𝗔𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘅 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴𝟵𝟳𝟴𝗘𝗖 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲: https://uavionix.com/press/uavionix-introduces-new-ping978ec-ads-b-transceiver-enabling-uk-bvlos-uas-operators-to-meet-latest-caa-electronic-conspicuity-regulations [https://uavionix.com/press/uavionix-introduces-new-ping978ec-ads-b-transceiver-enabling-uk-bvlos-uas-operators-to-meet-latest-caa-electronic-conspicuity-regulations] 𝘂𝗔𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘅 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴𝟵𝟳𝟴𝗘𝗖 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y6o1y1f8vM [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y6o1y1f8vM], including CAA statement and customer testimonials. 𝘂𝗔𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘅 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴𝟵𝟳𝟴𝗘𝗖 𝘂𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMhkFVB5ilE [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMhkFVB5ilE ] 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴𝟵𝟳𝟴𝗘𝗖 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: uavionix.com/uncrewed-aircraft-systems/ping978ec/ [uavionix.com/uncrewed-aircraft-systems/ping978ec/] 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗔𝗦 (𝘂𝗔𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘅 𝗦𝗸𝘆𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁, 𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲): https://uavionix.com/uncrewed-aircraft-systems/uas-surveillance-2/ [https://uavionix.com/uncrewed-aircraft-systems/uas-surveillance-2/] 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴𝟵𝟳𝟴𝗘𝗖 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘂𝗔𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘅 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://uavionix.com/product/ping978EC/ [https://uavionix.com/product/ping978EC/] or through authorised resellers, including @coptrz , iRed and 3DXR. 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘀? Contact Steve directly at: steve.hutt@uavionix.com [steve.hutt@uavionix.com] **** 🎯 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗣𝗔𝗦-𝗨𝗞 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗞 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 For insight, influence and industry connection. 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱. 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱. 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱. **** 👉 Become a member of the UK's association for the commercial drone industry! Join Now: https://arpas.uk/join-arpas-uk/ [https://arpas.uk/join-arpas-uk/] ** 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 ** 𝗔𝗥𝗣𝗔𝗦-𝗨𝗞 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://arpas.uk/ [https://arpas.uk/] 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻: /arpas-uk [https://www.linkedin.com/company/arpas-uk/] 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: /ukarpas [https://www.facebook.com/UKARPAS/] 𝗫: /arpasuk [https://x.com/arpasuk] YouTube: /@ARPASUK [https://www.youtube.com/@ARPASUK?sub_confirmation=1] At ARPAS-UK, we’re dedicated to supporting the UK’s commercial drone industry through webinars, industry news, networking, CPD, and much more. Join the association today to stay connected and ahead in the field. ✉️ Get in touch with ARPAS-UK – membership@arpas.uk [membership@arpas.uk]

Agri-Tech | Inside the CAA Audit - A Practical Guide to Stress-Free Compliance

Agri-Tech Frontiers Webinar Series | E05 CAA audits often have a reputation for being stressful, but they don’t need to be. This workshop is designed to pull back the curtain on the audit process, replacing fear with transparency and administrative ‘paperwork traps’ with efficient, professional workflows. Whether you’re preparing for your first oversight or looking to scale your compliance, this session offers a behind-the-scenes blueprint for a high-standard drone operation. Part 1: Behind the Scenes of a CAA Audit Andy Sproson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-sproson/] (COO of AutoSpray Systems [https://autospraysystems.com/]) shares a candid take on AutoSpray’s experience with audits and audit preparation. He will demystify what auditors actually look for and how to approach the day with confidence. Part 2: Effortless Record Keeping Dorian Ellis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorianellis/] (Founder of Dronedesk [https://dronedesk.io/]) explains how to solve the administrative complexity that holds back operators. He will demonstrate how to use intuitive tools to ensure safe, compliant flight planning while spending less time on paperwork. Part 3: The RAE and Regulatory Perspective Craig Lippett [https://www.linkedin.com/in/craiglippett/] (Head of Technical Services at Eagle Eye Innovations [https://eeinnovationsltd.com/] & Director at ARPAS-UK [https://arpas.uk/]) provides the Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE) viewpoint. Also drawing on his experience as an ARPAS-UK Director, he will outline common pitfalls and how to align operations with regulatory expectations. Part 4: Audience Q&A An open floor for attendees to ask specific questions regarding audits, record-keeping, and compliance standards. 📺 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 - Go to https://arpas.uk [https://arpas.uk] to find out more The Agri-Tech Frontiers journey is just beginning. Join us for our next events as we chart the future of agri-drones in the UK. ⭐ 𝗔𝗚𝗥𝗜-𝗘𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗜𝗚 @ 𝗔𝗥𝗣𝗔𝗦-𝗨𝗞 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗞 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Providing a collaborative forum to explore how drone technology supports precision farming, crop health assessment, soil and water management, habitat mapping, biodiversity monitoring and conservation. Find out more at: https://arpas.uk [https://arpas.uk]

Fireside Chat 13 | Connecting Asset Owners & Drone Operators - Trendspek

Speakers: David Thurston [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-thurston-a71945184/] of ARPASUK [https://arpas.uk] Mitch Deam [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitch-deam/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_search_srp_all%3BOsAZULQbQnmylVdmJoScZw%3D%3D] & Alana Flack [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-flack/] of Trendspek [https://trendspek.com] Learn how Trendspek [https://trendspek.com/]’s Structural Lifecycle Management software supports inspections, reporting, maintenance and monitoring of built assets - and how drone operators can participate in the capture network. Find out more here [https://arpas.uk/fireside-chat-13-connecting-asset-owners-drone-operators-trendspek/] In this ARPAS-UK Fireside Chat, we speak with Trendspek, an Australian company whose software platform helps organisations inspect and manage built infrastructure during the operate and maintain phase of the asset lifecycle, working with organisations and drone operators in the UK and internationally. The platform acts as a digital system of record for structures such as bridges, warehouses, ports and other critical infrastructure. Using imagery - often captured by drones - Trendspek generates high-resolution 3D models, reaching around 1.5 mm Ground Sample Distance (GSD), enabling engineers and asset managers to examine structural detail and identify defects. Trendspek works with a network of drone operators who capture the imagery required for modelling. Once uploaded, the data is processed within the platform, allowing asset owners, engineers and inspection teams to review structural condition, support reporting and track assets over time. 👉 If you are an asset owner or drone service provider and would like to know more, get in touch with the Trendspek team at https://trendspek.com [https://trendspek.com] **** 🎯 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗣𝗔𝗦-𝗨𝗞 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗞 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 For insight, influence and industry connection. 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱. 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱. 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱. **** 👉 Become a member of the UK's association for the commercial drone industry! Join Now: https://arpas.uk/join-arpas-uk/ [https://arpas.uk/join-arpas-uk/] ** 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 ** 𝗔𝗥𝗣𝗔𝗦-𝗨𝗞 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://arpas.uk/ [https://arpas.uk/] 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻: /arpas-uk [https://www.linkedin.com/company/arpas-uk/] 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: /ukarpas [https://www.facebook.com/UKARPAS/] 𝗫: /arpasuk [https://x.com/arpasuk] At ARPAS-UK, we’re dedicated to supporting the UK’s commercial drone industry through webinars, industry news, networking, CPD, and much more. Join the association today to stay connected and ahead in the field. ✉️ Get in touch with ARPAS-UK – membership@arpas.uk [membership@arpas.uk]