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CASA Surveillance Events and BARS Audits
CASA Surveillance Events and BARS Audits
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Chief Remote Pilot Professional Development Series – Session 3: CASA Surveillance Events and BARS Audits
Third Session of the Chief Remote Pilot Professional Development Series: CASA Surveillance Events and BARS Audits
Event: Third session in the Hover UAV, Chief Remote Pilot Professional Development Series
Target Audience: Current and aspiring RPAS Chief Remote Pilots (CRPs), Maintenance Controllers (MC), and Managers
Purpose: This webinar is perfect for:
- Those moving into a CRP role from another position
- Enhancing operational capabilities and compliance
- Preparing for a BARS (Basic Aviation Risk Standard) audit
- Those wanting to understand the auditing process of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
Focus Areas:
- Health Checks: Learn the assessments needed for the health and compliance of your aviation operations.
- CASA Surveillance Events: Understand the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) surveillance methods and triggers.
- BARS Audits: Get detailed insights into the BARS audit process.
Benefits: This webinar provides essential knowledge and strategies. Prepare effectively for health checks, CASA surveillance, and BARS audits. Discover key components and proactive steps to ensure compliance and safety in your operations.
CASA Surveillance Events and BARS Audits Speakers:
- Philip Grieve: Lead consultant at Hover UAV. Philip is an experienced professional with extensive Beyond Visual Line of Sight operational experience. He has worked in planning, instructing, and standardising RPAS operations within the Australian Army. Philip holds a Bachelor of General Studies (Education), Cert IV in Training and Assessment, Cert III in Aviation (Remote Pilot), and a remote pilot’s license. He also has military qualifications in Auditing and Assurance, Quality and Safety Management Systems, and Aviation Investigations.
- Edward Morris: CASA team lead for RPAS.
- David Anderson: Managing Director, Flight Safety Foundation– BARS Program. David has over 35 years in the aviation industry. He started as an apprentice mechanic in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He then moved to aircraft maintenance and became a flight engineer with the RAAF and a major commercial air carrier. David holds a commercial pilot license and is a Lead Auditor with experience in BARS, IOSA, ISAGO, and QMS audit protocols. He has extensive training in safety and quality management systems, risk and project management, and audit standardization.
CASA Surveillance Events and BARS Audits Outcomes:
Viewers will gain valuable insights into CASA’s processes for conducting surveillance events on Operator Certificate holders, as well as important information for those seeking BARS accreditation.
Liability and Insurance in Drone Operations
Liability and Insurance in Drone Operations
Member’s access is required to view this recorded webinar. If you are not a member register your details on the link below or log in if already a member and you will be taken to the webinar. Membership is free.
Chief Remote Pilot Professional Development Series – Session 2: Liability & Insurance in Drone Operations
As drone and remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) operations expand across Australia, managing risk and understanding insurance needs become paramount. With an increasing number of organizations conducting flights over or near people and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), the complexity of these operations grows. Session 2 of the Hover UAV Chief Remote Pilot Professional Development Series addresses the critical aspects of liabilities specific to drone operations and insurance considerations.
Key Speakers
Olga Kubyk
Olga Kubyk is a Senior Associate and an experienced aviation, marine, and transport lawyer in Norton White’s aviation litigation and dispute resolution team. Olga’s work includes commercial, consumer, regulatory, and work health and safety prosecutions. She also handles coronial inquests, government procurement, insurance, employment, damage to aircraft, and passenger and cargo claims. Her experience spans various Australian state, territory, and federal courts and tribunals and ad hoc institutional arbitration tribunals (ACICA/ICC).
James Ainslie
James is an insurance industry professional with 15 years of experience. He has worked in both broking and insurer environments, supporting commercial SME and enterprise clients in various industries. James began working with the drone industry in early 2022, helping to bring Precision Autonomy‘s drone-specific insurance solutions to both broking and consumer clients.
Jackie Dujmovic – Moderator
Jackie Dujmovic, CEO of Hover UAV, moderates the session. Her passion for advancing the emerging aviation sector safely drives her extensive global experience in RPAS and Emerging Aviation. She has led multiple groundbreaking projects and is involved in numerous government working groups. Jackie also serves on the Board of Safeskies Australia. Her expertise and leadership are instrumental in shaping the future of uncrewed systems and aviation safety.
Session Objectives
Insurance Observations
Explore both general and liability-specific observations from a drone-specific insurance provider to gain a deeper understanding of real-life insurance considerations.
Liability Considerations
Discuss the liabilities specific to the role of Chief Remote Pilots, including potential legal exposures and the impact of regulatory changes.
Protective Measures
Identify strategies and practices that Chief Remote Pilots can implement to safeguard themselves and their organizations from financial and legal repercussions.
Interactive Components
Case Study Reviews
Analyze real-world scenarios to understand lessons learned from liability issues faced by drone operators.
Q&A Session
Engage with our experts to clarify doubts or address specific operational challenges.
Target Audience
This session is designed for Chief Remote Pilots and senior RPAS operators involved in planning, executing, or managing drone operations. Understanding the associated legal and insurance implications is crucial for these roles.
Outcome
Participants will leave the session equipped with the knowledge to assess and manage risks effectively. They will gain real-world observations to support insurance program outcomes, implement best practices in legal compliance and liability management, and protect themselves and their organizations in the rapidly evolving RPAS landscape.
Women Behind the Drone Revolution
Women Behind the Drone Revolution: Webinar Recap
This webinar is part of the “Women Behind the Drone Revolution” series organized by DroneTalks. The event featured three accomplished speakers: Alexandra Floren, Francine Zimmerman, and Jackie Dumovic. Each shared their unique experiences and expertise in the drone industry.
Women Behind the Drone Revolution Highlights
Alexandra Floren: From Aeronautical Engineer to Aviation Technical Standard Manager at Wing. Alexandra detailed her fascinating journey and the challenges she overcame.
Francine Zimmerman: An Unconventional Path. Francine discussed her role in legal and international affairs within the drone sector and how she carved out her niche.
Jackie Dumovic: From Yachts to Drones. Jackie shared her transition from working on super and mega yachts to starting her own drone business – Hover UAV.
Engaging Q&A Sessions
Participants had the chance to interact with the speakers through the Q&A feature. They asked about the speakers’ experiences, their companies, and the drone industry in general. This interactive element added great value to the webinar.
Webinar Format
- Introductions: Each speaker gave a brief introduction about themselves.
- Q&A Session: After the introductions, the Q&A session allowed participants to engage directly with the speakers.
Insights and Takeaways – Women Behind the Drone Revolution
The webinar aimed to provide valuable insights into the drone industry from a female perspective. It showcased the diverse paths these women took and highlighted their contributions to the field.
This engaging and informative session was a testament to the growing influence of women in the drone industry. It served as an inspiration for many aspiring professionals.
Drones In Construction
Drones Revolutionising the Construction Industry
The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the innovative use of drones. Drones are no longer just futuristic gadgets; they are now essential tools in construction. Hover UAV, an internationally recognised drone consultancy and system management company, plays a pivotal role in this revolution. The company has been involved in groundbreaking drone programs, demonstrating the immense potential of these aerial devices in construction. Take a look at this fireside conversation with Hover UAV, CEO Jackie Dujmovic as she discussed how drones are being utilised in the construction industry.
How Drones Are Used in Construction
Drones offer numerous applications in the construction sector. They are extensively used for site surveys, providing accurate and real-time data. This capability enhances the efficiency of planning and execution. Drones also play a crucial role in inspections, allowing for detailed and safe assessments of structures. Additionally, productivity monitoring becomes more streamlined with drone technology, as it enables continuous tracking of progress and resource utilisation.
Drones In Construction – Fastest Growing Commercial Application
The integration of drones into construction is the fastest-growing commercial application in the industry. This trend is not just a passing phase; it is expected to continue its upward trajectory. The efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of drones make them indispensable in modern construction practices. As the technology evolves, we can anticipate even broader applications and more sophisticated capabilities.
Hover UAV: Leading the Way
Hover UAV stands out as a leader in the drone consultancy and system management space. Their involvement in pioneering drone programs highlights their expertise and commitment to advancing the industry. Hover UAV provides comprehensive support, from initial planning to operational execution, ensuring that drone programs are implemented successfully and safely.
How Hover UAV Can Assist Your Drone Program
Hover UAV offers a range of services designed to maximise the benefits of drone technology in your construction projects. They begin with Discovery Workshops to define the Concept of Operations and project plans, ensuring that your drone program is tailored to your specific needs. Their experts assist with obtaining necessary operational approvals and navigating complex regulatory landscapes with ease. Hover UAV also provides ongoing management and support, ensuring your drone operations are efficient, compliant, and up-to-date with the latest technological advancements.
Emerging Trends
Several trends are shaping the future of drones within the construction industry. Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) is one such trend, allowing drones to operate beyond the direct line of sight of the operator. This capability significantly expands the range and scope of drone operations. Remote operations are another trend, enabling control and monitoring of drones from distant locations, which is particularly beneficial for large and complex construction sites.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the numerous benefits, the use of drones within construction comes with challenges. Managing drone fleets requires robust systems and processes to ensure efficiency and safety. New aviation risks must be addressed, necessitating comprehensive risk management strategies. Keeping up with rapidly changing technology and legislation is also a continuous challenge. However, with the right expertise and resources, these challenges can be effectively managed.
Conclusion
The construction industry is being future-proofed through the innovative use of drones. Companies like Hover UAV are at the forefront of this transformation, driving groundbreaking programs and setting industry standards. By partnering with Hover UAV, you can ensure your drone program is expertly managed, compliant with regulations, and optimized for maximum efficiency and safety. As technology advances and new trends emerge, the role of drones in construction will only become more critical, offering unparalleled benefits in efficiency, safety, and productivity.
Drone In a Box Programs
Building a Successful Drone-in-a-Box Programs
Drone In a Box Programs – Introduction
In a recent fireside chat, Jackie Dumovic, CEO of Hover UAV, sat down with Ed Boxel, Managing Director of Sensorem. They discussed the building blocks of a successful drone-in-a-box trial program. This session drew a global audience eager to learn about the essential steps in planning and executing drone projects.
The Importance of Concept of Operations (ConOps)
A crucial takeaway from the discussion was the importance of the Concept of Operations (ConOps). ConOps is the foundation of any drone project. It defines the project’s scope, objectives, and operational procedures. Without a well-thought-out ConOps, drone projects can face significant challenges. Jackie and Ed emphasised that careful planning ensures smooth execution and successful outcomes.
Drone In a Box Programs – Selecting the Right Equipment and Software
Another key point was the selection of equipment and software. The right tools are essential for the success of a drone-in-a-box program. Ed Boxel highlighted the need for high-quality, reliable equipment, especially when dealing with harsh and remote environments. The software must be robust and compatible with the chosen hardware to ensure seamless operations.
Hover UAV’s Regulatory Support
Regulatory approvals are a significant hurdle in many drone projects. Hover UAV provides comprehensive support to navigate these complexities. They assist clients in obtaining the necessary approvals, ensuring that all operations comply with local regulations. This support is invaluable, particularly for companies new to drone technology.
Overcoming Challenges in Remote Sites
Remote sites pose unique challenges for data collection. The discussion highlighted how drone technology could address these challenges effectively. Drones can access areas that are difficult or dangerous for humans, providing valuable data without risking personnel safety. This capability is especially crucial for industries operating in remote and hazardous locations.
Conclusion
The fireside chat between Jackie Dumovich and Ed Boxel provided valuable insights into the building blocks of a successful drone-in-a-box trial program. The importance of a well-defined ConOps, careful selection of equipment and software, and regulatory support were key themes. Real-world applications, like the mining industry case study, showcased the practical benefits of this technology. With the right planning and support, drone projects can overcome significant challenges and deliver outstanding results.
For more information on how you can get your drone-in-a-box project off the ground, Hover UAV is your go-to expert. With many years of experience operating these advanced systems, they excel in navigating the complex regulatory requirements associated with them. Their proven track record speaks for itself. Whether you need guidance on compliance, operational approvals, or technical support, Hover UAV is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for comprehensive assistance in ensuring your drone project’s success.
Considerations for Drone in a Box Operations
Considerations for Drone In A Box Operations
Considerations for Drone in a Box Operations – A “drone in the box” is an innovative drone solution designed for autonomous operations. This system includes a drone that automatically departs from and returns to a secure box, which serves as its charging station and shelter. Ideal for repetitive and scheduled tasks, these drones are perfect for surveillance, inspection, and monitoring tasks across various industries including agriculture, security, and infrastructure. The box protects the drone from environmental elements, ensuring it is ready for flight at any time. With advanced automation features, the system requires minimal human intervention, making it a cost-effective and efficient solution for continuous aerial monitoring. Key benefits include increased operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced safety for challenging or inaccessible areas.
Drone in the Box
There are multiple Drone in the Boxes on the market with the most recent one being the DJI Dock 2.
The DJI Dock 2 is poised to make a significant impact in the drone industry with its cutting-edge features and broader operational scope. It introduces the M3D and M3TD drones, designed for enhanced coverage and efficiency, setting a new standard in drone technology. The dock boasts an impressive operational radius of 6.2 miles and supports the advanced DJI Flight Hub 2 platform while enabling third-party integration. Key features of the M3D drone include a high-quality 20MP camera with a mechanical shutter, whereas the M3TD drone offers a versatile imaging solution combining a 48MP wide camera, a 12MP telecamera, and a thermal camera. With a maximum flight time of 50 minutes, these drones ensure prolonged operations. As the launch nears, the anticipation for the DJI Dock 2’s introduction to the market grows, highlighting its potential to revolutionise the way drones are used in various applications.
Considerations for Drone in a Box Operations – Use Cases for Drone in a Box Technology
Considerations for Drone in a Box Operations – Drone in a box technology has a wide array of use cases across different industries, leveraging its automation and self-sufficiency for various applications. Here are some prominent ones:
- Infrastructure Inspection and Maintenance: Automates the monitoring of critical infrastructure, such as bridges, pipelines, and power lines, identifying issues early and reducing the need for manual inspections.
- Agriculture: Facilitates precision agriculture practices by monitoring crop health, irrigation needs, and pest infestations, enabling farmers to make informed decisions and improve yield.
- Security and Surveillance: Provides continuous aerial monitoring of perimeters and properties for security purposes, enhancing safety and response to incidents.
- Environmental Monitoring: Assists in the observation and analysis of environmental conditions, including wildlife tracking, forest management, and pollution detection, contributing to conservation efforts.
- Emergency Response and Disaster Relief: Offers rapid deployment in emergency situations to assess damage, locate survivors, and guide response teams, significantly improving disaster relief efforts.
- Construction and Real Estate: Supports construction site monitoring, progress tracking, and asset management, as well as offering aerial views for real estate marketing.
- Mining: Enables safer and more efficient monitoring of mining operations, including stockpile management, equipment tracking, and compliance with environmental regulations.
- Research and Development: Supports scientific research in hard-to-reach areas, including glacial monitoring, oceanographic studies, and archaeological surveys.
Drone in a box technology, with its automated deployment and recovery capabilities, is revolutionizing these and other fields by providing efficient, cost-effective, and safer alternatives to traditional methods.
Regulatory Considerations for Flights in Australia
Whether your end goal is full autonomy with drones completing missions and transmitting data without human intervention or having one Remote Pilot fly multiple drones across Australia, there are stepping stones to achieve these goals.
To achieve the full potential of Drone in a Box operations outside standard operating procedures will be required. In Australia, your organisation will require a Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC). More information on obtaining a ReOC can be found on the CASA Website. Once a ReOC is obtained, the organisation can apply for additional permissions to assist with their Drone in Box integration.
Some Approvals/Permissions that are suitable include:
Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) Class 2 Remote Operations:
EVLOS Class 2 is an approval/instrument that allows a Remote Pilot to fly beyond their visual line of sight using a visual observer to report back to the remote pilot any people/air traffic in the flight area. The RPAS/Drone can be a maximum of 1500 meters from the Visual Observer, and multiple visual observers can be utilized for flights beyond 1500 meters. Approvals issued by CASA for EVLOS are Australia-wide. When applying for the approval, if you would like to fly from a different location from the drone and the visual observer (often referred to as remote operations or teleoperations), you will need to state that in your application and ensure that the systems and procedures are robust and take into account your communication methods to the visual observer and how the Remote Pilot will command and control the drone/RPAS from remote locations.
EVLOS Class 2 approvals take approximately 6 weeks to 10 weeks through CASA to obtain and will require a flight test with a CASA inspector for them to evaluate the procedures that have been placed. EVLOS Class 2 remote operations are often utilized for demonstrations/trials, training, or as a fill-in while a BVLOS application is being processed.
Beyond Visual Line of Sight:
A BVLOS area approval/instrument is when the flight is beyond what the Remote Pilot can see, and they are using additional systems and procedures instead of a visual observer to assist in managing the risk to other air users and people on the ground. A submission for a BVLOS area approval usually takes between 3 and 6 months depending on the complexity. An application submission will vary depending on complexity; however, at a minimum, it would include:
- Detailed Concept of Operations
- SORA Safety Case
- BVLOS Procedures
- Detailed KML/Operational Area map
- Stakeholder Engagement Information
One to Many:
Often, the end goal is to scale these Drone in a Box operations and start to see additional cost savings. One way to do this is to utilise one Remote Pilot to manage multiple Drones/RPAS simultaneously (often referred to as One-to-many or Swarming). This can be applied with the initial BVLOS application or can be added after the operator has gained further experience with BVLOS. When adding One to Many, careful consideration needs to be taken for the software utilized and how the remote pilot interacts with that software. Additional procedures will need to be added to ensure that in an emergency, all RPAS can be managed.
Operations Over or Near People:
Operations over or near people often necessitate careful consideration and additional approvals or exemptions. It’s crucial to establish a clear concept of operations, encompassing factors such as the nature of the task, altitude, location, and equipment to be utilized, including any supplementary safety gear like PSR parachutes. The defined concept of operations dictates the documentation necessary for submission to CASA. For straightforward operations, detailed procedures suffice, while more complex ones mandate a comprehensive SORA risk assessment.
Hover UAV understands the complexities of conducting flights and gaining regulatory approvals for drones in the boxes and developed packages to assist you on your journey including
- Discovery Workshops to Define Concept of Operations
- Trial and testing packages
- Approval submission packages including EVLOS, BVLOS, One to many, and flights over people
- SORA training
- BVLOS OCTA exam training / BVLOS practical flight training
- Train the Trainer Packages for Chief Remote Pilots
Contact the team today for an initial free consultation and allow us to assist you on your drone journey.
Operations Over or Near People with Drones
As the use of RPA across industries continues to grow and change how operators are approaching a variety of work types, the need to safely operate over uninvolved people has become apparent both to industry and to regulators. In this blog we’re diving into the regulatory landscape around operations over or near people (OONP), and how the recently released TMI has opened up these operations for ReOC holders.
Regulations about Operations Over or Near People
Flying an RPA over people, or within a certain distance from people is regulated under the Part 101.245 and 101.280 of the CASR (Civil Aviation Safety Regulations) in Australia.
For the purpose of this blog, we first need to define how people are categorised in an RPA operation:
- Uninvolved person. Refers to people who are not involved in the operation of the RPA (e.g. Not a pilot, observer, ground-crew), and may or may not be made aware of the RPA operations.
- Active participants. Refers to people who are not involved in the operation of the RPA (e.g. Not a pilot, observer, ground-crew), and have been made aware of the RPA in some way (e.g. Provided written consent to operations, made aware through conditions of entry to an event, advised through signage).
CASR 101.245 mandates a 30m minimum distance to operate from uninvolved people. This 30m extends from every direction of the RPA down to the ground (which can be thought of as a cylinder around the RPA). This could be reduced to 15m under CASR 101.245 provided the operator obtained express written consent.
CASR 101.280 mandates that a non-certified RPA cannot be operated over a populous area which is defined as any area that has sufficient density of population for some aspect of the operation, or some event that might happen during the operation (in particular, a fault in, or failure of, the aircraft) to pose an unreasonable risk to life, safety or property of somebody is in the area but is not connected with the operation. Populous areas may include CBDs, sports fields in-use for an event and popular destinations like beaches.
CASA can grant approvals to ReOC holders to conduct operations outside of CASR 101.280 and 101.245 provided certain conditions are met. This was introduced in the Temporary Management Instruction (TMI).
EX 45/24 is a general exemption that allows all ReOC holders to conduct operations over a populous area where consent as not been obtained if they hold a relevant OONP approval.
The Temporary Management Instruction (TMI) for OONP
CASA recently released a TMI that described the three pathways under which they may consider an OONP approval based on the scope and intent of the operation and provides details on:
- minimum conditions for each pathway
- required mitigations operators must demonstrate through procedures
- required disclosures operators must make to active participants in order to gain consent for operations; and
- authorised methods to gain that consent.
The TMI also introduced new definitions to use when constructing procedures and limitations around OONP including:
- Controlled Environment. This is a designated operational area which solely involves active participants where the RPA operator can control is aware of any persons entering or exiting the area.
- Approved PRS. This refers to a Parachute Recovery System that has been designed to an appropriate ASTM standard and has been accepted by the AEB.
- Express Written consent. Express Written consent is consent that is recorded in writing or digitally, where the person given consent has full briefed on the risks and safety mitigations in place during the operation, including the likelihood and severity of any potential injury.
- Informed consent. Informed consent is consent that is obtained through briefing the person on the use RPA, risks and safety mitigations through either an in-person brief (e.g. at a safety meeting, induction or over loud-speakers) or by other forms of notice (e.g. signage, terms and conditions of entry, terms and conditions of ticketing).
Pathways to approval
Pathway 1:
- Approvals under Pathway 1 allow RPA to be operated within 15m or over active participants provided that:
- the operation is conducted in a controlled environment
- the RPA’s gross weight does not exceed 25kg
- active participants fully understand the risks associated with the operation
- active participants are at least 18 years old
- active participants provide express written consent
Pathway 2:
- Approvals under Pathway 2 allow RPA up to 25kg be operated within 30m or over non-involved persons provided that the residual impact energy transferred to a person is either:
- less than 15J (no consent)
- between 15-34J (informed consent)
- Impact energy thresholds can be achieved by:
- using lighter weight RPA
- reducing the RPAs horizontal speed
- reducing the RPAs vertical speed (eg. with a parachute recovery system)
- the sheltering of non-involved persons
NOTE: Other conditions and limitations may be imposed under this Pathway approval including the inability to operate within 5m of a person if the RPA is not fitted with an ASTM F3322 standard PRS and the requirement to utilise propellor guards if the system is not fitted with an active obstacle avoidance system that prevents the RPA from operating within 5m of a person
Pathway 3:
- Approvals under Pathway 3 enables OONP that fall outside the scope of pathways 1 or 2
- Pathway 3 requires the submission of a safety case conducted utilising the JARUS Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) methodology (Note: further information on the SORA methodology can be found under the BVLOS approvals section of the CASA website)
- the RPAs gross weight cannot exceed 25kg;
- all active participants must fully understand the risks of the operation; and
- all active participants must provide written consent.
Additional Considerations
In edge cases, CASA has also provided another method to obtain approval when none of the 3 pathways are suitable. Operators may obtain approval through the Executive Manager (National Operations and Standards) and the Executive Manger (Regulatory Oversight Division).
An OONP Approval does not grant an operator the ability to conduct OONP where a local law still prohibits it. This may be the case in certain areas managed by a local council or other government entity (e.g. a statement on a website that all operations must be IAW CASA’s rules but never over an uninvolved person). Local laws and links to more information are consolidated on the drones.gov.au website.
Like all RPA operators, you will need to hold a noise approval before conducting commercial operations. You should also consider the impact of RPA noise caused by your operations in planning. To apply for a noise approval visit drones.gov.au.
Many people outside of the RPA industry also regularly raise privacy as a key concern and operators should be considering the privacy implications of conducting flights and capturing data so close to people.
One of the Foremost Experts in Drone Operations
At Hover UAV we assist drone programs from conception to full implementation. We are a passionate team of experts, with diverse skill sets and backgrounds gained in sectors such as maritime, crewed aviation, defense, corporate and engineering sectors.
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