Tag: SORA

Aviation Hall of Fame - Jackie Dujmovic

Jackie Dujmovic, Inducted into the Women in Emerging Aviation Hall of Fame

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We’re thrilled to share that Jackie Dujmovic, CEO of Hover UAV, will be among the 11 distinguished women joining the Women in Emerging Aviation Technologies Hall of Fame. This honour will be formally bestowed upon her during the 7th Annual Women in Emerging Aviation Technologies Awards, slated to be held at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C., come October 25th. Those in attendance can anticipate mingling with these esteemed Hall of Fame entrants.

Women and Drones have continually celebrated women paving the way in the aviation sphere, their innovations and visions promising a future rich in technological and scientific leaps.

Recently, Women and Drones unveiled this year’s list of luminaries to be inducted into the Women in Emerging Aviation Technologies Hall of Fame. These inductees, an embodiment of experience and expertise, hail from diverse backgrounds within the Uncrewed Aerial Systems and Advanced Air Mobility sectors. Sabrewing Aircraft Company champions this cause by sponsoring the awards. As per Ed De Reyes, Sabrewing’s CEO, they’re keen on celebrating the women driving growth, innovation, and creativity in aviation.

Previous Hall of Fame inductees and this year’s ceremony hosts include Miriam McNabb, the editor of DRONELIFE.com, and Marilyn Pearson, CAE’s Global Regulatory Affairs Lead for AAM/eVTOL/UAS. Pearson highlights the game-changing technologies transforming aviation, akin to the jet engine’s introduction. McNabb eagerly awaits the induction of these trailblazers in Washington DC, lauding their mark on the drone industry.

From the impressive nominations received from around the world, a panel of judges has chosen these eleven outstanding women as 2023 Hall of Fame inductees:

Loretta Alkalay – Aviation attorney and Adjunct Professor at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. Alkalay holds an FAA remote pilot certificate with a sUAS rating and also serves as a regulatory consultant, specializing in issues related to compliance with federal aviation regulations including drone rules.

Barbara Bollard – Professor Bollard of Australia is a leader in the field of drone remote sensing, renowned for her pioneering research in both Antarctica and extreme desert environments. Her groundbreaking achievements have significantly advanced the capabilities of drone technology, transforming data collection and analysis in these challenging terrains.

Jackie Dujmovic – Founder and CEO of Hover UAV in Australia. As a commercial UAS Pilot and accomplished Chief Remote Pilot, Dujmovic’s expertise is establishing robust communication and procedural frameworks with regulators across local, national, and international spheres. Her ultimate mission is the seamless integration of drone systems into everyday life, commitments to safety, compliance, and navigating intricate operational approvals.

Desiree Ekstein – Founder of On The Go Video and accomplished figure in the UAS industry. Ekstein is dedicated to promoting safety and education as a Lead FAASTeam Representative and AUVSI TOP Level 3 pilot. She is also involved in the “Girls Take Flight” initiative which encourages young women to explore careers in the science and technology fields.

Laurie Grindle – Deputy Center Director, NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center. Grindle assists in the management of the NASA field centre, focusing on strategy, business processes, and institutional management. She has also served in leadership roles overseeing Unmanned Air Vehicles and the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew vehicle abort test booster.

Sonet Kock – Director of Drone Policy & Regulatory Development. Sonet is the Founder and Managing Director of AviComply (Pty) Ltd, a leading South African consulting firm specializing in Aviation Compliance Solutions. She is known for her expertise and extensive experience in Aviation Regulatory Compliance and has dedicated her efforts to ensuring quality and safety assurance for both crewed and uncrewed flight operations.

Mercy Makau – President and Founder of the Young Aviator Club of Africa as well as Chairperson of Drone Club Kenya. Makau is considered a passionate change maker, deeply committed to empowering youth and promoting gender equity in Africa’s aviation and aerospace industry.

Jenn Player – Senior Director of Global Aviation Regulatory Affairs at Skydio. Jenn collaborates with customers, regulators, and standards development organizations to advance autonomy and unlock safe and effective docked drone operations. Jenn’s early work to integrate drones into the National Airspace System led to the first long-range BVLOS civil flight in the continental United States.

Dr Debbie Saunders – Founder, CEO and Chief Remote Pilot of Wildlife Drones. The Australian company is transforming biodiversity conservation by developing innovative technological solutions, including the world’s most advanced drone-based radio-telemetry sensor that empowers endangered and invasive species managers globally to simultaneously track the movements of many animals from a drone in real time.

Annalisa Russell-Smith – Chief Strategy Officer, Flyby Technology. The company flew the COVID virus between laboratories and chemotherapy to isolated communities and Russell-Smith was the first civilian female in the United Kingdom to become a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) pilot.

Abigail Smith – Executive Director (A), of the FAA’s UAS Security Office, which serves as the focal point for all matters related to drone and air mobility (AAM) security in U.S. airspace. Within this role, Smith leads the FAA’s efforts to safely integrate detection and mitigation systems for drones and AAM operations into the National Airspace System.

About the Women in Emerging Aviation Technologies Awards: Initiated in 2017, Women and Drones has been shining a spotlight on those reshaping the UAS/AAM industry. Every year, a global hunt singles out women and entities bringing innovation, enhancing the UAS/AAM industry’s reputation, fostering inclusivity in STEM and aviation, and propelling the industry closer to equal gender representation.

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Australian Aviation Support Business of the Year - Hover UAV

Hover UAV Clinches 2023 Aviation Support Business of the Year at the Australian Aviation Awards

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A Milestone Event in the Aviation Industry

The Australian Aviation Awards, the cornerstone event for the aviation sector in Australia, has just concluded its 2023 ceremony, and what a phenomenal experience it was! Held in August, the black-tie gala was nothing short of spectacular, featuring aviation luminaries, industry thought leaders and professionals who have devoted their careers to the advancement of aviation in Australia. Among the list of prestigious accolades, one award stood out for its testament to dedication, innovation, and service excellence: the Aviation Support Business of the Year. The winner? Hover UAV.

Celebrating Excellence in Support and Innovation

Hover UAV has proven itself to be more than just a company; it is a vanguard in the ever-evolving landscape of Australian aviation. Their work in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has not only set new standards in terms of efficiency and safety but also pushed the boundaries of technological innovation in the sector.

The Aviation Support Business of the Year award celebrates companies that have shown exemplary service, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to elevate the aviation sector. With this award, Hover UAV has achieved a milestone that symbolises industry-wide recognition of its efforts to create safer and more efficient airspace.

A Platform for Connection and Visibility

The Australian Aviation Awards aims to foster greater connectivity within the aviation industry, offering a platform for professionals and businesses to showcase their accomplishments. Open to all, irrespective of location or specialisation, the awards are quickly becoming the universal benchmark for excellence in Australian aviation.

Hover UAV’s victory in this esteemed category, therefore, is a monumental achievement. Not just an endorsement by a panel of industry experts, this win signifies a nod from the entire aviation community, recognising the critical role that support services like Hover UAV play in enriching the aviation ecosystem.

A Bright Future

This national awards program encourages businesses like Hover UAV to continually strive for excellence, propelling the Australian aviation industry into the global spotlight.

Hover UAV’s accolade is an indicator of the company’s promising trajectory and its potential to bring groundbreaking changes to how we perceive and interact with our skies. If the Australian Aviation Awards are a barometer for the future of aviation in the country, then the winds are surely blowing in the direction of unprecedented innovation and global prominence.

For more updates on the Australian Aviation Awards and insights into the aviation industry, https://australianaviation.com.au/australian-aviation-awards/winners/2023-winners-and-finalists.

BVLOS Regulatory Processes

BVLOS Regulatory Processes

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In this interview, it is discussed the intricacies and challenges in optimising regulatory processes for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. Jackie Dujmovic, CEO of Hover UAV calls attention to the necessity for clear and direct regulations, to simplify the approval process. They underscore the need to comprehend the concept of operations and devise suitable technical solutions accordingly. Jackie refers to progressive solutions such as parachutes, redundant systems, and software programming to reduce operational risks. She advocates for cooperation, seeking support, and educating regulators as vital tactics in managing the regulatory landscape. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the future impact of regulatory processes in maximising the potential of BVLOS operations and the importance of implementing standard scenarios to expedite the process.

Discussion:- Jackie Dujmovic, Hover UAV & Jason San Souci of FlytBase
Changes to BVLOS EVLOS Qualifications

Changes to BVLOS EVLOS Requirements

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Changes to BVLOS EVLOS Requirements

CASA releases new changes for qualifications required for EVLOS operations and BVLOS Enclosed Operations

CASA has just announced the release of a new instrument for RPAS operators in Australia – the CASA EX27/23 – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operations Beyond Visual Line of Sight Exemption 2023. This instrument, which comes into effect today, will be valid until August 31, 2024. It replaces the previous instrument, EX46/21, and requires those currently operating EVLOS and BVLOS to update their CASA operations manual.

“Now both EVLOS Class I and Class II no longer require a Remote Pilot to hold a pass in IREX or BVLOS OCTA Exam”

The new CASA EX27/23 instrument brings some exciting and additional changes for operators. Firstly, it now allows for the operation of both EVLOS Class 1 and EVLOS Class 2 without requiring the Remote Pilot to hold a pass in the IREX or the CASA-approved OCTA exam or the need for a supervising remote pilot to hold those qualifications. Whereas the old instrument only allowed this for Class 1. However, it’s important to note that the ReOC holder will still need to be approved for EVLOS Class 1 or EVLOS Class 1 and 2 and have approved documents and procedures.

“BVLOS enclosed operations no longer require a Remote Pilot to hold a pass in IREX or BVLOS OCTA Exam or need a supervising Remote Pilot with those qualifications ”

This new instrument still permits BVLOS enclosed operations without requiring the Remote Pilot to hold a pass in the IREX or the CASA-approved OCTA exam however there is now no need for a supervising Remote Pilot. Again, the ReOC holder will still need to be approved for BVLOS enclosed operations and have approved documents and procedures. Enclosed operations refer to RPA operations that take place within a building or other structure or a naturally occurring or manufactured space underground.

Like the previous instrument, the CASA EX27/23 instrument still allows for BVLOS operations to be conducted with a supervising remote pilot. This means that a remote pilot who doesn’t hold a pass in the IREX or approved BVLOS OCTA exam can have a supervising remote pilot who does hold these licenses supervise their flight. The supervising pilot will need to be located at the place where the remote pilot is operating, readily accessible to the remote pilot, and immediately available to advise and direct them.

Overall, the release of the CASA EX27/23 instrument brings some exciting opportunities for RPAS operators in Australia. If you require any assistance adding these changes into your current operations please reach out to the team at Hover UAV today.

A full copy of the instrument can be found here and is copied below. Changes to BVLOS EVLOS Requirements

Changes to BVLOS EVLOS Qualifications

Instrument number CASA EX27/23

I, CHRISTOPHER PAUL MONAHAN, Executive Manager, National Operations & Standards, a delegate of CASA, make this instrument under regulations 11.160 and 11.205 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.

[Signed Chris Monahan]

Christopher P. Monahan
Executive Manager, National Operations & Standards

5 April 2023

CASA EX27/23 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operations Beyond Visual Line of Sight Exemption 2023

1      Name

                 This instrument is CASA EX27/23 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operations Beyond Visual Line of Sight Exemption 2023.

2      Duration

              This instrument:

(a)   commences on the day after it is registered; and

(b)   is repealed at the end of 31 August 2024.

3      Repeal of instrument number CASA EX46/21

                 CASA EX46/21 — Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operations Beyond Visual Line of Sight Instrument 2021 is repealed.

4      Interpretation

Note   In this instrument, certain terms and expressions have the same meaning as they have in the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the regulations. These include: operated within the visual line of sight, remote pilot licence and RPA.

     (1) In this instrument:

documented practices and procedures has the meaning given by subsection 1.04(2) of the Part 101 Manual of Standards.

enclosed operation means an RPA operation in which an RPA is operated within a building or other structure, or a naturally occurring or manufactured space underground, in circumstances where:

(a)   it is physically impossible for the RPA to escape and fly away from the building, structure or space if the RPA is no longer under the control of the remote pilot operating the RPA; and

(b)   if the RPA collides with any part of the building, structure or periphery of the space, no material from the RPA, or building, structure or periphery of the space, can move or escape and cause injury to a person outside the building, structure or space.

EVLOS operation has the meaning given by section 5.04 of the Part 101 Manual of Standards.

exempted flight means a flight of an RPA that is operated beyond visual line of sight of the person operating the RPA at any time during the flight.

remote pilot means:

(a)   the holder of a remote pilot license; or

(b)   a person who is taken to hold a remote pilot license under sub regulation 202.461(3) of CASR.

RPA operator means a person who is certified as an RPA operator under regulation 101.335 of CASR.

supervising remote pilot, for an RPA operation, means a remote pilot who:

(a)   meets the requirements of sub regulation 101.300(4) of CASR for operating an RPA beyond visual line of sight; and

(b)   either:

          (i)  is the RPA operator of the RPA being operated during the RPA operation; or

         (ii)  if the remote pilot is not the RPA operator of the RPA — has been appointed by the RPA operator to supervise the person operating the RPA during the RPA operation.

     (2) In this instrument, an RPA is operated beyond visual line of sight of the person operating the RPA if it is not operated within the visual line of sight of the person.

5      Exemptions

     (1) A remote pilot who, as an RPA operator or member of an RPA operator’s personnel, operates an RPA for an exempted flight is exempt from compliance with paragraph 101.300(4)(a) of CASR.

     (2) Subject to subsection (3), a remote pilot who, as a member of an RPA operator’s personnel, operates an RPA for an exempted flight is exempt from compliance with sub-regulation 101.073(1) of CASR.

     (3) The exemption granted under subsection (2) only applies if the RPA operator holds an approval, under regulation 101.029 of CASR, for the operator’s personnel to operate the RPA beyond visual line of sight.

     (4) The exemptions are subject to the conditions stated in section 6.

6      Conditions

     (1) The remote pilot must ensure the RPA operation complies with the documented practices and procedures for operating the RPA for an exempted flight.

     (2) Subject to subsection (4), the remote pilot must operate the RPA under the immediate supervision of the supervising remote pilot, for the RPA operation, who is:

(a)   at the place where the remote pilot is located; and

(b)   readily accessible to the remote pilot; and

(c)   immediately available to advise, and direct, the remote pilot.

Note   This subsection does not limit the supervising remote pilot observing multiple flights of RPAs, for the RPA operator, at the same time.

     (3)     Subject to subsection (4), the remote pilot must comply with the directions, in relation to the RPA operation, of the supervising remote pilot for the RPA operation.     (4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply if the RPA operation is an enclosed operation or EVLOS operation.

BVLOS Operations

BVLOS Operations in the Next Decade

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This podcast held during the 2023 NestGen Flytbase event “BVLOS Operations in the Next Decade: What to Expect in 2033” features a thought leadership discussion with top CXOs in the drone industry. Hover UAVs Jackie Dujmovic was fortunate to be on this esteemed panel giving her leadership thoughts. The topic of discussion was the outlook on drone autonomy in the future. The panel discussed the challenges and opportunities that drone autonomy will bring and the potential impact on various industries. They also discussed the importance of safety and regulation in enabling the widespread use of autonomous drones, as well as the need for continued innovation in drone technology. Overall, the panelists predict a significant increase in the use of autonomous drones in the next decade, particularly in industries such as agriculture, transportation, and logistics.

For more information on BVLOS operations, approvals, or training please do not hesitate to gain contact Hover UAV for more information.

BVLOS Operations in the Next Decade. What to expect in 2033
BVLOS Training

BVLOS Training

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BVLOS training – The drone industry views operating Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) as the next frontier but obtaining the necessary BVLOS rating has been a challenge due to the complexity of the current licensing requirements. However, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia has introduced an alternative way of obtaining the BVLOS rating through a CASA-approved OCTA BVLOS examination, which has eliminated the barriers and complexity of the previous Instrument Rating Examination (IREX) requirement.

To help operators and organisations prepare for this new requirement, Hover UAV, a well-known drone consultancy, has launched a nationwide training program for the BVLOS Rating exam. The course covers a wide range of topics, including general BVLOS knowledge, aeronautical knowledge, meteorology, airspace classification, human factors, navigation systems, communications, and examination practice, which has been tailored to provide operators with the knowledge and skills needed to pass CASA’s OCTA BVLOS examination and as such operate safely and efficiently during BVLOS operations.

Hover UAV’s new training program is an excellent opportunity for operators and organisations looking to transition to BVLOS operations. With Hover UAV’s expertise in conducting BVLOS operations in applications such as drone delivery, operating from a remote operations center (ROC), and conducting long-range surveillance, the company is well-positioned to offer high-quality training and ensure a smooth and safe transition to BVLOS operations. The program is open to all operators across Australia, and Hover UAV is committed to providing nationwide training.

BVLOS Training
Hover UAV – BVLOS Operations

If you’re interested in Hover UAV’s BVLOS Rating exam training program, you can visit their website to learn more and sign up for the next available training session. With the drone industry evolving rapidly, this training program is an excellent way to stay ahead of the curve and become a successful and safe BVLOS operator.

For more information please do not hesitate to reach out to Hover UAV for more information.

BVLOS New Zealand

New Zealand BVLOS Safety Case Week

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Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand Part 102 BVLOS approvals

Recently, the NZ Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment supported Hover UAV in a week-long tour focused on beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) safety cases. During the tour, the Hover UAV team visited Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, conducting both full-day and 2-hour introductory sessions to educate attendees on conducting BVLOS operations. The sessions aimed to provide participants with an understanding of the requirements and complexities involved in BVLOS operations.

What was discussed?

The interactive sessions conducted by Hover UAV, with support from the NZ Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, included a range of topics related to beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. These sessions were designed to provide attendees with a deeper understanding of the requirements and complexities involved in conducting BVLOS operations, including future requirements for such operations.

One important aspect of these sessions was BVLOS case studies. These case studies provided attendees with real-world examples of BVLOS operations, highlighting the benefits and challenges of conducting such operations. By examining these case studies, attendees were able to gain a better understanding of the various factors that must be considered when conducting BVLOS operations, such as airspace restrictions, regulatory requirements, and safety considerations.

Another key component of these sessions was an expert drone panel. The panel consisted of experts in the drone delivery and advanced air mobility (AAM) sectors, who were able to share their insights and experiences with attendees. This provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to learn from industry leaders and gain a deeper understanding of the latest developments in drone technology and operations.

Overall, these interactive sessions provided a comprehensive overview of the requirements and challenges of BVLOS operations, as well as insights into the latest developments in the drone industry. By attending these sessions, attendees were able to gain a deeper understanding of BVLOS operations and how they can be conducted safely and efficiently.

Drone Panel Hover UAV Swoop Aero Wisk Aero
Phillip Grieve/Jackie Dujmovic (Hover UAV) / Marion Hiriart (Swoop Aero) / Catherine MacGowan (Wisk Aero)

Where can I find out more information about the Part 102 Process – BVLOS in New Zealand?

If you’re looking for more information about the Part 102 process, which is the regulatory framework for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in New Zealand, there are several resources available to you. Here are a few places you can start:

  1. Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA): The CAA is the primary regulatory authority for aviation in New Zealand and oversees the Part 102 process. Their website provides detailed information on the Part 102 process, including guidance material, application forms, and a list of certified UAV operators.
  2. Airways New Zealand: Airways New Zealand is the air navigation services provider in New Zealand and is responsible for managing airspace operations. They work closely with the CAA to ensure safe and efficient operations of unmanned aircraft. Their website provides information on the Part 102 process and how it relates to airspace management.
  3. New Zealand UAV Industry Association (UAVNZ): The UAVNZ is a non-profit industry association that represents the interests of the New Zealand UAV industry. Their website provides information on the Part 102 process, as well as industry news, events, and resources
  4. Hover UAV provides training on the Part 102 process, which is the regulatory framework for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in New Zealand. This training is designed to help individuals and organizations understand the requirements and complexities of the Part 102 process, and ensure that they are able to operate UAVs in compliance with the regulations.

Overall, there are many resources available for learning more about the Part 102 process in New Zealand. By leveraging these resources, you can ensure that you are compliant with the regulations and operating safely and efficiently in the New Zealand airspace.

BVLOS New Zealand

We are here to help

Hover UAV is a consultancy firm that specialises in providing services related to remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) or drones. They have extensive experience in conducting safety cases for Specific Operations Risk Assessments (SORA) and developing documented policies and procedures for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and complex drone operations for clients both domestically and internationally.

Recently, Hover UAV successfully helped Pypervision in obtaining their Part 102 certification for the conduct of BVLOS operations for fog dispersal operations.

If you are unsure about what you need for your BVLOS or complex operations, Hover UAV has Part 102 packages that can cater to your requirements. They also offer Discovery Workshops that can assist in developing your Concept of Operations (Con Ops) to determine your organisational and equipment requirements based on your intended operation.

If you want to learn more about their services, you can contact their team today at 0800 992 753 for a free initial consultation.

Australian Drone Noise Approvals - Hover UAV

Australian Drone Noise Approvals 

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Drones have become increasingly popular in Australia, with more and more people using them for various purposes. However, this rise in drone usage has also raised concerns about the noise they create. The Australian Government has established regulations for drone noise, and in some cases, individuals or organisations can apply for an exemption to these regulations. Australian Drone Noise Approvals can be found here

If you’re a drone operator in Australia, it’s important to know that you must apply for approval under the Noise Regulations. The grace period for adjusting to the new regulatory framework ended on July 1st, 2022. However, most drone operators will likely be exempt or automatically granted approval. For complex or large operations, operators may need to undergo a more detailed assessment before obtaining approval from the department on the Drones.gov.au website. Dones.gov.au is an official website of the Australian Government created to provide information and guidelines related to the use of drones or remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) in Australia. The website aims to educate and inform drone operators about the regulations on safe and lawful drone operations, privacy, and noise. 

Applying for Australian Drone Noise approvals?

You may need to seek approval under the Noise Regulations if:

• You are flying for a commercial purpose and/or you have been issued a remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate (ReOC) (visit CASA’s website).

You do not need to seek approval under the Noise Regulations if:

• You are flying for fun or recreation

• You are flying for a commercial purpose in the ‘Excluded RPA’ category (please see CASA’s Plain English Guide for Micro and Excluded RPA operations for more information)

• You only fly drones that weigh 250 grams or less

• You only fly drones under standard operating conditions (visit CASA’s website)

• You only fly drones for one or more of the following purposes:

• Agricultural operations

• Environmental operations

• Fire-fighting, medical, emergency, or policing purposes

It is recommended you fill out the Self-assessment application form for Australian Drone Noise Approvals located at https://www.drones.gov.au/recreational/noise. You only need to complete this form once to cover your expected and typical drone operations over the next 12 months. If you are not sure about the details of the operations you may be conducting over the next year, answer the questions to the best of your knowledge. If the nature of your operations changes significantly over the next 12 months, you should complete the form again or provide additional information to the department to maintain a valid approval. Details of your obligations will be provided as part of your approval. During the self-assessment form, you will be asked a series of questions on the sort of operations and if your drone operations will impact noise-sensitive areas.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication, and the Arts defines noise-sensitive sites and impacts as:

Noise-sensitive sites are locations that are used for purposes sensitive to noise. This includes:

• Residential buildings

• Schools and places of education including preschools and childcare centers

• Hospitals, aged care facilities, and other health-related facilities

• Places of worship

• Places of temporary residence including hotels and motels

• Cultural sites

• Public recreational buildings and places, e.g., open theatres and amphitheaters.

In determining whether your drone operations are likely to have an impact on noise-sensitive sites, you should take into account the following factors:

• If noise from your drone operation can be clearly heard at the noise-sensitive site, then it can be considered to have an impact. 

Example: A drone operator is inspecting construction works that are next to some apartments. If the drone operator is only flying during the day while construction work is occurring, the drone is unlikely to impact the surrounding residences due to the background construction noise you should answer no it does not have an impact however. If the drone is flying at night, the drone operation would likely have an impact on the surrounding residences as there would be no background construction noise you should answer yes it would have an impact.

However, even if you are operating in a noise-sensitive area and will have a noise impact, it does not necessarily mean that you will be exempt from the noise regulations. You will need to determine if your drone operation will have a noise impact on the same noise-sensitive site(s) on an ongoing basis. To determine this, you need to base it on your typical operations or current plans for the next 12 months.

Drone operations should be considered to have an impact on an ongoing basis if they impact the same sensitive site at least four times per week on average over a period of at least 1 month. 

For example, a drone delivery service regularly operates in the same suburb. Some properties in this suburb will likely be affected by drones flying overhead or providing deliveries to their neighbors on a regular basis. This operator will then have an impact on an ongoing basis. However, a commercial real-estate photographer takes photographs of different houses on a regular basis. The drone operations will impact different sites each day but will not impact the same site on an ongoing basis.

Once you have completed the required form, you will receive a notification about your exemption status. As previously mentioned, the majority of drone operations in Australia will be exempt from noise regulations. An exemption email will be sent to you, which should be kept on file or included in your CASA operation manual (in approvals/exemptions) and renewed annually or if your assessment changes.

Furthermore, the Australian Government is developing a comprehensive outcomes-based Noise Framework for emerging aviation technologies. This framework will incorporate consistent procedures for measuring the noise output of new technologies, noise impact modeling at ground level, noise-based regulations, standard noise threshold settings developed through consultation with local, state, and territorial governments, and the consideration of noise impacts associated with drones and electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles as part of the Infrastructure Planning Framework.

In conclusion, complying with drone noise regulations is crucial for safe and lawful drone operations in Australia. By understanding the regulations, monitoring noise emissions, and applying for an exemption if necessary, drone operators can ensure they are operating within the law and minimising the impact of their drones on the public and wildlife.

About the author

Hover UAV is a leading drone consulting company based in Australia. With years of experience in the industry, we specialise in providing expert advice and support to drone operators of all levels, from beginners to advanced professionals. Our team of experienced and certified drone pilots has a passion for helping our clients achieve their goals safely and efficiently. We are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest drone regulations and technologies, and we take pride in providing exceptional customer service to our clients. If you have any questions or need assistance with drone operations, don’t hesitate to contact us at Hover UAV.

Streamlining Regulatory Approvals for BVLOS Operations

Streamlining Regulatory Approval For BVLOS

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Streamlining Regulatory Approvals

The podcast featuring Jackie Dujmovic is about streamlining regulatory approval processes for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), specifically in relation to controlling drones Beyond the Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS).

Jackie Dujmovic is the CEO and Founder of Hover UAV, an Australian-based company specialising in drone services and consulting. In the podcast, she discusses the challenges of working with regulators to establish processes and regulations that enable BVLOS operations, as well as the checklist for safe BVLOS operations. Additionally, Jackie talks about unmanned systems at Australia’s Avalon Airshow and her experience working with regulators from other jurisdictions.

The podcast is sponsored by Drone Source, an Elsight production. Elsight’s Halo is an AI-powered connectivity platform for unmanned vehicles, providing a reliable and constant connection between drones and ground control stations, even in areas with little reception.

Jackie Dujmovic – Streamlining Regulatory Approval For BVLOS
Drone Risk Assesments

Hover UAV & ANRA Technologies Win Aussie Government Technology Grant for Drone Risk Assessments

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Hover UAV and ANRA Technologies are excited to announce they are one of the recipients of the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts,  $32.6 million Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships program. This two-year program aims to encourage the deployment of emerging aviation technologies to enhance the competitiveness, efficiency, and reliability of Australian aviation. Hover UAV and ANRA Technologies have partnered to design and test a prototype software capability to enable the safe and efficient integration of drones into Australian airspace. The software, SORA-Mate, is an app that can be used on mobile devices or web browsers to satisfy Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requirements for complex drone operations by creating intelligent software for standardized, equitable, and repeatable Risk Assessments for Drone Operators and Authorities. 

 “We are thrilled to receive this grant and continue to contribute to the shared knowledge of RPAS technologies in Australia,” said Jackie Dujmovic, CEO of Hover UAV. She went on to say, “SORA-Mate is an enabler for BVLoS use cases that will expedite the approval process by streamlining and standardizing workflow while simultaneously reducing workload.”

Australian Specific Operational Risk Assessment (SORA) assessments are generated manually, with each submission assessed individually by the Australian CASA. The number of SORA assessments submitted to aviation authorities will increase as drone operators conduct more complex operations, in line with the growing need to fly Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLoS). To avoid delays and improve response times, the review of risk assessments needs to be prompt, uniformly applied, and scalable for different applications. As a starting point, presenting risk assessments in a standardised way allows CASA reviewers to make evidence-based decisions in a timely and repeatable manner.

“By making the process easier and known for both the aviation authority and drone operator, SORA-Mate will lower barriers to entry for BVLoS operations and increase productivity,” said Amit Ganjoo, Founder and CEO of ANRA Technologies. “We are thrilled to be partnered with Hover UAV to develop technology that we envision will help the Australian government and drone operators.”   

SORA-Mate uses the CASA-mandated Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) approach to guide both the applicant and the competent authority in determining whether an operation can be conducted in a safe manner. The project will incorporate an iterative process in which the risk of complex drone operations is systematically identified. Using an intuitive graphical user interface, operators determine where, when, and how they perform the operation without endangering people and objects in the air or on the ground. At the end of this process, there is a detailed description of the planned operation, the risks associated with it, and the measures required to mitigate the risks.

SORA-Mate will connect the operator’s submission with the aviation authority for assessment, expediting the feedback loop. Drone operators will get approvals faster, CASA gains access to more data for analytics, and all stakeholders will have a common framework to assess risk and improve aviation safety. SORA-Mate’s simplified process will greatly benefit the drone community, facilitating fair and equitable access to airspace for all drone operations. The envisioned solution will provide aviation authorities with a tool to measure and assess risk using an internationally recognized methodology while simultaneously providing drone operators a known path for getting safely airborne. 

 “Safety in aviation relies on getting the basics right. SORA-Mate provides that platform for drone operators to achieve their safety objectives in a structured and understandable way,” said Nicola MacPhail, Emerging Aviation Lead at Hover UAV.

The SORA is critical to ensuring safe complex drone operations such as BVLoS. The process of developing these risk assessments can be cumbersome and overwhelming to some drone operators while increasing the workload on aviation authorities. SORA-Mate will help accelerate the early adoption of emerging aviation technologies by dramatically improving the decision timeline and instilling standardization. The project’s expectation is to create a nationwide framework, based on SORA approvals and information technology, enabling drone operator submissions for thorough aviation authority reviews at scale. 

Hover UAV

As one of Australia’s leading drone consulting companies Hover UAV’s extensive knowledge of the Australian airspace ecosystem and experience in developing BVLoS applications will support the SORA-Mate project by providing expertise for CONOPs development, risk assessments, and stakeholder liaison.  Additionally, Hover UAV will lead the management of live flight trials, leveraging their experience as drone operators for BvLoS operations. www.hoveruav.com.au

ANRA Technologies

ANRA Technologies is an international provider of airspace management solutions for autonomous aircraft operators and airspace managers. ANRA offers intelligent and modular traffic management software capabilities for UAS Traffic Management (UTM)/U-space and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations. For organizations that need an enterprise-class drone operations solution, ANRA offers Mission Manager, and for delivery solutions, ANRA offers DELIVERY. Learn more by visiting www.flyanra.com

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