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Drone Operator Accreditation

Written by admin on March 7, 2024. Posted in Educational, Resource Centre. Leave a Comment

In the evolving landscape of drone technology, leveraging remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) for commercial purposes or as part of your professional responsibilities demands adherence to specific regulatory frameworks. Understanding the nuances of these regulations is pivotal for ensuring compliance and maximising the potential of your drone operations. This guide simplifies obtaining a drone operator accreditation, crucial for flying drones in a business context or as a component of your job particularly if operating in the excluded category.

Drone Categories and Operator Accreditation

When operating a micro or excluded RPA, you must be accredited. If you already hold a Remote Pilot license (RePL), you do not need to obtain a drone operator accreditation. Accreditation is free and is valid for three years. There is also the requirement for a person flying a micro RPA to be accredited. You can obtain accreditation after viewing a short safety video, reading the educational material, and successfully completing an online quiz to test your knowledge of the standard RPA operating conditions and drone safety rules. Accreditation can be completed online through the myCASA portal.

For detailed insights into drone weight categories and the respective requirements, delving into resources about drone classifications can provide clarity. Find the link here.

Exemptions from the need for operator accreditation exist under specific conditions, such as holding a remote pilot licence (RePL), possessing a remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate (ReOC), or engaging in recreational flying, including model aircraft association members at CASA-approved fields. Regardless of the exemption status, drone registration remains a prerequisite for operation.

How to Get Operator Accreditation

Eligibility and Application Process

The drone operator accreditation is accessible to individuals flying drones for various commercial purposes, including:

Aerial photography and videography sales
Inspection of industrial sites, construction areas, or infrastructure
Monitoring, surveillance, or security operations
Research and development activities
Employment-related drone usage

This accreditation, which is free of charge and obtainable online, remains valid for three years and is a requirement for both flying drones and overseeing drone operations conducted by others. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, with those under 16 requiring supervision by an accredited adult over 18.

Compliance with drone safety rules and standard operating conditions for micro and excluded category RPAs is non-negotiable. Resources such as the Micro and Excluded Category RPA guide and safety videos offer valuable guidance on these regulations.

Steps to Acquire Your Accreditation

To secure your RPA operator accreditation, follow these streamlined steps:

Digital Identity: Use or create a Digital Identity to log into the myCASA portal.
Aviation Reference Number (ARN): Navigate to the ARN section and apply for an individual or organization ARN, depending on your operation’s nature.
Personal Information: Submit your details, including name, address, and contact information.
Accreditation Quiz: Complete and pass the accreditation quiz with a score of 85% or higher.

Renewing your accreditation before its three-year validity lapses ensures uninterrupted drone operation capabilities. The renewal process, accessible via the myCASA account, allows for a 30-day pre-expiration renewal period.

Digital Accessibility

Upon successfully passing the accreditation quiz, downloading your digital operator accreditation directly to your smartphone becomes possible. This process involves logging into myCASA, navigating to the ‘Drones and RPA’ section, and selecting the download option suitable for your device. Instructions provided facilitate easy addition to your digital wallet, ensuring your accreditation details are readily accessible.

As drone technology continues integrating into commercial and professional realms, adhering to regulatory requirements is fundamental. The pathway to drone operator accreditation is designed to ensure safe, responsible, and compliant drone operations, fostering innovation and operational efficiency in various sectors.

Drone Registration

Written by admin on March 5, 2024. Posted in Educational. Leave a Comment

In today’s rapidly advancing tech landscape, drones have become a pivotal part of various business operations and recreational activities. Australia, keeping pace with these advancements, has set forth regulations to ensure the safe and responsible use of drones. Whether you’re a professional drone operator or just starting in the drone world, understanding the ins and outs of drone registration in Australia is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about registering your drone, ensuring you stay compliant and fly safely.

Understanding the Need for Drone Registration

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) mandates the registration of drones, or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), for individuals and entities flying for business purposes or as part of their job. This regulation is in place to maintain airspace safety, manage the increasing use of drones, and hold operators accountable for their aerial activities.

Who Needs Drone Registration?

If you operate a drone for business or as part of your professional activities, registration is compulsory. This includes, but is not limited to, activities such as aerial photography, site inspections, surveillance, and research and development. However, if your drone flights are purely for recreational purposes, including flying at CASA-approved model airfields, or if you are a commercial drone manufacturer or repairer, you may be exempt from registration.

The Drone Registration Process

Registering your drone in Australia is a straightforward, online process that takes just a few minutes to complete. Each drone’s registration is valid for 12 months, after which you must renew to continue flying legally. Find the link to drone registration here.

Age Requirement

You must be at least 16 years old to register a drone in Australia, ensuring that drone operators have a responsible level of maturity.

RPA Operator Accreditation

Alongside registering your drone, you must also obtain an RPA operator accreditation if you’re flying for business or as part of your job. This rule does not apply if you already hold a remote pilot licence (RePL) or are flying solely for sport or recreation.

Fees and Levies

Drones weighing 500 g or less: Registration is free.
Drones weighing more than 500 g: A registration levy of $40 applies to each drone.

Renewal and Modification

Drone registrations must be renewed annually, with CASA sending out renewal notifications via email. If you modify your drone significantly, it may require deregistration and re-registration as a new entity.

Deregistering Your Drone

Deregistration is necessary if you lose your drone, it’s damaged beyond repair, or if you sell or dispose of it. This step is crucial to avoid being held responsible for any offenses committed by the new owner.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Flying an unregistered drone for business or as part of your job can lead to significant fines, up to $13,750. It’s a reminder of the importance of staying informed and compliant with CASA’s regulations.

Registering your drone and obtaining an RPA operator accreditation is not only a legal requirement but also a step toward promoting safety and responsibility in the drone community. By following these guidelines, you contribute to the safe integration of drones into Australia’s airspace, ensuring that these incredible tools can be used effectively and ethically in various industries and hobbies.

For more detailed information and to register your drone, visit CASA’s official website. Remember, flying a drone is not just about capturing breathtaking views or carrying out business operations—it’s about being a responsible member of the aviation community. Happy flying!

Drone Approvals

Written by admin on March 5, 2024. Posted in Educational. Leave a Comment

In the rapidly evolving world of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), securing the necessary certifications and approvals can be as complex as the technology itself. Recognising this, Hover UAV steps in as a beacon, guiding businesses through the intricate landscape of drone operations. With a suite of specialised services, Hover UAV aims to demystify the drone approvals process, ensuring your operations soar without a hitch.

Comprehensive Support for RPAS Operations

At its core, Hover UAV is designed to bolster the RPAS industry with an array of critical support services. Whether you’re seeking to navigate the Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC) application assessment or needing intricate risk assessment preparation, Hover UAV stands ready. Their services extend to crafting operations manuals and libraries, providing BARS accreditation preparation, and offering consultancy tailored to developing area approval and flight permission applications for both Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations.

Beyond the Basics: Specialised Services for Drone Operators

Drone Approvals – Hover UAV offers essential logistical and operational assistance for entities seeking to navigate the complexities of Australian airspace, including international operators planning to make their mark in Australia. Boasting a successful history of facilitating the entry of organisations from countries like the United States, Israel, New Zealand and South Korea, amongst others, into the Australian RPAS landscape, Hover UAV stands as an ideal partner for ensuring your seamless integration and prosperity within this regulatory framework.

Tailored Training Solutions

Hover UAV provides training to help organisations enhance their operational capabilities by enabling new and existing operations to extend beyond the limits of Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), including Extended Visual Line of Sight (EVLOS) and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. The training includes a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge and processes necessary for obtaining Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) approval in safety planning, evaluating, and conducting Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) operations.

The Path to CASA Approvals

In an industry where obtaining permissions, approvals, and exemptions is par for the course, Hover UAV simplifies the journey. Initiating the process with a drone safety audit, they assess the current state of procedures, developing a robust safety case to present to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). From permissions around aerodromes to exemptions allowing operations outside standard regulations, Hover UAV ensures that your drone operations comply with all necessary guidelines, facilitating a smooth approval process.

International Drone Approvals

Hover UAV is expanding its reach across various aviation regulatory jurisdictions worldwide, with plans to continue growing. The team at Hover UAV is actively seeking regulatory approvals for cutting-edge operations, including Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) and ONE-TO-MANY, among other pioneering approvals. This pursuit places Hover UAV at the forefront of understanding and navigating the complex regulatory landscapes and processes from around the globe.

Hover UAV: Your Guide to Drone Approvals

Hover UAV shines as a leader in providing expert advice and comprehensive solutions for RPAS operations. From securing extended visual line of sight (EVLOS) operations to managing Remote Operations Centers (ROC), their expertise covers a wide gamut of needs. With a focus on compliance and efficiency, Hover UAV stands as a pivotal resource for businesses navigating the complex realm of drone approvals and regulations.

Interested in elevating your drone operations? Contact Hover UAV to explore how they can support your aspirations in the skies.

The Sky’s the Limit: Australia’s Drone Market Set for Explosive Growth

Written by admin on February 15, 2024. Posted in Educational, Resource Centre. Leave a Comment

The Sky’s the Limit – Australia stands on the cusp of a remarkable evolution in the drone industry, with projections indicating a trajectory of rapid growth and innovation. In this blog, we delve into the findings of a groundbreaking report by Scyne Advisory commissioned for Air Services Australia which forecasts the Australian drone market’s expansion through 2043. This analysis not only underscores the potential for advanced air mobility but also highlights the critical role of drones in reshaping various sectors, from transport and logistics to agriculture and environmental management.

A Glimpse into the Future:
The drone industry in Australia is experiencing a pivotal transformation. Expected to grow by an average of 20% annually over the next 20 years, the sector is set to reach an astonishing 60 million flights by 2043. This growth is concentrated in urban areas, signaling the advent of a new era in aviation and logistics, propelled by significant technological advancements and regulatory developments.

Credit:- Airservices Australia / Scyne Advisory

Technological and Regulatory Catalysts:
The evolution from speculative discussions to tangible prototypes and services marks a new chapter for drones in Australia. Innovations spurred by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have played a crucial role in this transition. The industry’s maturity is now paving the way for sophisticated uses, such as goods delivery and passenger transport, transforming what was once science fiction into reality.

The Importance of a UTM System:
As drones become integral to various commercial applications, the need for an efficient Uncrewed Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) system becomes increasingly apparent. The anticipated influx of drone flights emphasizes the necessity for a framework that ensures safe and equitable airspace access, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between the government and the industry to refine regulatory frameworks conducive to growth.

Reshaping Industries:
The projected boom in the drone market offers innovative solutions to traditional challenges, creating new opportunities for economic growth across sectors. This evolution signifies a shift towards more connected, efficient, and innovative approaches to mobility and transportation, marking a pivotal moment in Australia’s journey towards embracing advanced air mobility.

Australia’s drone industry is at a turning point, with the potential to significantly impact various sectors by offering innovative solutions and creating new opportunities for economic growth. The key to unlocking this potential lies in continued technological innovation, regulatory progress, and collaboration between the government and the industry. As we look towards the future, it’s clear that the sky’s the limit for Australia’s drone market, promising a new era of efficiency and innovation in aviation and beyond.

Ready to join the drone revolution? Contact Hover UAV today to launch your organisation’s drone program. For a full report download, click here.

BVLOS Regulatory Processes

Written by admin on July 2, 2023. Posted in Educational, Resource Centre. Leave a Comment

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

BVLOS Operations in the Next Decade

Written by admin on March 27, 2023. Posted in Educational. Leave a Comment

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

Written by admin on March 26, 2023. Posted in Educational. Leave a Comment

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.

Australian Drone Noise Approvals

Written by admin on March 17, 2023. Posted in Educational. Leave a Comment

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

Written by admin on March 6, 2023. Posted in Educational. Leave a Comment

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

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

Written by admin on November 7, 2022. Posted in News & Media, Resource Centre. Leave a Comment

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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