Hover UAV – AAUS Finalists. At Hover UAV, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude as we share the news of our selection as a finalist in the prestigious Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems (AAUS) awards for 2024, notably in the Education and Safety category. This accolade highlights our pioneering initiative, the “Chief Remote Pilot Support and Train the Trainer Packages,” specifically tailored to elevate the expertise and knowledge of Chief Remote Pilots (CRPs) throughout Australia.
Program Highlights:
Target Audience: Our program is meticulously designed for CRPs who navigate the complexities of staying abreast with the ever-evolving industry changes while maintaining active engagement with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Objective: We aim to comprehensively update CRPs on the latest regulatory knowledge, significantly enhance their practical skills, and facilitate an effective knowledge transfer process.
Components: The program’s structure is comprehensive, including personalized one-on-one regulation and training sessions, in-depth updates on regulations, dedicated flight test support, and specific training on the latest hardware/software technologies. This is further augmented by our bespoke Train the Trainer packs, designed to empower CRPs with the tools needed for internal team training.
Impact and Value:
The “Chief Remote Pilot Support and Train the Trainer Packages” program has made a substantial contribution towards enhancing safety and efficiency within the unmanned systems industry. By addressing the pressing need for CRPs to possess up-to-date knowledge and skills, our initiative stands out for its practicality and indispensability. Through personalized regulatory update sessions and hands-on training, we ensure that CRPs are thoroughly prepared to navigate their multifaceted roles. The tangible positive outcomes, including improved exam pass rates and the successful assimilation of new regulations, attest to the program’s significant impact on operational safety and competence.
As we celebrate this recognition, we also want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the other finalists. Being acknowledged alongside such distinguished contributions to the unmanned systems industry is truly an honor, reflecting a collective dedication to propelling the sector forward in terms of safety and education.
Our unwavering commitment to enhancing the skills and safety practices of Chief Remote Pilots has not only earned us a finalist position in the AAUS awards but also underscores our broader commitment to the advancement of the unmanned systems industry. This nomination serves as a testament to our team’s hard work and the innovative approach we’ve taken to address the unique challenges faced by CRPs, reinforcing our dedication to leading the way in safety and education within this dynamic field.
Should you or your organisation require any CRP assistance please feel free to contact Hover UAV for more information.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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 sightof 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.
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 – 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.
Hover UAV – BVLOS Operations
If you’re interested in Hover UAV’s BVLOS Rating examtraining 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.
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
Jackie Dujmovic, CEO of Hover UAV has been re-elected to the board of the Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems (AAUS) for another 3-year tenure. Jackie had already completed a term serving on the board of the AAUS which had come to the end of its term requiring re-election. For re-election, a vote was conducted amongst AAUS industry body members, and the outcome was decided with Jackie being reinstated on the board for an additional 3 years. As there were 7 nominees for 5 Board positions, a vote was required to determine the result.
Australian Association for Unmanned Systems is a not-for-profit industry association representing organisations and individuals who are interested in the development, manufacture, operation, or effect of uncrewed systems in Australia. Representations extend across uncrewed systems in the air, land, and sea domains as well as advanced air mobility.
The organisation’s objectives are:
to further the advancement of uncrewed systems in Australia and the surrounding region;
to encourage the advancement of technology associated with the uncrewed systems community;
to promote the education of the membership and those directly associated with uncrewed systems and of the general public;
to broaden professional relationships among members;
to maintain and increase the professional standing of the membership;
to provide support to worthy candidates in the field of uncrewed systems;
to recognise and award honors to individuals and organisations making great contributions to the field of uncrewed systems.
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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.