John Lee Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 Published today https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/modalapplication.aspx?appid=11&mode=detail&id=12328 Extract: Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) The use of drones and model aircraft continues to grow as new technologies and capabilities are introduced. As of 31st March 2023, there are 513,860 active registered drone flyers and operators – which consists of: ▪ 215,140 Active Operators: of which 6,275 are Organisations and 208,865 are Individuals ▪ 298,720 Active Flyers: of which 5,917 are under 13 and 292,803 are aged 13+ ▪ 14,638 Active Remote Pilot Competency Qualification Holders ▪ 3,620 Active Specific Category Operational Authorisation Holders ▪ 30 Active Recognised Assessment Entities ▪ 3 Independent Flying Associations In December 2022, the CAA published an updated version of CAP 722: guidance and policy on the operation of unmanned aircraft systems within the UK. A full list of RPAS CAA publications is available on our website. There were 80 accidents/serious incidents involving RPAS reported to the CAA during 2022. This is a decrease from 2021 where 129 reportable accidents/serious incidents were reported. In 2022, 50.6% (41) of reportable accidents and serious incident MORs were reported as loss of control incidents. This was the most frequently reported MOR category in 2022, and between 2017 and 2021 where loss of control accounted for 52.7% (168) of high severity occurrences. System or component failure was the second most frequently reported high severity occurrence in 2022 (21% of these MORS) and the five years prior (23.8%). In 2022 there were no fatal or serious injuries reported, and this is the same as the previous five years. All RPAS reportable accidents and serious incidents are required to be reported to the AAIB, regardless of weight of the drone or if they are being used for commercial purposes. Between 2017 and 2022, there were 334 high severity occurrences involving RPAS reported to the CAA, an average of 56 per year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattyB Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 So in summary, these things are incredibly safe, there is zero evidence that risks are increasing, but the CAA will actively seek to regulate this space to a greater degree 'cos UK Gov and Amazon told us too... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted September 15, 2023 Share Posted September 15, 2023 Pretty much, yes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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