ARPAS-UK’s Post

At the UAS Summit & Expo in North Dakota this week, I had the honor of sitting down with the Federal Aviation Administration’s UAS and AAM Leadership to clarify some of the confusion I’ve been hearing about the new AAM Integration Office standing up within the Aviation Safety (AVS) side of the Agency. What stood out for me: 📌 AAM falls higher on the risk continuum than sUAS. This requires a different level of rigor and mitigation. 📌 The AAM Integration Office is building upon foundational steps the FAA’s NextGen Office has been working on. This is the next logical step to move AAM focus closer to regulation. 📌 The FAA learning from UAS efforts has resulted in notable rulemaking timeline reductions, from 20+ years of the past to 3 years in today’s world. 📌 The UAS Integration Office will continue to prioritize evolving sUAS integration through highly automated to autonomous flight. 📌 AVS is applying lessons learned from the last decade of sUAS integration to avoid experiencing growing pains of similar waiver delays and rulemaking setbacks with AAM. 📌 The two offices are structured to be very closely connected. The Executives in place are both operationally experienced, a deliberate approach to accelerate operationalization. Two favorite quotes: 💡 “We are learning by doing.” - Jodi Baker, Deputy Associate Administrator, Aviation Safety I can’t ❤️ this one enough! We all can appreciate how important this statement is coming from the regulator!!! 💡 “The NAS didn’t just turn on when an old NAS was switched off. It evolved over time.“ - Jeffrey Vincent, Executive Director, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration A solid reminder that our impatience needs to be checked with a dose of reality at times. I appreciate how our FAA leadership continues to show up for meaningful information sharing and discussion. I think it’s important we see and hear the humans behind the regulation, and they see and hear you. Thank you to my esteemed colleague Michael Guterres for the picture of our discussion in action! #uass24 #uas #utm #publicsafety #drones #faa #dronesforgood #dfr #science #research #dronesasfirstresponders #cuas #AAM #lawenforcement #federalaviationregulation #airspace #aircraft #aviation #bvlos #dronetech #dronedata #aviationdata #sms #aviationsafety #aviationrisk #nationaldefense #dod #dhs #doj #blueuas #homelandsecurity #collaboration #partnerships #diversity #dei #womenhelpingwomen #leadership #strategy #meaningfulintelligence #auvsi #cda #globalautonomy

The transatlantic partnership is of enormous importance on very different levels. Dialogue and networking between Europe and the United States of America are also important with regard to commercial #UAS/ #eVTOL use in order to work together to create optimal framework conditions for the UAS/ #AAM industry and establish recognized technological and regulatory standards. Topics such as these are therefore part of the intensive exchange within the framework of our partnership with the AUVSI — Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International.   At a personal meeting at the AUVSI premises in Washington D.C., the preparations for EUROPEAN DRONE FORUM (February 17-18, 2025) and XPONENTIAL Europe (February 18-20, 2025) in Düsseldorf were of course a major topic of discussion between Michael Robbins (President & CEO AUVSI), Dr. Gerald Wissel (CEO UAV DACH) and Malte Seifert - MBA (Messe Düsseldorf, Director XPONENTIAL Europe). Other important aspects for the future development of the UAS/AAM industry on both sides of the Atlantic were also discussed.   For example, how concepts and formats could be jointly developed to attract investors to the drone economy. This is because many companies in both the USA and Europe face the challenge of convincing investors of their ideas and products. However, without the necessary capital, many business models cannot be implemented and innovative technologies cannot be brought to market readiness.     No less important are reliable industry standards in the areas of qualification and certification of specialists as well as issues relating to cybersecurity and data security. Last but not least, there was a common understanding that AUVSI and UAV DACH want to engage in a close exchange with a view to future debates and initiatives at the level of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and seek common positions in order to achieve progress in the interests of the respective member companies and the global UAS/AAM industry.

Self-improvement in the aviation field often involves continuous learning, skill development, and adaptation to emerging technologies. For aviation professionals, this could mean pursuing advanced certifications, engaging in regular training, or staying updated with the latest industry standards and safety regulations. Embracing new technologies, such as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), can significantly enhance one's expertise and operational efficiency. Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or drones, are transforming the aviation landscape by offering innovative solutions in various sectors, from surveying and agriculture to search and rescue operations. As these systems become more sophisticated, they require a new set of skills and knowledge. Understanding UAS technology involves learning about their design, operation, and regulatory environment. Professionals can enhance their capabilities by obtaining UAS certifications, mastering drone piloting skills, and staying informed about the latest advancements in drone technology and applications. By integrating UAS into their skill set, aviation experts can expand their operational scope and contribute to the advancement of the industry.

Hover UAV and ANRA Technologies have today launched SORA-Mate, an automated risk assessment tool for drone operators in Australia, New Zealand and the wider APAC region. SORA-Mate was developed to automate the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) process. By streamlining submissions and ensuring compliance, SORA-Mate simplifies the regulatory journey for both operators and regulators, improving application accuracy, reducing delays, and making it easier for operators to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights. Hover UAV are running an information webinar this Wednesday, with a live demonstration of SORA-Mate, showing how it simplifies the BVLOS approval process. See below for futher details and the link to register. #SORA #BVLOS #approvals #regulatory #innovation #emergingaviation #newtech #technology

The distinction between UAS and sUAS is more than just size- it's about security. Discover how C-sUAS technology, especially cyber-takeover solutions, addresses this in my blog post!

It looks like a good story, seems like a lot of money, but is it? I’m not so sure. That’s $2.2m per company. If you want the best engineers, the best researchers doing leading edge work you’re competing in a limited pool. Salaries are $200kplus, a slice of the business (albeit small), or some other incentive. You need facilities, the costs of employment (add workers comp, payroll tax liabilities) plus some money to keep the owners going. Still haven’t included tooling and consumables. So, $2.2m might get you 3-4 people plus the ones you’ve got for a year. There won’t be “accelerated” outcomes if we don’t give innovators the freedom and resources to innovate. The money looks too small for “accelerated”. It’s a penny pinching, salami slicing, choke on what could be “rapid development”. It looks like “innovation” the same way we’ve always done it through government. We can’t afford to do it all, nor can we afford to to treat innovation as a slow drip feed. Resource starved, pedestrian, without pressure. Next Friday can’t look like last Friday. This looks a lot like government procurement, and why wouldn’t it? Capability quickly, refreshed, is better than something sometime. This isn’t going to get us inside the speed of development of a potential adversary. We need to start doing this very differently, if we do want a different outcome. We need to challenge the traditional. What would it really take to accelerate some of these into fielded capabilities, where it will make a difference? @kiah

UAS vs. sUAS: Small detail, Big impact to #counterdrone tech development and application. Discover why in Nevo Alani’s debut blog! Read now!

"Added a new credential to my professional portfolio: Remote Pilot Certificate. Equipped with the knowledge and skills to ensure safe and compliant drone operations, I am eager to contribute to the ever-evolving world of unmanned aerial systems." #RemotePilotCertificate #DroneCertification #UASOperator #UnmannedAircraftSystems #AerialExpertise #DronesInTheWorkplace #AviationIndustry #DronePilotLife #AerialInnovation #FlightSafety #DroneOperations #CertifiedPilot #ProfessionalDronePilot #AerialPhotography #DroneIndustry

The full-scale prototype of ASKA™ A5, the world’s first roadable electric-hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, has progressed through a series of successful tethered unmanned flight tests.    The tethered unmanned flights took place in a private airfield located in California. Since the renewal of our special airworthiness certificate this past July, A5 performed the unmanned tethered flights at a low altitude while loosely tethered to the ground. During the flights, ASKA engineers measured flight and system parameters to verify thrust, flight control, electric and thermal system performance, to include vibration and temperature parameters. The ongoing flight testing has also enabled us to perform extensive fine tuning of the flight control systems to improve maneuverability and stability while minimizing the influence of ground effects. To date, ASKA has conducted over 350 successful tethered flight tests. The ASKA A5 prototype received its initial special airworthiness certification in July 2023. Under its current special airworthiness certificate and its certificate of waiver or authorization (COA), the A5 will fly untethered up to 200 ft above ground level (AGL), as well as being capable to perform vertical takeoffs and landings, and hovering. The completion of these flights will be Stage 1. Conventional flight, and transitioning from vertical to horizontal flight, will follow after the completion of Stage 1 of flight testing. In addition to flight testing, the ASKA A5 prototype has successfully completed more than 500 miles of road testing, noting that the A5 is the size of an SUV while in Drive Mode, as well as completing "Drive to Flight" transition testing while on the ground. The four-seater ASKA™ A5  makes maximum use of existing infrastructure, such as charging stations, airfields, helipads and runways, and can operate with today’s infrastructure. The A5 also offers the “first and last mile transportation,” enabling it to seamlessly integrate into existing air and ground infrastructure.  #businessnews #airmobility #startups #innovation #aerospace #technology

IAI and Aerotor's Strategic Alliance The drone technology landscape is on the cusp of a transformative leap, thanks to the strategic partnership between IAI - Israel Aerospace Industries and Aerotor Unmanned Systems LTD . This collaboration is set to redefine unmanned aerial capabilities, introducing drones that promise enhanced payload, extended flight duration, and superior maneuverability. Strategic Insights: 🛸 The fusion of IAI's aviation prowess with Aerotor's innovative Apus multicopter design is poised to elevate drone performance standards across industries, including defense and commercial sectors. 🛸 This market disruption signals a shift in the competitive landscape, compelling industry players to accelerate their innovation cycles to match these new benchmarks. 🛸 The partnership underscores the importance of strategic alliances in driving technological advancements and operational efficiencies in the drone space. Market Dynamics: 💡 Enhanced drone capabilities from this collaboration could lead to a paradigm shift in applications such as surveillance, logistics, and agriculture, where increased payload and flight time are critical. 💡 As competitors scramble to respond, we can expect a surge in R&D investments and potential mergers and acquisitions within the drone technology sector. 💡 The ripple effect of this partnership may also influence regulatory frameworks as authorities adapt to the evolving capabilities of unmanned systems. Investor Insights: 💼 For investors, the IAI-Aerotor alliance represents a beacon of growth within the drone technology market. Companies at the forefront of such innovations are prime candidates for strategic investments. 💼 Risk assessments should factor in regulatory, competitive, and geopolitical considerations, ensuring a balanced approach to capitalizing on this emerging opportunity. 💼 Long-term strategic considerations are paramount, as the implications of this partnership will likely shape the trajectory of the drone industry for years to come. The sky's the limit for IAI and Aerotor as they embark on this game-changing journey. For investors and industry stakeholders, staying attuned to these developments is key to navigating the future of drone technology. For more insights into the dynamic world of drone innovation and go to market strategy, follow Market Unwinded or reach out to us at info@marketunwinded.com - Your compass in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Read More: https://lnkd.in/g_f7MdUY #IAI #Aerotor #DroneTechnology #StrategicPartnership #Innovation #MarketUnwinded #InvestmentOpportunities #TechTrends