It would be really helpful if you could send the following email to the Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Sir Stephen Hillier. Email: stephen.hillier[at]caa.co.uk
Please let us have a copy of any reply you receive. More information on this topic is available here and here.
Subject: SkyGuardian trial flights in UK airspace
Dear Sir Stephen,
I am writing to you as I am concerned about the proposal to allow flights of General Atomics’ unmanned aerial vehicle, SkyGuardian, in UK airspace this summer.
I understand that the CAA is to make a decision soon on whether General Atomics’ on-board Detect and Avoid (DAA) equipment means that SkyGuardian can fly unsegregated in UK airspace. I urge the CAA to carry out an independent safety review of the DAA equipment and SkyGuardian itself. While the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has granted a conditional certificate for SkyGuardian to fly in the United States, this was largely based on data and assurances provided to it by its manufacturer, General Atomics. A more rigorous and independent assessment should be carried out before flights commence in the UK.
I understand that there is a great deal of pressure on the CAA to open UK skies to beyond visual line of sight flights of large drones, but the CAA’s first priority must be safety of both the public and other air users.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely…
UK Drone Watch 