HELIGUY.com

The future of UK drone integration and BVLOS operations is taking shape, with the CAA launching a consultation on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM).

The released concept of operations outlines CAA's proposed approach to UTM architecture and regulatory requirements, with the aim of supporting the safe, efficient, and scalable integration of UAS into UK airspace traffic management.

The proposals cover:
• UTM service provider certification requirements
• Flight authorisation, geo-awareness, and conflict management services
• Integration between unmanned and manned aviation
• Data-sharing, interoperability, and digital airspace services
• Support for routine BVLOS operations at scale
• Future integration of manned and unmanned aviation

https://www.heliguy.com/blogs/posts/caa-launches-consultation-on-the-future-of-uk-utm

The CAA is encouraging feedback from all stakeholders, including operators, UTM service providers, and data service providers.

Consultation responses are open until 28 August 2026.

"This approval is a game changer for Network Rail."

That's the view of Liam Barrington, Operations Drone Project Manager, Network Rail Western Route, following heliguy™'s BVLOS SORA SAIL II authorisation from the UK CAA.

https://www.heliguy.com/blogs/posts/heliguy-secures-sora-approval-for-network-rail-bvlos-flights/

It enables remote DJI Dock 3 operations at Network Rail sites in Gloucester and Romford, supporting the Western and Anglia routes, with flights conducted by heliguy™ pilots from heliguy™'s Remote Operations Command Centre in Newcastle.

Liam says it will "transform how our operational and route crime teams work, giving us greater control and insight across our entire network."

For Ken Durling, Asset Engineer (Track Renewals) for Network Rail's Anglia Route, the value lies in access to trusted information.

"BVLOS is not simply an advancement in drone operations; it is a step change in the availability of trusted information and a more proactive approach to asset stewardship," he says.

The capability will support faster incident response, enhanced infrastructure monitoring, more informed decision-making, and reduced disruption.

Looking to deploy or scale drone-in-a-box operations? Our DJI Dock team - including solutions engineers, accredited technicians, and regulatory specialists - can support you.

We're proud to continue supporting Natural England's drone programme through the delivery of further training.

This week's GVC course included hands-on, instructor-led sessions, helping candidates strengthen their skills for vital conservation and geodiversity surveys.

Natural England uses drones across a range of projects, including work to conserve, manage, and protect Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Drone training provision: https://www.heliguy.com/drone-training/

Great to welcome the team from Dales Surveying Ltd to heliguy™ HQ for DJI Dock 3 handover training.

Delivered by our accredited Dock 3 Advanced Technician, Kevin Morton, the session covered hardware, DJI FlightHub 2 software, and operational best practices.

Dales Surveying is an experienced drone operator supporting sectors including property, telecommunications, renewable energy, and construction.

The company is using Dock 3 to establish and refine its drone-in-a-box workflows, laying the foundations for future BVLOS operations.

The system will support a range of applications, including inspections, surveying, and digital modelling.

Having supported Dales Surveying's drone programme for numerous years, we're excited to see the next phase of that journey and how the team benefits from DJI Dock 3.



Link: https://www.heliguy.com/dji-drones-shop/dji-docks/

Using the DJI Matrice 400 for utility and powerline inspections?
DJI's latest firmware update introduces several workflow enhancements.

v17.02.12.04 focuses on inspection operations, adding Line Inspection support for the Zenmuse H30 Series and enhanced Power Line Follow feature for LiDAR payloads.

Key additions:
• Line Inspection support for Zenmuse H30 Series
• Gimbal pitch adjustment during Line Inspection missions
• Continued Power Line Follow after signal loss when using Zenmuse L2 or Zenmuse L3

More firmware updates on DJI Dock, FlightHub 2, and Matrice 4 Series: https://www.heliguy.com/blogs/posts/dji-firmware-updates-may-2026/

Great couple of days in St Albans delivering GVC training to Bouygues Travaux Publics – Murphy Joint Venture.

This 2-day course focused on safe and compliant drone operations to support surveying applications across infrastructure and construction projects.

Well done to both candidates attended on completing the course.

Our GVC course is currently on sale – find out more here, along with our other drone training courses at heliguy™:

https://www.heliguy.com/dji-drones-shop/drone-training-courses/

Completing the Level 5 Award strengthens my capability in drone operations management.

That’s the view of Darren Clementson, Tech and Drone Manager at Silverback Films, after achieving the qualification with heliguy™.

Working in Natural History filmmaking, Darren says the course has deepened his knowledge across flight safety, maintenance, audits, and operational responsibility.

He says the qualification has also added credibility when working with industry professionals and given him greater confidence when planning more complex shoots.

Congratulations to Darren on completing the heliguy™ Level 5 Award for UAS Operations Managers, regulated by Ofqual and endorsed by TQUK.

Read the full story: https://www.heliguy.com/blogs/posts/drone-operations-management-level-5-award/

Book your place on the next heliguy™ Level 5 course: https://www.heliguy.com/products/ofqual-level-5-drone-training-course/

On 7 May 2026, heliguy™ secured UK CAA SORA approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations on behalf of Network Rail.

The approval enables remote DJI Dock 3 operations at sites on Western and Anglia routes, with missions controlled by heliguy™ pilots from our Remote Operations Command Centre in Newcastle.

Granted under the UK SORA framework at SAIL 2, this milestone demonstrates how scalable drone-in-a-box operations can safely support critical national infrastructure.
The project will help enhance monitoring, improve operational efficiency, and support the deterrence of trespass and criminal activity across the rail network.

This approval marks continued progress in heliguy™’s BVLOS and Dock operations capability, backed by in-house regulatory expertise and operational experience.

To explore scalable BVLOS Dock operations within your organisation, contact the heliguy™ team.

https://www.heliguy.com/contacts/