ARPAS-UK | The UK Drone Association

ARPAS-UK | The UK Drone Association

Welcome to the ARPAS-UK Podcast, your gateway to the UK's commercial drone industry. ARPAS-UK, a non-profit trade association since 2013, is dedicated to accelerating the safe and innovative adoption of drones across all sectors. Join us for our fireside chats and bite-sized update shorts, as we delve into industry trends, regulatory updates, and more, providing valuable insights for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Stay informed and connected with the collective voice empowering the UK's commercial drone community. UAV | UAS | Drone Industry, Regulation & More https://arpas.uk

  1. Agri-Tech | Getting off the Ground – A Land Manager’s Blueprint for Agri-Drone Operations

    JAN 27

    Agri-Tech | Getting off the Ground – A Land Manager’s Blueprint for Agri-Drone Operations

    ARPAS-UK The UK Drone Association‬ | Jo Bellett | Chair of ARPAS-UK’s Agri-Environment SIG AutoSpray Systems | Andy Sproson & Rob Pearson National Trust | Keith Challis Woodland Trust | Vanessa Burton Lancashire Wildlife Trust | Mike Longden This episode is specifically structured to assist and inspire landowners, land managers, and other partners to navigate the process of initiating successful drone operations. The session aims to demystify agri-drone technology for a non-expert audience, teaching them how to take a conceptual idea (‘surely we could do this from the air’) and translate it into a safe, commercially viable, and compliant operation. Critically, attendees will hear directly from project partners at the National Trust, The Woodland Trust and Lancashire Wildlife Trust who have successfully navigated this journey, walking through examples of drone innovation projects from the ‘bright idea’ stage to full execution. This briefing acts as a foundational resource, proving that with the right guidance, any organisation can explore and launch innovative, pioneering drone projects. 📺 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 - Go to https://arpas.uk to find out more The Agri-Tech Frontiers journey is just beginning. Join us for our next events as we chart the future of agri-drones in the UK. ⭐ 𝗔𝗚𝗥𝗜-𝗘𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗜𝗚 @ 𝗔𝗥𝗣𝗔𝗦-𝗨𝗞 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗞 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Providing a collaborative forum to explore how drone technology supports precision farming, crop health assessment, soil and water management, habitat mapping, biodiversity monitoring and conservation. Find out more at ARPAS-UK here

    1h 11m
  2. Agri-Tech | Insuring the Skies - De-Risking the Tech & Protecting the Operator

    12/18/2025

    Agri-Tech | Insuring the Skies - De-Risking the Tech & Protecting the Operator

    AGRI-TECH FRONTIERS WEB SERIES | 03 Visit the article here! ARPAS-UK | Jo Bellett | Chair of ARPAS-UK’s Agri-Environment SIG & Elena Major | Head of OperationsAutoSpray Systems | Scott DowellMoonrock Drone Insurance | Simon RitterbandFarm Safety Foundation (FSF) ‘Yellow Wellies‘ – Alix Morley The third episode of the Agri-Tech Frontiers webinar series focused on how uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) are being used in agriculture, with particular attention on risk, safety, insurance, and operator protection. Bringing together agri-drone operators, insurers, and farm safety specialists, the session explored how drones are already changing day-to-day agricultural operations and what this means in practice for regulation, insurance, and on-farm safety. Speakers shared real operational experience, highlighting the importance of training, clear operating standards, and transparent incident reporting. The discussion also looked at how insurance products are adapting to reflect emerging agri-drone use cases, including crop spraying, and how this can support wider adoption. The webinar also placed agri-drone technology in the broader context of farm safety and mental wellbeing, considering where drones may help reduce exposure to some of agriculture’s highest-risk activities. This web series is in conjunction with the ARPAS-UK Agri-Environment Special Interest Group.  You can also find more Drones in Agriculture related content here at ARPAS-UK.  If you would like to get in touch with the Special Interest Group at ARPAS-UK, please contact agri_env@arpas.uk This session is part of our eight-part web series ‘Agri-Tech Frontiers‘. You can find out what’s coming up next in the schedule by visiting the ARPAS-UK website! 👉 Become a member of the UK's association for the commercial drone industry! Join Now: ⁠⁠https://arpas.uk/join-arpas-uk/⁠⁠ ** 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 ** 𝗔𝗥𝗣𝗔𝗦-𝗨𝗞 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: ⁠⁠https://arpas.uk/⁠⁠ 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻: /arpas-uk 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: /ukarpas 𝗫: /arpasuk At ARPAS-UK, we’re dedicated to supporting the UK’s commercial drone industry through webinars, industry news, networking, CPD, and much more. Join the association today to stay connected and ahead in the field.

    57 min
  3. FiresideChat 11 | Virginia Beach & AUVSI-HR – Your UAV Sector Springboards into the USA

    12/11/2025

    FiresideChat 11 | Virginia Beach & AUVSI-HR – Your UAV Sector Springboards into the USA

    ARPAS-UK recently hosted Association members City of Virginia Beach and the AUVSI (Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International) Hampton Roads chapter to discuss the latest developments in US drone operations – and how UK organisations can take practical steps toward expanding into the US market. Visit the article here! This session is essential viewing for UK companies looking to understand the US landscape, identify opportunities and connect with regional leaders driving uncrewed systems innovation. We hear from: Anne-Lise Scaillierez – CEO & Director of ARPAS-UK Dominique DeBose – Business Development Manager, City of Virginia Beach Economic Development Charles Macdowell – Business Development – Representative, UK & ROI, City of Virginia Beach Anthony ‘Tony‘ Sanchez – President, AUVSI Hampton Roads chapter If you’re exploring opportunities in the United States, this Fireside Chat provides a direct, practical overview of how to get started and who can support your journey. Find out more at: https://arpas.uk/virginia-beach-auvsi-hr-your-uav-sector-springboards-into-the-usa/ 👉 Become a member of the UK's association for the commercial drone industry! Join Now: https://arpas.uk/join-arpas-uk/ ** 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 ** 𝗔𝗥𝗣𝗔𝗦-𝗨𝗞 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://arpas.uk/ 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻: /arpas-uk 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: /ukarpas 𝗫: /arpasuk At ARPAS-UK, we’re dedicated to supporting the UK’s commercial drone industry through webinars, industry news, networking, CPD, and much more. Join the association today to stay connected and ahead in the field.

    11 min
  4. FiresideChat 10 | Exploring the Capabilities of the Drone Test & Development Centre DTDC at Westcott

    12/01/2025

    FiresideChat 10 | Exploring the Capabilities of the Drone Test & Development Centre DTDC at Westcott

    🔥 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝟭𝟬 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗥𝗣𝗔𝗦-𝗨𝗞 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘁, 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗲-𝗟𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘇 sits down with 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗻 of  SatelliteApplicationsCatapult  and explores the facilities and capabilities at the DTDC, now one of the CAA pre-approved Testing Centres for drones. They also discuss the Satellite Applications Catapult organisation’s broader role within the UK’s emerging drone test and evaluation landscape. The DTDC centre is a secure environment to test and evaluate drone products and services, including capabilities that will support pilot training and remote flight operations. Westcott, as a former RAF airfield without general aviation, features multiple open flying areas, no conflicting traffic, and low residential density - making it an ideal location for uncrewed specialist companies to test and develop their vehicles and sensors. Phil outlines how Satellite Applications Catapult supports companies developing autonomous and space-linked technologies - helping organisations move from early-stage concepts through to scalable systems. As one of three UK sites able to support testing of modified or yet unproven platforms, they help to support a pathway through the SORA process that can reduce typical requirements, easing the challenges faced by SMEs and startups undertaking early test and evaluation activities, and offering the same streamlined framework to established companies with more complex requirements. The discussion also touches on the wider facilities available at the site, such as clean rooms, workshops, hangars, laboratories, zero-gravity simulation robotics area, a 10×10m indoor drone test cage, and urban ranges for sensor and LiDAR calibration. Beyond the physical infrastructure, Catapult draws on expertise across areas including software engineering, Earth observation, additive manufacturing, robotics, and PNT (positioning, navigation & timing).Phil provides useful context on how the Catapult fits alongside other UK test locations, including Snowdonia Aerospace Centre and WholeShip in Cornwall. Each site offers different strengths, and together they contribute to a more connected national testing framework - from early proof-of-concept work within VLOS through to advanced BVLOS trials and more. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, Phil also outlines how to engage with the Catapult team through their website and initial contact channels. 🔗 Get in touch with the DTDC team – facilities@sa.catapult.org.uk ✉️ Get in touch with ARPAS-UK – membership@arpas.uk ****🎯 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗣𝗔𝗦-𝗨𝗞 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗞 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 For insight, influence and industry connection. 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱. 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱. 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱.**** 👉 Become a member of the UK's association for the commercial drone industry! Join Now: https://arpas.uk/join-arpas-uk/ ** 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 ** 𝗔𝗥𝗣𝗔𝗦-𝗨𝗞 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://arpas.uk/ 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻: /arpas-uk 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: /ukarpas 𝗫: /arpasuk At ARPAS-UK, we’re dedicated to supporting the UK’s commercial drone industry through webinars, industry news, networking, CPD, and much more. Join the association today to stay connected and ahead in the field.

    13 min
  5. Agri-Tech | The Commercial Imperative with Craig Roberts of PwC

    11/21/2025

    Agri-Tech | The Commercial Imperative with Craig Roberts of PwC

    Join Craig Roberts, Head of Aerial Intelligence & Innovation at PwC UK and lead author of the newly released UK Drone Regulations and Net Risk report, for a strategic discussion on accelerating the commercialisation and safe, scalable adoption of drone technology in UK agriculture. The new report was published in September 2025. This session builds on the report’s findings by reframing the debate from isolated aviation risk to the concept of Net Risk, demonstrating how drones actively reduce overall harm and save lives by replacing dangerous traditional methods. We explore the case for ‘Picking Winners’: focusing regulatory and commercial effort on high-benefit, low-risk use cases like crop spraying and seeding to deliver fast, tangible growth. This event is a crucial platform for operators and stakeholders to understand the strategic direction, economic vision, and clear pathway for agricultural drone innovation and for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations in particular to become the scalable, efficient standard for UK farming. This web series is in conjunction with the ARPAS-UK Agri-Environment Special Interest Group. You can also find more Drones in Agriculture related content here at ARPAS-UK. If you would like to get in touch with the Special Interest Group at ARPAS-UK, please contact agri_env@arpas.uk This session is part of our eight-part web series ‘Agri-Tech Frontiers‘. You can find out what’s coming up next by visiting the ARPAS-UK website!

    1h 8m

About

Welcome to the ARPAS-UK Podcast, your gateway to the UK's commercial drone industry. ARPAS-UK, a non-profit trade association since 2013, is dedicated to accelerating the safe and innovative adoption of drones across all sectors. Join us for our fireside chats and bite-sized update shorts, as we delve into industry trends, regulatory updates, and more, providing valuable insights for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Stay informed and connected with the collective voice empowering the UK's commercial drone community. UAV | UAS | Drone Industry, Regulation & More https://arpas.uk