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UK’s First Permanent BVLOS Permission secured from the CAA by Autospray Systems in partnership with DronePrep and the SEAD Artists

by | Mar 20, 2025 | News

UK’s First Permanent BVLOS Permission secured from the CAA by Autospray Systems in partnership with DronePrep and the SEAD Artists

AutoSpray Systems is proud to announce that they have obtained an Operational Authorisation from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (received on 11th March 2025) to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in an Atypical Air Environment (AAE). This milestone marks a significant advancement in agricultural drone applications, unlocking new commercial opportunities across multiple sectors. The development of this capability, and resultant permission, has been funded by Natural England’s PEF Fund and is the result of two years of work with project partners DronePrep, the SEAD Artists, Natural England, Land Partners and the CAA.

Expanding Capabilities

With this approval, AutoSpray Systems is authorised to operate their 120kg agricultural drone for spraying liquids and spreading granules across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and many other use cases. Unlike previous restrictions that limited operations to within 500m of the remote pilot, this location based permanent BVLOS AAE approval allows them to operate without distance limitations, subject to location-specific risk assessment.

Unlocking Commercial Opportunities

Historically, low-level drone operations were restricted by distance regulations, limiting their full potential. With location specific BVLOS approvals, it is now possible to reach even more remote and inaccessible areas, making a profound impact in sectors such as:

  • Peatland Restoration – Enabling large-scale reseeding and rehabilitation of degraded peatlands.
  • Paludiculture Crop Seeding – Supporting the cultivation of wetland-adapted crops to enhance biodiversity and carbon sequestration as part of our work with DEFRA, as part of theSEAD Artists consortium.
  • Reforestation Projects – Deploying drones for tree seeding and afforestation in challenging terrains where human access is impractical.

This authorisation significantly expands Autospray Systems and their partners in their ability to scale sustainable land management solutions, reinforcing our commitment to innovation in aerial agriculture.”

 

Acknowledgments

Andy Sproson, Director of AutoSpray Systems stated- 

‘Achieving BVLOS approval is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of multiple industry and academic experts. We extend our sincere gratitude to our fellow SEAD Artists:

This is a consortium of organisations and individuals with the sole aim to become a singular voice and point of contact for the agriculture and environmental industry when they are looking to interact with drones and new technology – speaking with one voice.

It is an initiative that supports an evidence-based data approach to facilitate environment and agriculture which will be as inclusive of all users and operators, and representative bodies as is reasonably possible.

 

    • Gareth Whatmore and Karina  Nasretdinova from DronePrep
    • Aleks Kowalski from Skypointe Ltd
    • Hasan Hasan and Mohammed Hasan from IT Surveillance
    • Dr Owen McAree from The University of Liverpool
    • Abu Hassan from Theory and Practice of Software

    A special thanks is extended to the RPAS team at the CAA and all other colleagues involved in shaping the BVLOS AAE policy whose support has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.

     

     

    When can we see this happening? 

     Additional information will be released in due course and we will be hosting an open day, conducting live demonstration flights week on Monday 28th April 2025, in the Greater Manchester Area.

     If you would like to attend, please contact AutoSpray Systems on the contact details below.

    About AutoSpray Systems Ltd

    AutoSpray Systems Ltd is the UK’s leading provider of aerial pesticide applications, specialising in agriculture, forestry, amenity, and horticulture. As the exclusive UK importer of XAG Unmanned Aircraft platforms, we are committed to advancing sustainable drone technology to revolutionise land management and crop care.

     

    For further information, please contact: Andy Sproson
    Director, AutoSpray Systems Ltd
    www.autospraysystems.com

    [email protected]

     

    DronePrep is attending the Farm Business Innovation Show 2021

    by | Nov 8, 2021 | News

    Land Partnership Manager Keith Osborne is heading to Birmingham this week to check out how drones and other technologies are helping landowners with diversification. Find us at the Farm Business Innovation Show 2021.

    Farm Business Innovation

    The Farm Business Innovation show is one of the UK’s largest events for agricultural innovation. It’s a fantastic opportunity for landowners and businesses to see the latest in technology and innovation for the rural sectors.

    The event features exhibitors from all areas of rural commerce. It offers visitors a chance to learn about their options for diversifying. This year’s speakers are promoting everything from weddings to glamping pods to renewable energy.

    DronePrep works with landowners to improve access to low-level airspace. As part of this, we are working to open new locations for both recreational and commercial drone use. Farmers and rural estates are beginning to see the enormous benefits that responsible drone flight can bring.

    Keith will be meeting with landowners and discussing the advantages of Drone Access Policies.

    “With ever-growing financial pressures on agricultural landowners, it’s important to understand the opportunities for diversification and find solutions to managing drone use on rural estates. Drones offer a wealth of options for the innovative landowner; everything from land surveying and inspection, to leasing for drone R&D, to opening flying fields for hobbyist pilots. We’re working with several large estate owners who are doing just that.”

     

    – Keith Osborne, Land Partnership Manager

    To find out more about how DronePrep is helping landowners and read about the benefits of Drone Access Policies, click here.

    The Farm Business Innovation Show will be held on the 10th & 11th November at the NEC in Birmingham. Tickets are free to visitors – check out the website below.

    https://www.farmbusinessshow.co.uk/

    The DronePrep Platform

    Are you a landowner looking for a better way to manage drone access? Click here to read about how we are working with landowners across the UK to communicate policies. 

    DronePrep Map

    UK PropTech Awards 2021 – Shortlisted

    by | Nov 3, 2021 | News

    DronePrep has been shortlisted for the Environmental Impact Award at the UK PropTech Awards 2021

    UKPA Awards 2021

    Environmental Impact Award

    Sponsored by Osborne Clarke

    This is a joint award for a PropTech and Property company that have worked together to implement a technology solution with a positive benefit on the environment. The winners will clearly highlight the problem that is being addressed and will clearly demonstrate the extent to which the solution helps address this challenge.

    We are absolutely delighted to be recognised in this category.

    Huge congratulations to all companies shortlisted – We’re very much looking forward to attending the awards in person and seeing you all there on 18 November.

    DronePrep partners with FPV UK

    by | Nov 2, 2021 | News

    DronePrep is delighted to announce a brand new partnership with FPV UK – The UK association for radio control model and drone flying. We have teamed up with FPV UK to offer a discount to all members on DronePrep Map subscriptions.

    FPV UK

    FPV UK was formed in 2009 to champion and protect the hobby/sport of First Person View (FPV)* flying.

    From this week, FPV UK members are entitled to a 30% discount on all DronePrep Map subscriptions.

    To claim your discount email [email protected] with your membership details.

    Not yet registered for access to the DronePrep Map? Sign up now

     

    sign up

    * First-person view (FPV) is also known as remote-person view (RPV), or simply video piloting. It is a method of flight used for radio-controlled vehicles which allows the pilot to see the “view” of the vehicle in-flight. It is commonly used to pilot a radio-controlled aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

    Here’s a great photo of an FPV drone pilot at the West Midlands Drone Club meet up that we attended earlier this year:

    FPV Drone flying

    Kiplin Hall opens to drone pilots

    by | Oct 19, 2021 | News

    When looking for beautiful places to fly your drone, this sprawling estate in Yorkshire should be top of your list. Featuring a 400-year-old Jacobean house, lake and stunning gardens, Kiplin Hall and Gardens has just signed up to a Drone Access Policy.

    Kiplin Hall

    New Drone Access Policy

    Kiplin Hall and Gardens in Richmond, North Yorkshire, has recently signed up to a Drone Access Policy. The Policy provides hobbyist pilots with new places to take off and land. It allows day visitors to the estate to fly recreationally from their designated Drone Zones.

    Being a first of its kind for recreational flight, the policy requires visiting pilots to register with reception on arrival. Visiting pilots are also asked to hold third-party liability insurance for their drones and to fly in accordance with the UK Drone Code.

    Their policy offers a sensible approach to drones, to the benefit of both hobbyist pilots and other visitors. Kiplin Hall and Gardens recognises the benefit of responsible drone use, encouraging visitors to share footage on social media.

    “Kiplin Hall and Gardens is a large estate offering 90 acres of land and the lake. The estate has a long tradition of recreation. As a hunting lodge in the 1620s, and throughout its life as a family home, Kiplin has hosted various pursuits. These include boating, fishing, orienteering, walking and trail running, even curling on the frozen lake in winter. When technology advances, so do our hobbies. As a venue we must keep up with trends in how people want to enjoy our outdoor spaces. And, as an independent charity tasked with preserving the Hall and estate, we rely on ticket income to continue our work. Appealing to a new audience of drone pilots will help us to do that. Kiplin’s grounds have a lot to offer, with ample space for pilots and regular visitors to enjoy. Kiplin provides the ideal backdrop for drone pilots.”

     

    – James Etherington, Director of Kiplin Hall and Gardens

    DronePrep’s Role

    The policy was designed with the help of DronePrep and can be viewed on The DronePrep Map. Click here to register for free. The DronePrep team is working with pilots and landowners to open up safe spaces for pilots to take off and land.

    “We’re really excited to share this policy with the hobbyist community. It’s fantastic to see a beautiful estate with a drone-friendly policy and an understanding of the benefits that pilots can bring. We hope this leads to other historic houses following suit.”

     

    – Keith Osborne, Land Partnership Manager, DronePrep

    While the policy is aimed at recreational flyers, Kiplin Hall and Gardens is also open to applications for commercial flight. For more information contact [email protected]

    The DronePrep Map

    We are working with landowners, like Kiplin Hall and Gardens, to open up safe spaces to fly. Check out The DronePrep Map to find other great locations around the UK.

    DronePrep Map