AirVantage Drones Blog

Lights in the Sky Over Gatwick - Which is the Drone? In late December 2018, the UK witnessed a significant event that highlighted the complexities of balancing technological advancement and public safety. The closure of Gatwick Airport due to a suspected drone incursion brought to the fore the issue of how official reactions to emerging technologies can sometimes veer into the realm of hysteria.  The Gatwick Incident: A Catalyst for Change   The Gatwick closure, caused by the reported sighting of drones near the runway, led to widespread travel chaos. Over a thousand flights were affected, impacting approximately 140,000 passengers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The response from authorities, while aiming to ensure public safety, raised questions about proportionality and preparedness in the face of new technological challenges. Public Reaction: Fear and Scepticism   Following the incident, public opinion in the UK towards drones took a noticeable t...

  As we lobby for the advancement of the UK’s drone sector, it’s crucial to address the perceived regulatory stagnation that is impeding investment and progress after more postponement this year. While the potential of drones to revolutionise, various industries is widely recognised, the slow pace of regulatory development poses a significant risk of the UK falling behind in a rapidly evolving global market.   According to the updated "Skies Without Limits 2.0" (2022) report by PwC and its 2023 echo “Building Trust in Commercial Drones”, drones have the potential to contribute up to £45 billion to the UK economy by 2030, with considerable savings in net costs and substantial reductions in carbon emissions​​. These figures aren’t just impressive; they represent a seismic shift in productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. However, the realisation of this potential is heavily contingent on the establishment of clear and stable regulations.   For example, th...

In an era where technology continually reshapes professional landscapes, the integration of drones in surveying practices stands as a significant milestone. However, a critical examination reveals that Chartered Surveyors should consider collaborating with professional drone operations companies, rather than throwing a sparkly new drone system in the back of the van with the total stations! Understanding the Complexity of Drone Operations Drone technology has undoubtedly revolutionised surveying, offering unparalleled advantages in data accuracy, time efficiency, and access to challenging terrains. However, operating a drone extends beyond just flying and capturing images; it involves a deep understanding of aerial safety and risk, equipment management, compliance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, and sophisticated (and sometimes suffocating) data management. These facets form the backbone of professional drone operations, requiring specific training, experience, and con...

Aerial drone technology has witnessed remarkable progress over the last decade, reshaping numerous industries worldwide. The UK, a frontrunner in technological advancements, has embraced drones' potential, ushering in a new era of innovation within the commercial services sector. From advanced mapping and surveying to thermal imagery and photogrammetry, drones have emerged as invaluable tools offering a plethora of benefits. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of the evolution of aerial drone technology and the transformative advantages it brings to the UK's commercial services market. The Progression of Aerial Drone Technology.   Over the years, aerial drone technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, revolutionising its applications within commercial services. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), with organisations like ARPAS supporting it, have played a pivotal role in regulating and integrating drones into various sectors, ensuring they're safe and responsib...

In the era of technological revolutions, it's baffling to witness employees dangling precariously from towering heights for routine inspections. With the adage "Safety First" echoing in the industrial corridors, it's time we scrutinise the practices that expose our workers to vertiginous risks. Why, you ask? The answer lies in the innovative humming of drones that are redefining risk management.   According to The Working at Height Regulations 2005, we have a clear mandate: avoid working at height when safer alternatives exist. Yet, innumerable businesses persist in the old-school, high-risk approach. It's high time we question this status quo, not out of mere compliance, but from a genuine concern for human life.   Now, let's pivot to a pragmatic solution—drones. These soaring sentinels of safety offer a compelling case over the traditional, risk-fraught methods. They're not just gadgets; they're guardians. By harnessing drone technology, businesses c...

In recent years, the emergence of commercial aerial drones has been nothing short of remarkable. These flying marvels have transformed various industries by offering unique capabilities, but there's a challenge looming beneath their wings: the colossal amount of data generated by commercial drone operations. In this blog, we'll explore the successes of drone technology and the challenges of managing the deluge of data it produces. Celebrating the Soaring Success of Drone Capability Before we delve into the depths of data management, let's take a moment to celebrate the triumphs of drone technology that have made it a modern marvel.   A Bird's-Eye Marvel. Perhaps the most breath-taking aspect of drone technology is the bird's-eye view it provides. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, drones capture images and videos from perspectives previously inaccessible to humans. This aerial imagery has proven invaluable for tasks ranging from surveying landscapes to showcasin...