Long range drones given green light to fly over UK rail infrastructure

In a UK first the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved Operational Authority for independent drone company Drone Major to conduct the UK’s first beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights over the UK’s critical national infrastructure.

Hailed as a milestone moment that puts the UK at the forefront of the drone sector. the decision means that long range drones – which have the potential to vastly improve the safety, security and efficiency of the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure - will initially enable long-range drones to patrol over the UK’s rail networks.

The approval - which follows earlier studies funded by Network Rail - paves the way for trials on a critical 12km route between Wolverhampton and Sandwell & Dudley Station in partnership with Network Rail. The trials have the potential to vastly improve the safety, speed, and efficiency of the UK railway service, while also delivering many millions a year in savings.