CAA’s Test & Evaluation (T&E) UAS Team Releases CAP 3009, 2024-2025 Annual Report

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today released its Test & Evaluation T&E Annual Report for 2024-2025, detailing significant achievements in supporting safe and efficient test flights in integrated airspace.

Established just a year ago, the T&E Team has played a crucial role in aligning with national initiatives such as the Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS), UKRI Future Flight Challenge, and the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Future Flight Industry programme. The team’s work is centered on enabling aviation innovation through a structured, data-driven approach, ensuring the highest safety standards are maintained.  

Key achievements highlighted in the report include:

• CAA-Driven Data and Intelligence Gathering: The team has successfully conducted test and evaluation activities to gather data that informs emerging policy areas, such as Detect and Avoid (DAA) and Atypical Air Environment (AAE) policies. This data-driven approach has enabled the CAA to test hypotheses, refine policy concepts, and enhance regulatory decision-making.  
• Facilitation and Support of T&E Operations: The T&E Team has provided invaluable support to industry operators in obtaining necessary authorizations and approvals, including through Regulatory Sandboxes. This support has ensured the safe execution of test flights, generating valuable insights for both regulators and industry stakeholders.  
• Enabling Industry Testing: Recognizing the need for efficient independent trials, the T&E Team has developed best practices that allow operators to perform testing without direct CAA supervision. This includes exploring alternative means of compliance in key policy areas such as Electronic Conspicuity (EC) and DAA, ensuring safety while reducing regulatory burden.  

The report also highlights the team’s success in establishing positive relationships with industry stakeholders and providing valuable support to CAA colleagues. The T&E Team’s role in the BVLOS sandbox has been fundamental to the successful establishment and delivery of this service, offering industry an excellent opportunity to engage with the CAA on future operations.  

Looking ahead, the T&E Team will continue to refine its approach, strengthen collaboration with industry, and leverage testing insights to shape future policy and regulatory frameworks.