AutoSpray Systems is delighted to confirm that on 11th March 2025, it was granted Operational Authorisation by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in an Atypical Air Environment (AAE).
This approval marks a significant advancement in drone technology for agriculture, opening up new commercial opportunities across multiple sectors.
With this certification, AutoSpray Systems is now authorised to operate its 120kg agricultural drone for spraying liquids and dispersing granules in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and beyond. Previously, drone operations were restricted to a 500-metre radius from the remote pilot, but with this new BVLOS AAE approval, the company can now fly without distance limitations, subject to appropriate risk assessments for each location.
Sectors Set to Benefit from BVLOS Operations
The newly granted approval enables AutoSpray Systems to contribute to a range of environmental and agricultural projects, including:
- Peatland Restoration – Facilitating large-scale reseeding and the rehabilitation of degraded peatlands.
- Paludiculture Crop Seeding – Advancing the cultivation of wetland-adapted crops to support biodiversity and carbon sequestration, in collaboration with DEFRA and the SEAD Artists consortium.
- Reforestation Projects – Deploying drones for tree seeding and afforestation in areas where traditional methods are challenging or inaccessible.
Andy Sproson, Director of AutoSpray Systems, commented: “Historically, our low-level drone operations were restricted by distance regulations, limiting their full potential.
“This authorisation significantly expands our ability to scale sustainable land management solutions, reinforcing our commitment to innovation in aerial agriculture.”
A Collective Effort to Drive Innovation
The achievement of BVLOS approval reflects the dedication of industry professionals and academic experts working together. Among these contributors is the SEAD Artists consortium, which brings together organisations and individuals to create a unified voice for the agriculture and environmental sectors, ensuring meaningful engagement with drone technology and new innovations.
This initiative supports a data-driven approach to advancing environmental and agricultural applications, ensuring inclusivity across all relevant stakeholders, users, and representative bodies.
Expressing his gratitude, Andy Sproson stated: “We extend our sincere gratitude to the SEAD Artists and would like to extend a special thanks to the RPAS team at the Civil Aviation Authority and all other colleagues involved in shaping the BVLOS AAE policy whose support has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.”
