The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has granted approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations at two Network Rail sites. The authorisation allows remote drone-in-a-box flights using DJI Dock 3 systems, with operations managed from a central control centre operated by drone service provider Heliguy.
Two rail network locations
The approval was issued under the UK Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) framework at SAIL II level. It covers two Network Rail sites on the Western and Anglia routes and enables routine automated flights using the DJI Dock 3 and DJI Matrice 4TD.
According to Network Rail, the drones will support infrastructure inspections, site monitoring, and security-related activities such as detecting trespassing and other incidents. The company expects the system to provide faster access to operational information and reduce the need for personnel to attend sites in person.
All flights will be conducted remotely by qualified pilots operating from heliguy’s Remote Operations Command Centre in Newcastle.
Daily automated missions
Under the approved concept of operations, drones will fly automated missions on weekdays. The DJI Matrice 4TD can capture both visual and thermal imagery, enabling infrastructure assessments and incident response activities.
Network Rail says the BVLOS capability could improve coordination between operational and infrastructure teams by providing real-time situational awareness and supporting faster decision-making during incidents.
SORA approval
The UK SORA framework is used by the CAA to assess higher-risk drone operations in the Specific Category, including BVLOS missions. Operators must demonstrate that air and ground risks are appropriately mitigated and that a suitable safety case is in place.
According to heliguy and Network Rail, the approval follows more than 16 months of preparation and regulatory work. The project involved the development of an operating model for routine BVLOS flights around active railway infrastructure, including locations in populated areas.
The approval is one of a growing number of UK BVLOS authorisations involving remotely operated drone-in-a-box systems for infrastructure monitoring and inspection tasks.
Source: Dronewatch EU / Heliguy