CAA Moves to Make Drones and Future Air Taxis More Visible in UK Skies

Civil Aviation Authority launches consultation on mandatory electronic conspicuity technology to support the safe integration of drones, advanced air mobility aircraft and traditional aviation.

The UK's skies could become significantly safer and better prepared for the next generation of aviation after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) launched a consultation on proposals to make a far greater number of aircraft electronically visible.

The regulator is seeking industry and public views on introducing mandatory Electronic Conspicuity (EC) technology across much of UK airspace, a move designed to improve safety while supporting the growing use of drones, advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft and conventional aviation within an increasingly complex airspace environment.

The proposals form a key part of the UK's wider Airspace Modernisation Strategy, which aims to prepare Britain's aviation infrastructure for emerging technologies without compromising the safety of existing airspace users.

Creating a Smarter Shared Airspace

As drones, electric air taxis and autonomous aircraft move closer to commercial deployment, the challenge of safely integrating them alongside helicopters, light aircraft and commercial aviation continues to grow.

The CAA believes wider adoption of Electronic Conspicuity technology will play a crucial role in achieving that goal.

Under the proposals, many aircraft operating below Flight Level 100—approximately 10,000 feet—would be required to carry equipment capable of broadcasting their location electronically.

This would allow aircraft to become visible not only to air traffic services but also to nearby pilots and increasingly sophisticated onboard collision avoidance systems.

Reducing the Risk of Mid-Air Collisions

Electronic Conspicuity devices continuously transmit an aircraft's position, altitude and identification using technologies such as Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B).

The information can then be received by suitably equipped aircraft, ground stations and air traffic management systems, significantly improving situational awareness.

The technology is considered particularly valuable within uncontrolled airspace, where many general aviation aircraft currently operate beyond the coverage of conventional radar surveillance.

By providing pilots with a clearer picture of surrounding traffic, the CAA believes Electronic Conspicuity can help reduce the risk of mid-air collisions while enabling a safer operating environment for both crewed and uncrewed aircraft.

Supporting the Next Generation of Aviation

The consultation comes as the UK continues investing heavily in emerging aviation technologies.

Advanced Air Mobility vehicles—including electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft—and increasingly capable drone operations are expected to become a more common feature of UK airspace over the coming decade.

Ensuring these new aircraft can safely coexist with traditional aviation has become one of the industry's biggest regulatory challenges.

The CAA says improving electronic visibility will provide the digital foundation needed to support future operations while maintaining safe access for existing users.

Phased Introduction Proposed

Recognising the diverse nature of UK aviation, the regulator is proposing a phased implementation rather than an immediate mandate.

The consultation seeks views on which aircraft should be covered, how quickly new requirements should be introduced and the likely costs associated with equipping aircraft.

It also considers whether exemptions should apply to certain aircraft types or operating environments where fitting Electronic Conspicuity equipment may not be practical or proportionate.

The phased approach is intended to give aircraft owners, operators and manufacturers sufficient time to prepare while minimising disruption to existing aviation activities.

Industry Feedback Invited

The consultation follows extensive technical research, stakeholder engagement and operational trials undertaken by the CAA in partnership with the Department for Transport.

Pilots, aircraft owners, aviation organisations, manufacturers and other stakeholders are now being invited to help shape the regulator's final approach.

Responses will inform decisions on whether mandatory Electronic Conspicuity should be introduced and, if so, how the requirements should be implemented.

Building the Digital Airspace of Tomorrow

The rapid growth of drones and Advanced Air Mobility is transforming aviation faster than at any point since the introduction of commercial jet travel.

As the skies become increasingly populated by both crewed and autonomous aircraft, technologies that allow every aircraft to be electronically visible are expected to become as fundamental to aviation safety as seatbelts and transponders are today.

For the CAA, the consultation represents another important step towards creating a smarter, digitally connected airspace—one capable of safely accommodating the aircraft of tomorrow while protecting those already flying today.