The Drone Certification Agency provides a CAA CAP3145 Approved structured aviation environment combining engineering assurance, regulated flight testing and operational evaluation to support the certification, approval and deployment of unmanned aircraft systems within UTM controlled airspace.
A range of support services are offered by DCA:
OEMs and Innovators; from those wanting to develop ground based airspace and control systems to those looking at introducing or developing unmanned aircraft, both in support of military or commercial opportunities or tasks.
With three discrete Test Ranges available at the DCA, test and evaluation activities can be undertaken from tethered flights over the runway, through to complex BVLOS operations in segregated airspace.
Yes, from the DCA test site at Portland Heliport safe and managed access is available to the Lyme Bay Danger Areas via our western Test Range. CAA Airspace Change Programme activity is in train to deliver a flexible TDA system within the Heliport FRZ, that will in the future allow BVLOS activities closer inshore, TDAs are available for this form of activity now, but will require a sufficient notice period to achieve; the ACP programme will mean the DCA will be able to raise these TDA as and when required.
Yes, absolutely. Testing is carried out under UK SORA. The DCA has the in-house experience and skills to help operators gain a suitable SORA to conduct their testing. Coming soon the DCA will also be able to provide RAE(F) services as well.
DCA is happy to engage with any organisation looking to enhance and improve drone technology for commercial or military operations, be it at sub-system or whole system level.
DCA operates from the CAA-licenced Heliport at Portland, (EGDP), in Dorset alongside HeliOperations. The Heliport has large sea areas at each end of it's runway allowing for drone T&E to take place away from uninvolved people.
From a very early stage both the CAA and MAA recognised the utility that the Portland Heliport can offer to drone T&E, which culminated in the CAA CAP 3145 Approval. With the Heliport providing excellent ground facilities and support and access to large area test areas away from uninvolved people, the DCA offers significant benefits and great opportunities for drone operators and manufacturers to develop their products.
The Heliport is a secure site offering access to:
Indeed we do, the Heliport is bounded to the east by Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay and to the west Lyme Bay with access to its Dangers Areas which offer up 5000km2 of managed segregated airspace in which to conduct T&E. Various vessels are available to support operations in these areas covering everything to range control to development and training in maritime operations.
Under CAA CAP 3145 two large areas have been identified for T&E; to the east Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay and to the west Lyme Bay with access to its Dangers Areas which offer up 5000km2 of managed segregated airspace. Both of the 2 main areas sit within the Heliport FRZ offering managed airspace from surface to 2000ft altitude. In addition to this, the Heliport itself can support tethered flying, system calibration and basic handling checks. Through the use of NOTAMs and TDA further space and altitude can be secured as required.
Yes. EGD014 abuts directly up against the western Test Range, which allows for safe managed access to the Danger Area. This in turn unlocks all Dangers Areas in Lyme Bay to the West and the channel areas to the south and east of Portland and along the Dorset coast, including the Lulworth Ranges making up to 5000km2 available for T&E.
The Heliport has a drone detection system that utilises a combination of RF signals and ADS-B outputs that provide coverage of all air traffic movements from sea level upwards, ensuring that a full picture of airspace usage is available at all times to both manned and unmanned operations within the FRZ. As required by the CAA-licence, all air users within and immediately around the FRZ are to report their activities to the Heliport Ops call-sign, who will brief on any adjacent activity. In addition, any drone operations being undertaken within the FRZ by 3rd party entities, be it hobbyist or commercial operators, are required to request a Permit from the Heliport before taking off.
Yes, via the use of NOTAMs and TDAs
CAA CAP 3145 Test Sites enable operations up to Specific Assurance and Integrity Level (SAIL) 2 in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) or Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) operations.
We do, DCA is able to provide advice and guidance for the completion of the Operators SORA. To note this service is available to all drone operations and not just those taking place from the Heliport.
DCA can arrange suitable flight training for drone operations, as well as SORA completion. In the future the DCA is also expecting to be approved as a RAE(F).
Yes, we can, and in a number of ways; under the CAA CAP 3145 Approval, BVLOS(VM) operations are permitted within the Test Ranges, these in turn can also be used to support the access to the adjacent Lyme Bay Danger Areas where BVLOS operations can be booked. All such operations will be covered by the use of TDAs and NOTAMs as required; secondly, if an Operator wishes to undertake BVLOS elsewhere, our experienced Staff can provide assistance in completing the required SORA.
Go to www.dronecertagency.com and use the Contact function.
Using the Contact Form, provide a precis your intentions and DCA Staff will reply to you to arrange a meeting discuss the request in more detail.
We would obviously prefer as much notice as possible, but realistically we do realise this may not always be an option. DCA is a Company that prides itself on it's agility and "can do" attitude and will work hard to help you achieve your goals, so please contact us in any circumstance when you have a need for any of the services and facilities we offer.
Of course, not all testing requires flying, and we know that the capabilities we offer may only be a small part of your design programme. We also appreciate that when developing new technology the need to pause and reconsider is highly likely leading to a change to planned activities, DCA will flex with your needs to achieve the stated aim.
Yes, DCA has various vessels are available to support maritime operations in the Test ranges and beyond covering everything to range control to development and training in maritime operations.
DCA's sister Company HeliOperations operates from the Portland Heliport as well and fly's Sea King and AW139 helicopters on both the military and civil registers. These can be made available to a designer or operator wishing undertake combined operating mission development or the testing of sub-system components which could later be used in drone design.
The Heliport at Portland currently has 2 large hangars, basic workshops and office space with internet connectivity for use by organisations making use of the Test Ranges. In addition there is parking available for multiple vehicles, and domestic facilities to ensure refreshments and sustenance is available.
Yes, The Heliport Operations Team and DCA Staff will ensure your T&E requirements are achieved in the safest and most controlled manner and will be available to advise and support your applications for OAs and flying slots within the areas, including the raising of NOTAMs and TDAs.
If your question isn’t covered above, contact us to discuss your UAS testing and operational requirements. Our team will be happy to assist with your enquiry.