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AutoSpray Systems Secures CAA Approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Agricultural Drone Operations

Updated: Apr 11

SEAD Artists just made UK drone history! 🚀 We’re the first ever to fly drones Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) in the UK with no trials, no special danger zones, no restricted airspace, and no one watching the drone with their eyes. In short, we’re the first operator approved to fly fully BVLOS in normal airspace—just like planes do!





AutoSpray Systems is proud to announce that they have obtained an Operational Authorisation from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (received on 11th March 2025) to conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in an Atypical Air Environment (AAE). This milestone marks a significant advancement in agricultural drone applications, unlocking new commercial opportunities across multiple sectors.

Expanding Our Capabilities

With this approval, AutoSpray Systems is authorised to operate their 120kg agricultural drone for spraying liquids and spreading granules across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and many other use cases. Unlike previous restrictions that limited operations to within 500m of the remote pilot, this BVLOS AAE approval allows them to operate without distance limitations, subject to location-specific risk assessment.

Unlocking Commercial Opportunities

Andy Sproson, Director of AutoSpray Systems stated- 

“Historically, our low-level drone operations were restricted by distance regulations, limiting their full potential. With BVLOS approval, we can now reach even more remote and inaccessible areas, making a profound impact in sectors such as:

  • Peatland Restoration – Enabling large-scale reseeding and rehabilitation of degraded peatlands.

  • Paludiculture Crop Seeding – Supporting the cultivation of wetland-adapted crops to enhance biodiversity and carbon sequestration as part of our work with DEFRA, as part of the SEAD Artists consortium.

  • Reforestation Projects – Deploying drones for tree seeding and afforestation in challenging terrains where human access is impractical.

This authorisation significantly expands our ability to scale sustainable land management solutions, reinforcing our commitment to innovation in aerial agriculture.”

 



Acknowledgments

Achieving BVLOS approval is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of multiple industry and academic experts. We extend our sincere gratitude to the SEAD Artists.


Who are SEAD Artists:


The current consortium of organisations and individuals are listed below, with the sole aim to become a singular voice and point of contact for the agriculture and environmental industry when they are looking to interact with drones and new technology – speaking with one voice.


It is an initiative that supports an evidence-based data approach to facilitate environment and agriculture which will be as inclusive of all users and operators, and representative bodies as is reasonably possible.





A special thanks also to the RPAS team at the CAA and all other colleagues involved in shaping the BVLOS AAE policy whose support has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.


When can we see this happening? 


Additional information will be released in due course and we will be hosting an open day, conducting live demonstration flights week on Monday 28th April 2025, in the Greater Manchester Area.


If you would like to attend, please contact AutoSpray Systems on the contact details below.


See us also published in:

  • DronePrep – Announced the UK’s first permanent BVLOS permission for agricultural drones.

  • Unmanned Airspace – Featured AutoSpray's BVLOS approval as a key industry update.

  • Z News Service – Highlighted the technological milestone for AutoSpray Systems.

  • Business Lancashire – Celebrated the regional business achievement in Lancashire.

  • Agri-TechE – Shared the news as a member innovation success story.

  • Revolution.Aero – Included in their weekly industry roundup alongside global aerospace news.


 
 
 

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