The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published its Technical Concept of Operations, which sets out how electronic conspicuity (EC) will be used to integrate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) into non-segregated airspace alongside traditional crewed aircraft.
This follows a consultation on EC that closed on October 6 2025 and received 808 responses from across the aviation sector. Respondents included members of the General Aviation community, UAS operators, commercial aviation stakeholders and trade associations.
The CAA’s consultation response document sets out a synopsis of the significant themes informed by responses to the consultation. This will inform next steps in developing further iterations of the EC Technical Concept of Operations.
Overall, respondents recognised and generally valued the potential for EC to improve safety and situational awareness for both crewed and uncrewed aircraft. However, views varied across different airspace user groups, particularly regarding the practicality, proportionality and costs associated with equipage requirements.
Many respondents emphasised the importance of ensuring the interoperability of EC systems for maintaining situational awareness, as well as the limitations of low-power EC devices and the need for further clarity around device standards and performance thresholds.
Respondents noted that uniform requirements would be unsuitable due to the complex variety of operational needs between fixed wing, rotary, light and uncrewed aircraft.
The CAA will continue to review its positions through a dedicated programme of testing, trials and further research throughout 2026. These activities will inform the authority’s EC policy and other associated policy documents, such as detect-and-avoid (DAA), Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM) and ground infrastructure.
“EC is not the panacea and only one part of a broader set of solutions, particularly in higher risk environments,” the CAA said in its report. “Our approach aims to enhance operational safety for all users. This will facilitate the safe integration of BVLOS UAS in non-segregated airspace, while recognising the diverse needs of different airspace operators.”
Subject to programme dependencies and the outcomes of ongoing testing, the CAA expects to publish a revised version to the EC policy set out in CAP 1391 and an updated EC Technical Concept of Operations in late 2026 or early 2027. The CAA said it will continue to work closely with stakeholders and provide further opportunities for engagement, including through the forthcoming consultation on an EC Mandate.
For more information
Image: UK CAA