1. Introduction

1.1. Introduction

This Operating Safety Case outlines Drone Ag Limited’s Concept of Operations when utilizing unmanned aircraft systems within the agricultural sector.

1.2. Scope of the Operating Safety Case

Drone Ag Limited provides leading UAS software platforms to assist the agricultural sector. The scope of this Operating Safety Case is to resume spraying operations previously conducted by Drone Ag Limited. Spraying operations shall be conducted by a DJI Agras T10 (MTOM 24.8kg), DJI Agras T25 (MTOM 52 Kg for spraying, 58 Kg for spreading) and DJI Agras T50 (MTOM 92 Kg for spraying, 103 Kg for spreading). To achieve this, Drone Ag Limited requires the following:

1. Exemption to permit the flight of UA of mass greater than 25kg.

2. Granting an aerial applications certificate to disperse liquids and solids from unmanned aircraft for agricultural purposes. Dispensed items will initially include water, bio-stimulants, seeds, and granules. Pesticides and other items that require HSE approval shall not be dropped under this aerial applications certificate until the required permission from the Health and Safety Executive is obtained.

3. Extended visual line of sight operations, to a distance not exceeding 1.5KM, using spotters.

1.3. Overarching Strategy

This Unmanned Aircraft System Operating Safety Case, together with any associated appendices and enclosures, details the Concept of Operations (Con-Ops) for the use of any UAS within the UK (Scottish and London FIR) by Drone Ag Limited. This document must be read and fully understood by all personnel involved in the operation of UAS and must accompany the Remote Pilot (RP) on every operation either in physical or digital form. The RP must also be accompanied by a copy of their remote pilot qualification, flyer ID, and a copy of the relevant insurance document.

This document will be subject to regular governance and updated in conjunction with any updated reference material published by the Accountable Manager. As a minimum, this document is to be reviewed annually by the Accountable Manager, as per the requirements of the safety management system, with any new versions of the OSC distributed to all staff immediately following incorporation. Changes to the document shall be reflected within the record of amendments accordingly.

The operating procedures contained within this document must be followed and willful violation will constitute a breach of this document, rendering the individual liable for disciplinary proceedings and/ or cessation of employment.

The purpose of the Operational Authorisation is to provide the following services:

• Spraying/spreading.

All flights must be:

• Within VLOS of the RP, unless operating under the UA observer principle or when following EVLOS procedures as defined within this Operations Manual. 

• Completed in the day unless complying with the requirements for night flights defined within this Operations Manual.

• In compliance with the minimum separation distances in the OA.

• Within the operational envelope of the aircraft. 

• All aircraft must be operated in either position-assisted flight modes (any flight mode that positions the aircraft using sensors such as GPS, sonar and optical); unless acting in an emergency and under the procedures in this manual, or in a pre-planned way-point mode where the UA is either assisted by GPS or other position holding sensors such as Radar. 

1.4 Safety statement

Drone Ag Limited is committed to safety as the primary consideration whilst conducting Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations. The protection of employees, contractors and the public are of paramount importance and as such, all operations will be conducted in a safe and responsible manner.

Drone Ag Limited embraces a “just culture” and fosters an open, honest environment where employees are encouraged to voice any concerns over safety-related issues so that they can be addressed immediately. The Accountable Manager must ensure the operation of any UAS is carried out per and abide by the requirements of the Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2017, the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947, and the conditions of this Operations Manual, the relevant Operational Risk Assessment, insurance policy, and the Operational Authorisations issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). 

To ensure the safest operations are maintained, Drone Ag Limited shall implement a safety ethos by:

• Ensuring a safe working environment for all employees, contractors, and the public.

• Operate UAS safely and responsibly, following the legislation and the conditions detailed in the Operational Authorisation. 

• Ensure that all personnel are suitably trained, current, and competent to participate in operations.

• Plan, assess and execute all operations per the procedures outlined within this Operations Manual.

• Managing risk and implementing suitable mitigation where required. 

• Ensure personnel do not deviate from the procedures outlined within this Operations Manual unless acting in an emergency where the relevant Emergency Procedure must be followed.

• Report any accident, serious incident, reportable occurrence or AIRPROX promptly to the appropriate authority.

• Conduct equipment maintenance following the manufacturer’s recommendation.

• Keep up to date with changes in legislation through the CAA website and SkyWise platform, ensuring this document always remains compliant.

Drone Ag Limited, as the UAS operator hereby confirms that the intended operation(s) as described herein will comply with any applicable rules relating to it, in particular, concerning privacy, data protection, liability, insurance, security and environmental protection.

In producing this Operating Safety Case, Drone Ag Limited has sought the assistance of an OSC Consultant. The process undertaken has ensured that the Accountable Manager fully understands the processes and procedures within the operations manual and that they have been implemented into the operation correctly. 

Jack Wrangham

Accountable Manager

Date 28/10/2024