New Drone Flights Approved to Help Monitor Railways

The UK Civil Aviation Authority announced that Drone Major may fly long distance drones without keeping them in sight over critical national infrastructure.

The permission, called an Operational Authority, is the first of its kind in non-segregated airspace and puts the UK on the front line of commercial drone progress.

This green light means unmanned aircraft can patrol rail lines and send live pictures back to control rooms while sharing the sky with regular traffic. Until now, operators had to watch every flight from the ground… the new rules remove that barrier and create fresh commercial openings.

Drone Major describes the decision as a landmark for railway security and for the growing drone economy. The London-based company plans to start work at once, operating inside carefully surveyed safety corridors above the network.

 

Where Will The First Flights Take Off?

 

Network Rail is funding the first live test on a busy 12KM line between Wolverhampton and Sandwell & Dudley Station, according to both the regulator and Drone Major.

The area sees frequent trespassing and minor breakdowns that slow trains. A drone overhead can spot trouble within seconds and pass images straight to railway staff, cutting the time needed to send teams on foot.

Early trials southeast of Wolverhampton and along the Severn Valley Railway showed the aircraft could cover ground faster than patrols and spot intruders that fixed cameras missed.

If next month’s exercise matches those results, Network Rail believes yearly savings worth many millions and shorter delays for travellers will follow.

 

 

Why Does The Rail Network Need Eyes In The Sky?

 

Trespass is a bit of an issue for operators. People stray on the tracks for shortcuts, selfies, or illegal crossings.

Sophie O’Sullivan, Director of Future of Flight at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said, “We’re working with companies to make drone operations beyond visual line of sight a safe and everyday reality, contributing to the modernisation of UK airspace and enabling new technology into our skies.

“By supporting projects ranging from critical infrastructure inspections to consumer deliveries, we are gathering essential data to shape future policies and regulations, and support the growth of the aerospace industry.”

A drone flying above the line can watch bends, bridges, and tunnels without placing staff in danger, the company says.

The aircraft can also inspect track and overhead wires after storms, removing the wait for a crew to drive to the scene. Shorter stoppages mean fewer timetable knocks and a calmer commute, giving passengers greater confidence in the service.

 

How Does Digital Tethering Keep The Craft On Track?

 

The approval rests on a control method named Digital Tethering.

Instead of a cable, engineers draw a virtual corridor in the sky. The drone must stay inside that corridor, and the system checks its position many times each second.

When GPS drops out in cuttings or under steel bridges, the tether switches to ground sensors and onboard cameras that read the landscape.

If the drone drifts, the system orders it to hover or land, removing danger to people under the flight line. Trials near Wolverhampton proved the concept in terrain where satellite signals often wobble.The CAA ruling shows faith that Digital Tethering can work even when the aircraft mixes with regular air traffic above built-up areas.

Robert Garbett, Founder and Chief Executive of Drone Major Group said: “The CAA’s approval of operational authority for trials of BVLOS flights marks a landmark moment for the drone industry.

“This milestone opens up new opportunities to unlock and transform the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure, especially in densely built environments where traditional methods often fall short. It sets a new benchmark for safety and efficiency, positioning the UK as a world leader in drone innovation while also unlocking innovation to support UK plc.”