We use necessary cookies to make our website work. We'd also like to use optional cookies to understand how you use it, and to help us improve it.

For more information, please read our cookie policy.

UK Civil Aviation Authority

We would like to hear from you

The CAA is committed to improving how we deliver services, help us by completing a short survey about your experiences today

Detect and Avoid

Detect and Avoid (DAA) is a key enabler for the safe integration of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) unmanned aircraft operations into UK airspace. A DAA capability allows a remote pilot and/or automated systems to detect potential conflicts with other aircraft and take appropriate action.

We have published DAA Policy Concept v2. It builds on the 2024 consultation document and reflects subsequent industry engagement, learning from DAA development activity, UK SORA implementation and emerging international standards.

DAA Policy Concept v2 is a live policy concept that may be used to support operational authorisations during the policy concept test phase. A live policy concept means the framework may be used to support operational authorisations while the CAA and industry continue to build operational experience and validate the framework prior to any transition to business-as-usual arrangements.

Its use remains controlled and operation-specific while the CAA and industry build experience and test the completeness and suitability of the framework before any transition to business-as-usual arrangements.

What has changed in version 2?

  • A comprehensive qualification framework covering surveillance validation, simulation-based assessment and operational testing, providing greater clarity on evidence expectations.
  • A defined regulatory pathway and structured review process for DAA-dependent applications.
  • An expanded and restructured set of requirements.
  • Indicative Means of Compliance and Guidance Material to clarify evidence expectations.
  • A detailed qualification framework that develops the testing approaches outlined in 2024 and sets out expectations across surveillance validation, simulation, live-virtual constructive testing, full-system trials and soak testing.
  • More detailed material on DAA system implementation, alerting and guidance, levels of automation, operational suitability and human factors.
  • An initial policy position for encounters between unmanned aircraft.

What does this mean for industry?

 For developers, operators and prospective applicants, v2 provides a clearer and more structured basis for developing a DAA proposal and engaging with the CAA.

  • Earlier visibility of the stages of regulatory engagement and the information expected to support them.
  • More detail on the requirements, evidence and testing that may be considered when agreeing and assessing a compliance basis.
  • A more consistent basis for planning development, assurance and application activity.
  • Scope to propose proportionate tailoring of the qualification approach where equivalent demonstration power is justified with objective evidence.
  • The possibility that relevant evidence from recognised standards, certification activity or previous testing may support the qualification process, where the CAA is satisfied that it is representative and sufficient for the proposed operation.

Applicants wishing to use DAA as a tactical air-risk mitigation should contact the CAA for guidance on the review and approval process.

Further information

General policy enquiries: airspacemodernisationdelivery@caa.co.uk