Representatives from Plowman Craven recently attended Rail Live 2026, one of the UK’s leading rail industry events. They attended to explore emerging technologies. In addition, they sought to strengthen industry relationships and gain valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the rail sector.
Representing Plowman Craven at this year’s event, Rail Live, were Tom Avery, Head of Commercial for the Inspection, Georgios Constantinou, Survey Manager within the Digital Construction, and Zara McGregor, Chief UAS Pilot in Inspection also attended. The event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with industry peers. Moreover, participants were able to review the latest technological developments. They also discussed innovations that continue to drive the rail industry forward.
Valuable Conversations with Network Rail Air Operations
One of the most productive discussions of the day was with members of Network Rail’s Air Operations team, including Ken Durling, Sean Leahy and several of their colleagues. Such meaningful discussions are a core part of the Rail Live experience.
The conversation focused on the practical use of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for inspecting railway infrastructure and assets. At Rail Live, alongside their Elios platforms, the team explained how they utilise smaller drones, including the DJI Neo and DJI Avata 360. In addition, they use these smaller drones for inspections within roof spaces and asbestos-related environments.
Using lower-cost platforms in these higher-risk situations helps reduce financial exposure should a drone become unrecoverable due to challenging operating conditions, contamination risks or inaccessible environments. Nevertheless, it was an interesting insight into how organisations are adapting their drone strategies. They are doing this to improve operational efficiency. At the same time, they manage risk at events like Rail Live.
Discussions also centred around the challenges associated with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) permissions and Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) applications. Sharing experiences at Rail Live with other operators provided valuable perspective on the current regulatory landscape. Additionally, it provided insight into future opportunities for collaboration.
Sean Leahy offered support with potential test sites used by Network Rail’s Air Operations team, including facilities at Melton Mowbray. The team also discussed previous Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) research undertaken by Network Rail. Additionally, opportunities were identified to share further operational evidence and research that may help support future authorisation applications. This could also help demonstrate safe UAS methodologies to the CAA. These exchanges highlighted the collaborative spirit encouraged by Rail Live.
Exploring New Technology and Industry Developments
Rail Live offered a valuable opportunity to review the latest innovations entering the market. Without a doubt, the event showcased the breadth of technology that Rail Live brings to the rail community each year.
A particular highlight was meeting with Rothbucher Systeme and exploring their UAV and survey target solutions. The team were especially interested in the company’s innovative high-strength magnetic mounting systems. Furthermore, they were also interested in the precision spigot-style locking mechanisms. These mechanisms are designed to improve the deployment, stability and reliability of survey targets in demanding environments during Rail Live.
The event also facilitated a useful new industry contact regarding the ongoing review of Survey Standard 3100. This connection is expected to support future discussions through the wider Air Operations community. In turn, it will contribute to ongoing industry engagement seen at Rail Live.
Strengthening Existing Relationships
The event also provided an opportunity to catch up with Ultrabeam and discuss developments in bathymetric data capture technology at Rail Live. This underlined the value of networking sessions at the show.
Building on recent collaboration and joint proposal work, discussions focused on the growing role bathymetric surveys can play in supporting infrastructure and environmental projects across the rail sector. At Rail Live, the meeting reinforced the value of continued collaboration between specialist providers. In addition, it also highlighted opportunities for future partnership working.
Looking Ahead
While the team did not identify a suitable rail-compliant Ground Investigation partner during the event, Rail Live 2026 proved to be a highly worthwhile visit. It provided valuable technical insights. Additionally, it strengthened industry relationships and created opportunities for future collaboration. Notably, this was one of many benefits experienced by Rail Live attendees.
Reflecting on the event, Tom Avery, Head of Commercial of Inspection at Plowman Craven, said:
“Rail Live provided a valuable opportunity to connect with industry peers, discuss emerging technologies and share experiences around some of the key challenges facing rail inspection and UAS operations. The conversations we had, particularly around future permissions and operational developments, will be beneficial as we continue to develop our services and support our clients.”
Events such as Rail Live play an important role in helping Plowman Craven remain at the forefront of innovation. By engaging with industry leaders, technology providers and infrastructure owners, our teams continue to develop the knowledge, partnerships and technical expertise required to deliver informed, practical and forward-thinking solutions for the rail sector. Furthermore, the exposure gained at Rail Live is simply invaluable for the business and the wider rail industry.
This article was developed using insights and feedback provided by Zara McGregor, Chief UAS Pilot, following her attendance at Rail Live 2026.
