![\"\"](\"https:\/\/plowmancraven.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/image-46-1-edited.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhy this matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Many of the assets our clients need to inspect are not in open, easy to access locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are often close to live rail, public areas, operational buildings, highways, industrial plant, utilities or other sensitive interfaces. In these environments, traditional access methods can be slow, costly and disruptive. They can also introduce additional risk through work at height, possession planning, scaffolding, rope access, MEWPs or physical entry into hazardous areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
UAS technology already helps reduce those challenges. However, standard operating restrictions can still limit where and how drones can be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This new authorisation gives Plowman Craven greater flexibility to operate in those more challenging environments. Meanwhile, we still work within a controlled, approved and risk assessed framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The authorisation allows our teams to plan certain UAS operations with reduced exclusion zones. As a result, clients can access better data with less disruption to their sites, assets and operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That can support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is particularly valuable where access is the challenge. Rail corridors, bridges, stations, industrial facilities, tall structures, roofs, facades, utilities and confined or restricted environments can all be affected. The practical limits of traditional inspection methods cause this effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By reducing those access constraints, we can help clients make better decisions. Importantly, we do this without necessarily increasing site disruption or exposing people to unnecessary risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The real value of this authorisation is not simply that we can fly closer under defined conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is what that access allows us to deliver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Modern UAS work is no longer just about capturing images from the air. Instead, it is part of a wider digital workflow that can support inspection, survey, engineering review, asset management and long term maintenance planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the project requirements, UAS data can support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means a single operation can provide both immediate inspection value and longer term digital outputs. These outputs can support future decision making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n James Arnott, Managing Director of Inspection, said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUAS is no longer just an access method. It is a data capture platform that supports safer working, better survey outputs and smarter asset decisions. This authorisation gives us greater flexibility to support clients in complex environments, while keeping robust planning, control and compliance at the centre of every operation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For clients, that makes the work more than an access solution. It becomes a way to improve how asset information is captured, understood and used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reduced separation distances only have value when they are backed by the right procedures, people and controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Operational Authorisation does not remove the need for careful planning. Every project will still be assessed on its own merits. We will take into account the site, airspace, aircraft, public interface, asset type, operating environment, emergency procedures and the specific risks involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The authorisation gives Plowman Craven the ability to apply a more advanced operating model where the conditions are suitable. This is possible where the risk assessment supports it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not a blanket permission to fly anywhere. Instead, it is a specialist approval that reflects the systems, competence and operational controls required to carry out this type of work safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is an important milestone for Plowman Craven\u2019s Inspection division and strengthens our ability to support clients with complex inspection and survey requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It gives us greater flexibility on projects where access, safety, programme and disruption are major factors. It also supports our wider investment in remote inspection, digital survey, asset intelligence and advanced geospatial delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n David Locker, Chief Executive Officer at Plowman Craven, said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/plowmancraven.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/07\/Media-3.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat this means for our clients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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More than just drone access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Safety and control remain central<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/plowmancraven.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/07\/Image-32-1-2048x1536.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA step forward for specialist inspection and survey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n