The transition to automated, semi-autonomous, or remote future flight aircraft systems, can help transform how we connect people and transport goods. To fully realize these advantages, it’s essential that the technology is implemented with the highest safety standards. A key element is a consistent framework for the operational design domain (ODD), defining the environmental conditions under which these systems can safely and effectively operate.
BSI Flex 1904 v2.0 establishes a taxonomical structure for ODDs in the future flight ecosystem, supporting a unified safety assurance framework for new air mobility technologies.
It specifies the ODD taxonomy for automated, semi-autonomous, or remotely piloted systems on an aircraft operating in the future flight ecosystem; which can be flown by a decentralized flight crew, and which could be flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
It includes:
The standard creates a consistent description of operating environments supporting innovation and safety. It aims to address the following challenges:
This is a full update of the first version of the standard. Key changes include:
This BSI Flex is intended for aircraft manufacturers and system developers, aircraft owners, aircraft operators, flight crew, and safety-related systems practitioners.
It might also be of interest to regulators, safety assessors, emergency services, local authorities, and other operators of aircraft systems in UK airspace.
Get a free copy of the standard here.
BSI Flex 1904 is one in a series of standards being developed under the Future Flight Standards Programme led by BSI, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The programme is designed to enable safe trials, demonstrations, and commercialization of new classes of air vehicles through standards. Find out more about the programme here.