UK CAA SAIL II Mark achieved, supporting AutoSpray Systems

The Drone Office is pleased to have supported AutoSpray Systems in obtaining a UK CAA SAIL Mark at SAIL II for their P150 Max heavy-lift agricultural drone. The UK Civil Aviation Authority issued the Mark on 29 September 2026. Sofia Stayte, Head of Aviation Skills and Future of Flight at the Department for Transport (DfT), presented it at the DroneX exhibition the following day.

One of the first UK CAA SAIL Marks

The AutoSpray certificate is one of the first four SAIL Mark certificates published by the CAA, and one of only two covering a complete aircraft system.

Congratulations to AutoSpray Systems on this achievement.

Photo: Aleks Kowalski at Skypointe Ltd, Andy Sproson at AutoSpray Ltd, and Anne-Lise Scaillierez at The Drone Office Ltd. The UK CAA SAIL II Mark Certificate awarded to AutoSpray Systems.

Medium robustness containment for a heavy-lift drone

Demonstrating medium robustness containment is among the most demanding elements of a SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) application, particularly for a heavy-lift aircraft. The Drone Office worked with AutoSpray to structure the SORA application and to develop the safety documentation and supporting evidence. Marshall assessed the application as the Recognised Assessment Entity for Flightworthiness (RAE-F), and the CAA then issued the SAIL Mark.

Project Beyond Restoration

The SAIL Mark was obtained as part of Project Beyond Restoration,an innovative UK initiative using heavy-lift, autonomous drones operating Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) to restore vulnerable peatland, upland, and woodland habitats. The project was led by AutoSpray and managed by Skypointe Ltd. Skypointe developed the project's Atypical Air Environment in multiple BVLOS locations approval framework.

Congratulations to the AutoSpray team.

The Drone Office provides SORA SAIL Marking compliance support for operators and manufacturers seeking UK CAA approvals.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a UK CAA SAIL Mark?

A SAIL Mark is a certificate issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. It confirms that an uncrewed aircraft system meets the design requirements for a given SORA Specific Assurance and Integrity Level (SAIL), following assessment by a Recognised Assessment Entity for Flightworthiness (RAE-F).

How many SAIL Marks have been issued?

As of 1 October 2026, the CAA has published four SAIL Mark certificates. Two cover complete aircraft systems: Manna Drones at SAIL III and AutoSpray at SAIL II. The other two cover components: a flight termination system and a parachute recovery system.

What is medium robustness containment?

Containment is the part of a SORA assessment that addresses the risk of an aircraft leaving its intended operational volume. Medium robustness means the containment measures must be supported by a higher level of evidence and assurance, which is demanding for heavy-lift aircraft.

How can The Drone Office help with a SAIL Mark application?

We support operators and manufacturers in structuring SORA applications, preparing safety documentation and evidence, and engaging with Recognised Assessment Entities and the UK CAA.