Posted: 17th April, 2026
HeliOperations is pleased to announce the launch of Drone Certification Agency (DCA), a new sister company dedicated to supporting the testing, evaluation and certification of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
DCA has been established to provide a controlled aviation environment for organisations developing advanced drone technologies whilst operating from the CAA-licensed heliport on the Isle of Portland in Dorset within a CAP 3145 Approved UAS Test Site. The new venture builds on HeliOperations’ extensive aviation experience, extending its capabilities into the rapidly evolving unmanned sector.
Expanding Capability into the UAS Sector
The launch of Drone Certification Agency reflects the growing demand for professional, aviation-led environments where drone systems can be safely tested, validated and prepared for commercial deployment.
DCA offers access to a CAP 3145 Approved Test Site facility with coastal airspace, maritime environments and coordinated operational areas. This enables organisations to carry out a wide range of activities, from early-stage development and system integration through to advanced flight testing and operational trials.
With increasing interest in BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, maritime drone applications and complex mission profiles, the need for structured testing environments continues to grow. DCA has been developed to meet this demand, providing a flexible and safety-focused environment for UAS testing and evaluation.
Built on Aviation Expertise
As a sister company to HeliOperations, DCA benefits from a strong foundation in both military and civil aviation operations, safety and regulatory compliance. This heritage enables the organisation to support drone testing activities within a professionally managed environment, aligned with established aviation standards.
The facility also provides access to supporting infrastructure and services, including hangarage, flight planning and coordination, SORA support and operational development. Where required, additional aviation and maritime assets can be made available to support activities such as Manned–Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) and deck landing trials.
A Strategic Location for Drone Testing
Located at Portland Heliport, DCA offers direct access to coastal airspace and nearby Danger Areas, creating an ideal setting for drone testing in the UK. The combination of aviation infrastructure and geographic advantages allows organisations to develop and test systems in realistic operational environments. This includes the ability to conduct maritime drone testing, logistics trials and extended-range operations along the South Coast, supporting both commercial and defence-related programmes.
Supporting the Future of Uncrewed Aviation
The introduction of Drone Certification Agency marks an important step in HeliOperations’ continued growth and its commitment to supporting innovation across the aviation sector. By providing a dedicated UAS testing and evaluation environment, DCA will play a key role in enabling the safe integration of drone technology into UK airspace and supporting the next generation of uncrewed aviation.
To find out more about Drone Certification Agency and its drone testing facilities, visit: dronecertagency.com