You can download a DRM-free copy of this standard here.
What is BSI Flex 1904 v1.0 about?
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 v1.0 establishes a taxonomical structure for ODDs in the future flight ecosystem, supporting a unified safety assurance framework for new air mobility technologies.
What does BSI Flex 1904 v1.0 cover?
This standard specifies the ODD taxonomy for automated, semi-autonomous, or remotely piloted systems in aircraft operating within the future flight ecosystem.
It includes:
- ODD requirements and application.
- ODD taxonomy.
- Remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) case study.
- ODD definition presentations.
Why should you use BSI Flex 1904 v1.0?
This ODD taxonomy addresses key challenges within the sector by:
- Standardizing Concept of Operations (ConOps): Currently, there's no consistent method for describing the operating environment when preparing ConOps for Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approval. This taxonomy creates a unified approach.
- Optimizing Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRA): A critical aspect of PDRAs is clearly defining the operating environment to demonstrate compliance. An ODD provides a framework and taxonomy to support this.
- Supporting the development of Specific Operating Risk Assessments (SORA): Like PDRAs, the ODD will provide a common reference for describing the operating environment, which is particularly relevant for ground and air risk mitigations.
Use of the standard may support:
- Managing risk and increasing trust.
- Accelerating innovation.
- Advancing the UK's delivery of safe and secure future flight technologies and services.
- Showcasing the UK's leadership in this fast evolving and highly technical domain.
Who is BSI Flex 1904 v1.0 for?
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.
The Future Flight Standards Programme
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 industrialization of new classes of air vehicles through standards.
Find out more about the programme here.
BSI Flex 1904 v1.0 is available for public consultation
We would also welcome any feedback that you have on the first version of the Flex to inform future versions. Please click here to share your views.