You can download a DRM-free copy of this standard here.
What is BSI Flex 1904 v2.0 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 v2.0 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 v2.0 cover?
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:
- ODD requirements and application;
- ODD taxonomy;
- remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) case study; and
- ODD definition presentations.
Why should you use BSI Flex 1904 v2.0?
The standard creates a consistent description of operating environments supporting innovation and safety. It aims to address the following challenges:
- Consistency of 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.
- The use of pre-defined risk assessments (PDRA): A key requirement within PDRAs is the ability to define the operating environment in a way in which operators can clearly demonstrate compliance. An ODD provides a framework and taxonomy to support this.
- Specific operating risk assessments (SORA): Like PDRAs, the ODD provides a common reference for describing the operating environment, which is particularly relevant for ground and air risk mitigations.
What are the key updates?
This is a full update of the first version of the standard. Key changes include:
- Refining how the standard applies to safety cases.
- Clarifying the role of an ODD developer and when an ODD is constructed within the design lifecycle.
- Enhancing requirements for ODD extensibility and lifecycle considerations.
Who is BSI Flex 1904 v2.0 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 commercialization of new classes of air vehicles through standards. Find out more about the programme here.
