Emerging Aviation Issues — Increased use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS)
Increased use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS)
Use of small unmanned aircraft is increasing at an unprecedented rate across the globe, challenging regulators to appropriately design regulations that ensure safety and security while allowing the industry to thrive. Member States have requested ICAO assistance in developing a harmonized regulatory framework. This work is being undertaken through DRONE ENABLE, ICAO’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Industry Symposia. The 2018 symposium was held in Chengdu, China from 13 to 14 September 2018 and was attended by approximately 450 participants. Additionally, ICAO continued to develop a global baseline of guidance material to facilitate harmonization of regulations on UAS that remain outside of the international instrument flight rules (IFR) framework.
Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), generally larger and more advanced than UAS, have been part of the ICAO work programme since 2007. The regulatory framework that will support remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operating internationally, as a routine part of the air traffic management system, is progressing through the RPAS Panel and other groups. The Annex 1 — Personnel Licensing remote pilot licence provisions were adopted by Council in March 2018 for applicability in November 2022. The third RPAS Symposium was held in Chengdu, China from 10 to 12 September 2018 and was attended by approximately 500 participants.
