Fifteen of the most influential international aviation stakeholders have come together to call for faster action on drone regulation in European airspace - providing a potential ‘blueprint’ for other jurisdictions to follow. 

Part of the European focus is due to the recent high profile, drone related disruptions to aircraft operations at Gatwick, Heathrow and Dublin airports, and their impact on airport and aviation safety. 

The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) and the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA), both of which NZALPA is an active member of, have been joined by the International Air Transport Association and other European manned aviation peak bodies to accelerate the integration of unmanned aviation devices ‘safely, securely, efficiently and fairly’ into ‘one sky’.

Meanwhile, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) drone rules for all European Union (EU) countries gained final approval at the end of February. As an ‘Implementing Regulation’ (set of Rules) it is expected to be published this European summer and come into force around June 2020. 

The signatories released a list of eight measures they specifically want swiftly implemented, particularly in what is considered very low level airspace below 500ft (153m). 

The measures are also an excellent checklist for other airspace jurisdictions, such as in the sky above New Zealand, as regulatory authorities attempt to deal practically and legally with the rapid proliferation of unmanned aviation devices.

Last month’s Uplink reported Ministry of Transport figures claiming that tourists bring around 200,000 drones into New Zealand each year. Most of those devices are likely to weigh more than 250 grams and are therefore likely to be affected by regulations the Civil Aviation Authority is developing. This tourist drone activity is in addition to the increase in local and commercial drone use encouraged by rapid changes in drone technology and as more innovative business uses are found for drones. 

Below are extracts from the measures the ‘We Are all One in the Sky’ signatories want accelerated: 

Extensive public awareness campaign

“The general public, including recreational/occasional drone users, as well as commercial clients, must be aware of the safety risks, duties, liabilities, insurance requirements, responsibilities, and third-party privacy issues associated with drone operations.” 

Mandatory training and certificate/license relevant to operations 

“The obligation for drone pilots to obtain a certificate or licence aligned with EU regulation – depending on the properties, performance and features of the drone – creates awareness and mandates knowledge of the applicable regulations and restrictions as well as helping to develop the necessary skills.” 

Airport protection from drone intrusions

“It is incumbent on all industry stakeholders – from both manned and unmanned aviation – to be prepared to protect the security of aircraft operations in coordination with their competent authorities and law enforcement agencies.” 

Incident reporting 

“Reporting any incidents/accidents surrounding drone operations is an invaluable tool…everyone, including non-involved persons, should be able to report such occurrences based on a non-punitive system, similar to the philosophy of ‘Just Culture."

Increase in the effectiveness of enforcement 

“It is essential that States have the appropriate resources, power and means to enforce regulation. To guarantee the safety of manned aviation and third parties on the ground, enforcement bodies must receive training and technical equipment to monitor regulatory compliance.” 

Situational awareness of all manned aircraft

“There is currently no defined path for the integration of manned and unmanned aircraft in uncontrolled airspace…there are presently no adequate technologies (or spectrum) for (drone) users to make themselves visible (i.e transmit electronically their identity or location)." 

Traffic management for drones

“The European Commission’s ‘U-space’ initiative provides a policy framework for the safe integration of drones…(these systems) are being designed to support safe, efficient and secure access to airspace for large numbers of drones and ensure a proper interface between the drone world and manned aviation, ANSPs (air navigation service providers) and other relevant authorities." 

Further research into essential areas

“Concerted research action is needed to allow all stakeholders to maximise and best exploit their research efforts. Additional research is still required on essential areas like contingency procedures, geofencing, surveillance, Air Traffic Management-drone pilot communication and (the) impact of collisions between drones and all types of manned aircraft.”

For the full statement click HERE.