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Spitoon · 22nd June 2009, 09:32

Although not new in concept, UAVs are relatively new in the air. One of the biggest problems that the UAV industry seems to be having is finding out what regulatory rules apply to their systems.

With respect to the Rules of the Air, the last time I was involved in any discussions (about 5 years ago) the UK position was that a UAV had to comply with the rules...just like any other aircraft of comprable size and capability etc. That is to say, other aircraft flying in the same airspace should be able to expect a UAV to follow the same rules as a manned aircraft.

Things may have moved on a lot since then because EASA and Eurocontrol have been involved and are trying to set Europe-wide rules. For the UK CAP 722: Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace - Guidance might be of some interest.

Your suggestion that the rules will be similar to those applicable to a model aircraft may be flawed - some UAVs are not far off the size of a B737. And their capabilities range from something like a model to totally autonomous operation whilst completing a mission.

I don't know what your interest is but when I was involved while the UAV industry seemed able to build (or envisage) some fascinating vehicles and control systems, their grasp of the rules and dealing with regulators and of fitting into an established aviation network was woefully naive.

22nd June 2009, 09:32	#2 (permalink)
Spitoon Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 2,016	Although not new in concept, UAVs are relatively new in the air. One of the biggest problems that the UAV industry seems to be having is finding out what regulatory rules apply to their systems. With respect to the Rules of the Air, the last time I was involved in any discussions (about 5 years ago) the UK position was that a UAV had to comply with the rules...just like any other aircraft of comprable size and capability etc. That is to say, other aircraft flying in the same airspace should be able to expect a UAV to follow the same rules as a manned aircraft. Things may have moved on a lot since then because EASA and Eurocontrol have been involved and are trying to set Europe-wide rules. For the UK CAP 722: Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace - Guidance might be of some interest. Your suggestion that the rules will be similar to those applicable to a model aircraft may be flawed - some UAVs are not far off the size of a B737. And their capabilities range from something like a model to totally autonomous operation whilst completing a mission. I don't know what your interest is but when I was involved while the UAV industry seemed able to build (or envisage) some fascinating vehicles and control systems, their grasp of the rules and dealing with regulators and of fitting into an established aviation network was woefully naive.