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Old 24th June 2009, 17:42   #3 (permalink)
ETOPS
 
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: In front of a computer
Posts: 912
One of the problems with UAVs and airspace is taxing the legal brains as we speak. If a UAV requires clearance to operate in or cross controlled airspace and the operator is based in a foreign country, how does ATC know that the craft will comply with its instructions?

A manned aircraft has a crew onboard who communicate directly using R/T and have a vested interest in safety as they are airborne. The UAV operator may be thousands of miles away and could simply 'phone ATC via landline. Does your local ATC issue clearances to airborne vehicles via the 'phone? Who do you indict if instructions are not followed?

More work needed I think...............
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