The issue is not about whether we do or don't regulate, it seems inevitable. If not, for safety reasons, the very expensive rotary assets will be destined to spend most of their time on the ground. This was a conclusion I took away from the conference.
The technology is here, but it can't currently be exploited. Any regulation needs to be based on rotor craft operation and not a hand-me-down from fixed wing.
Regulated does not necessarily mean "controlled" in the conventional sense. But it has impacts on technology, training and operation. It could be beneficial to all, extending current operations, if it can be implemented in a cost effective, sustainable way.
It will take all aspects of the industry working together to promote the regulation, training, documentary and technology aspects into a framework that can maximise the use of the unique qualities of rotorcraft in an affordable way.
Last edited by dClbydalpha; 20th Jul 2017 at 15:46.