British Regulator Leads On RPAS
While ICAO and EASA formulate rules, the CAA has led the way and if anything has been frustrating at the lack of take-up from industry.
Britain’s regulatory framework allows it to have a more active small-RPAS sector than many other countries. Here, a British Army RPAS Watchkeeper is in the system and cleared to fly, but there are no civilian RPASs in its class–that is, weighing more than 150 kg–operating in the UK.
Britain’s regulatory framework allows it to have a more active small-RPAS sector than many other countries. Here, a British Army RPAS Watchkeeper is in the system and cleared to fly, but there are no civilian RPASs in its class–that is, weighing more than 150 kg–operating in the UK.

Integrating remotely piloted air systems (RPAS) into civilian airspace in Europe is not going to be easy. Official programs are many, work is extensive, detailed and ongoing, but anyone expecting an early resolution is going to be disappointed. This was the picture gleaned from a series of presentations at last month’s RPAS Today: Opportunities and Challenges conference, run by the Royal Aeronautical Society in London.