John Sheridan

The European Commission released a final report on the integration of civil remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) into European airspace in June. The report’s aim is to achieve initial RPAS airspace integration, beginning with visual line-of-sight operations, in 2016.
Developed by European aviation technical organizations under the collective name ofthe European RPAS Steering Group, the 200-page report covers a wide swath of issues, requirements and plans over its proposed RPAS integration “roadmap,” covering the period 2013 to 2028. 
In the report, the steering group establishes fundamental requirements for integrating RPAS. Among them: RPAS eventually should be able to operate in unrestricted airspace, mixed with a variety of manned aircraft from gliders to large airliners, under VFR or IFR conditions, subject to the airspace requirements in which they are operating. RPAS must comply with ATC procedures, including future “trajectory-based” or flight profile management requirements for manned aircraft. Specific allowances are made for light RPAS. The RPAS operator must hold a valid operator certificate and the remote pilot must hold a valid license.
From these fundamental requirements, the steering group developed three detailed annexes to the report, covering regulatory aspects, technology requirements and societal impacts of integrating RPAS into the airspace.
The regulatory aspects are linked to future ICAO standards and recommended practices (Sarps). Surprisingly the technology section estimates that a “full solution” for unmanned aircraft “detect and avoid” capability will not be achieved before 2021. The societal impacts section addresses key public questions of liability, insurance, privacy, benefits to EU citizens, acceptable risk and ethics.
“It’s a good report,” said one U.S. unmanned aircraft industry source, who preferred not to be named. “It’s maybe a line in the sand for us. While we’re battling over drones taking pictures of us in our backyards, the Europeans are getting down to business.”

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

European ‘Roadmap’ Begins Unmanned Integration in 2016

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

The project wrapped two weeks early after 24/7 effort

Conclusion of KEWR Runway Rehab Could Ease Traffic Woes

Charles Alcock

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Aircraft operators will be charged a new fee to support the work

Redesign of UK Airspace Will Start with London Airports

Kerry Lynch

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Bolen said system needs addition $18.5 billion over three years

ATC Modernization Becomes Urgent Focus of FAA Reauthorization

Amy Wilder

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Predictive engine designed to support tower situational awareness

NoamAI Launches Artificial Intelligence ATC Assistant

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

More In ATC

Conclusion of KEWR Runway Rehab Could Ease Traffic Woes

The project wrapped two weeks early after 24/7 effort

Redesign of UK Airspace Will Start with London Airports

Aircraft operators will be charged a new fee to support the work

ATC Modernization Becomes Urgent Focus of FAA Reauthorization

Bolen said system needs addition $18.5 billion over three years

NoamAI Launches Artificial Intelligence ATC Assistant

Predictive engine designed to support tower situational awareness

EASA Certifies First U-space ATM Service Provider For Uncrewed Aircraft

Anra Technologies is ready to launch U-space services across Europe

FAA: Newark ATC Failures Prompt Controller Trauma Leave

Agency reiterates need for tech upgrades after Newark failures

New FAA-NATCA Deal Adds Bonuses To Bolster ATC Ranks

NATCA calls new pact “a meaningful step” toward solving controller shortage

WWII-era North Atlantic Blue Spruce Routes Removed

Blue Spruce involved airspace between Iceland and Greenland

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN