Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
European Parliament Clears Way For Drone Ops Rules In 2017
The Parliament's transport committee agreed on amendments that would introduce European Union-wide requirements for drones.
A DT26M fixed-wing drone manufactured by Delair-Tech, of Toulouse, France, awaits launch from a catapult. (Photo: Delair-Tech)
A DT26M fixed-wing drone manufactured by Delair-Tech, of Toulouse, France, awaits launch from a catapult. (Photo: Delair-Tech)

European Union (EU) officials plan early next year to finalize regulations covering oversight of the operation of unmanned aircraft systems in civil airspace. The anticipated votes by the EU's Council of Transport Ministers and the EU Commission will follow recommendations issued on November 10 by the transport committee of the European Parliament. The committee issued amendments to the framing regulation of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to coordinate oversight of drones among member states and also require that they be registered. The European Cockpit Association (ECA) applauded the proposed changes.