
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council has adopted new standards and recommended practices (SARPs) aimed at enhancing safety and facilitating the integration of remotely piloted aircraft into the international airspace system. This development, announced on April 5 at the conclusion of ICAO's 231st Session, represents a major step forward in the organization's ongoing effort to improve the global air navigation system.
Adoption of these new SARPs encompasses amendments to 15 of the 19 Annexes to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, along with the approval of a new Procedure for Air Navigation Services (PANS) on Information Management. Notably, the integration of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) into the aviation system has been advanced through the Council’s adoption of Part IV International Operations — Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems to Annex 6 – Operation of Aircraft.