The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has proposed rule making to regulate the operation of small drones in Europe. The rule making regarding the regulation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of less than 150kg. The proposed rule would require a system that ensures drones do not enter a prohibited zone; particularly addressing pilot qualifications and requiring pilots to register before they operate drones heavier than nine ounces. The proposal provides alleviations for people flying model aircraft. At the end of this year, the EASA will submit a final recommendation to the European Commission.
The specific objectives of the proposal related to UAS, as defined in the IA, are:
— to ensure an operation-centric, proportionate, risk and performance based regulatory framework;
— to ensure a high and uniform level of safety for UAS;
— to foster the development of the UAS market; and
— to contribute to enhancing privacy, data protection, and security
Comments are due by August 12 this year.
Further information: EASA framework for the operation of drones
