We post our regulatory newsletter monthly to keep the drone community up to date with the latest drone regulations.
EASA’s Airworthiness Task Force (AW TF) is developing a Means of Compliance (MoC) for SAIL III operations. The document outlines acceptable MoC in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and focuses on SORA Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs):
#5 - UAS is designed considering system safety and reliability
#6 - C3 link performance is appropriate for the operation
#18 - Automatic protection of the flight envelope from human error
#24 - UAS designed and qualified for adverse environmental conditions
Submissions for comments shall be accepted via the EASA Comment Response Tool until February 16, 2024.
Another consultation for OSO #3 and OSO #19-20 will follow soon.
The draft report on electric aviation has been released as a potential sustainability solution for short to mid-length flights. It highlights the significant increase in carbon emissions within the aviation industry and the challenges involved in finding a sustainable solution.
The document details the following 4 topics, each with several subtopics:
- Benefits of aircraft electrification
- Investing for the future
- Technological challenges and solutions
- Action in the framework of the EU
The draft mentions the collaborative efforts of EASA and CAJU ( Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking) to define new certification methods and MoCs for aircraft and system designs.
EASA and FAA collaborated to define criteria for accepting alternate development assurance standards for software and airborne electronic hardware certification within the aviation industry. This will allow for design standards to be adopted from other industries, such as the automotive industry, to expand innovation within aviation technology. The joint effort will assess existing standards and methodologies from other sectors while maintaining aviation safety. The new framework is known as the “Abstraction Layer” and will be used as an additional tool to evaluate potential alternatives for product assessment.
January 1, 2024, marks the beginning of the new regulations for drone operators in the Open category. The category has three subcategories (A1, A2 and A3), each with different requirements based on their operational risk factors. Legacy drones without a class mark can be operated with subcategories A1 and A3, depending on the weight of the drone. Drones that have a regulation-compliant class mark will be able to operate with fewer limitations. All drones marked C1, C2 and C3 and any in the specific category below 120m are required to have active and updated Remote ID. Drone operators must register and attach their UAS operator registration number to their drones and obtain a remote pilot qualification prior to starting an operation.
The Certification Memorandum (CM) for VTOL-capable aircraft affects applicants for a type certificate (TC) or restricted TC of a VTOL-capable aircraft. The document defines EASA’s intended actions concerning F&R Flight Testing, which includes a required minimum of 150 hours for the overall duration of the function and reliability flight testing. There are further specifications for new engine integration and technological advancements.
The document is available for public review until 01 March 2024.
Ireland’s Department of Transport has prepared a consultation paper that outlines the steps to develop a policy framework for UAS. The paper aims to address three main areas for the policy frameworks;
- Innovation and Enterprise
- Planning and the Use of Airspace
- Compliance and Enforcement
Public consultation is open until March 8, 2024, and submissions can be completed online.
The Spanish CAA, AESA, has extended the deadline for submission for new operational declarations for the National Standard Scenarios (STS-ES) for the Specific Category. The submission deadline has been extended until August 31, 2024
EASA has launched the first survey for unmanned aircraft system (UAS) manufacturers, including drone and kit producers. Its purpose is to review the market’s existing trends and assess future growth within the EU civil drone market. The information collected will be used to support the development of the UAS industry and the relevant regulatory framework. Drone and related component manufacturers are encouraged to participate in the survey until February 9, 2024.
EASA has created a resource platform for drone pilots in the 27 European Union countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The information has been gathered from each country’s National Aviation Authority (NAA) and includes relevant regulations and guidelines for responsible drone operation. For countries without a drone pilot registration process, EASA refers users to the country’s official NAA website. This is to ensure authenticity and to avoid fraudulent websites.
Questions and updates can be directed to drones@easa.europa.eu.
The CAA plans to launch a new digital application tool in March 2024. The aim is to simplify the application and renewal process for Operational Authorisations (OAs) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). The tool will be provided with an operations manual template to ensure compliance. Applicants will also be able to access their OA certificates online. This will be the new process for OAs, with the old application forms being phased out. Applications will be priced at £290 until March 21, 2024, and £314 for applications made on or after April 1 2024.
Finally, we would like to remind our readers that as of January 1, 2024, all drones operating in the specific category and all drones with class marks operating in the open category will be required to operate with an active and up-to-date remote identification system.
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See you in the skies and beyond,
Team Murzilli
