Brussels, 08/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission is to look very closely at civil drones more closely in an effort to introduce greater legislative certainty to their use in the EU. Although only 1,500 drones are currently “in circulation” in the EU, this figure could possibly expand massively soon. Technology in this area is well developed and there is a real appetite from industry, which could have a positive impact on the European economy.
In a communication published on Tuesday 8 April 2014, the Commission says it is seeking to establish stricter standards for “remotely piloted aircraft systems” (RPAS). These drones weigh less than 150 kg and are currently subject to member state authorisation but not to rules laid down by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). National rules, however, vary widely and industry is calling for more legal stability. The civil drone market has potential for significant growth and, in ten years' time, could be worth 10% of the aviation market - €15 billion per year. Civil drones are used in a variety of tasks: construction, checking damage to road and rail bridges, emergency aid and flood surveillance. They can be used commercially, with home deliveries of parcels ordered online, as suggested a short while ago by the Amazon company. European Commissioner for Transport Siim Kallas, however, has not attempted to conceal his concerns, as have a number of other citizens, with regard to security, safety and respect for privacy in the event of a “proliferation” of these remotely piloted aircraft systems.
Legislative framework to be examined. In an effort to reassure consumers and prevent the misuse of drones, whilst allowing industry to benefit from them, the Commission would like to provide a better framework for the way in which they are used. Commissioner Kallas told the press that “we have an opportunity now to make a single set of rules that everyone can work with, just like we do for larger aircraft”. The communication adopted by the European Commission therefore draws up a list of areas where harmonised rules could be introduced. The European Commission is promising to carry out a public consultation and an impact assessment will soon be made very shortly, in an effort to formulate legislative proposals at the beginning of the mandate of the next European commissioner for transport.
Safety. European standards should ensure that these remotely piloted aircraft systems are safe. To achieve this aim, EASA has been called on to examine the issue. Safety rules will have to be compatible with those of the ICAO. Although these drones are not manned, they can fly over high population density areas or into space, which is not devoid of risk.
Privacy. Data registered by drones that are equipped with cameras, for example, must be subject to rules that guarantee the protection of privacy. In order to respond to ethical questions, the Commission intends to examine whether the use of drones complies with European rules on fundamental rights.
Security. The risk of drones being misused or used for terrorist ends cannot be ruled out either. Security considerations therefore require specific attention by the legislator and the air traffic control system has to be up to the task of monitoring this. Drone operators and service providers should be overseen by national or European monitoring bodies.
Drones also require a system for civil insurance and liability, which is currently worked out on the weight of these systems, from 500kg onwards. Revision of the legislative framework on this subject would therefore be necessary. The Commission plans to examine the usefulness of European instruments in this connection, as was done for research, with Horizon 2020, and the space sector, with Copernicus (Earth observation system) from which drone technology could benefit. (MD)