On Monday 5 September, the organisations representing the different aviation sector actors published a joint statement, in which they put forward a range of proposals to encourage the EU to develop a harmonised regulatory framework as soon as possible to respond to the safety challenges created by civilian drones.
Almost all actors in the aviation sector have signed the statement (A4E, ACI EUROPE, CANSO, ECA, EHA, ERAA, IACA, IATA, IFALPA and IFATCA) as they are convinced that this phenomenon has now assumed very worrying proportions. According to Dirk Polloczek, head of the European Cockpit Association, there is an increase in drone operators extending the drones’ flight height and distance. There are also increasing numbers of drones being flown in strict no-fly zones, such as airports, which have provoked an increasing number of accidents or near misses because some drone users are unaware of the rules and regulations, while others are deliberately flouting them.
The aviation sector is therefore calling for: - the registration of all drones at the time of purchase or resale, in an effort to promote greater traceability; - compulsory training for drone pilots, with appropriate certification; - technical limits on drones (geographical and altitude); - extensive research into collisions between drones and aeroplanes; - the inclusion of recreational drones in model aircraft flying regulations; - and increased efficiency from national authorities when implementing the rules.
Faced with an exponential increase in the drones market, the European Commission made this a priority issue in its aviation strategy adopted last year (see EUROPE 11438 and 11421). (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)