The UK Civil Aviation Authority warns that, as soon as unmanned air vehicles have a proven "sense and avoid" capability, their numbers in the skies will soar – but many in the industry appear unaware of this likely development.
The authority wants to prepare the aerospace industry, particularly users of uncontrolled airspace, for UAVs' arrival. In November last year the CAA published a paper on the issues involved (CAP 722), but concerned at the lack of response from some sectors of the aviation community, it has raised the subject again, calling for comment.
The CAA says UAVs are significant for the future of commercial as well as military aviation. The authority plans to hold a UAV workshop in London "in the autumn", but wants to provoke debate beforehand. Geoff Bowker of the CAA's directorate of airspace policy says: "UAVs herald a revolutionary era in aviation history, so it is important the views of the industry are heard at this early stage of their development and regulation. We are trying to focus thinking."
Current Eurocontrol – and CAA – thinking on UAVs is that they will not be allowed to operate outside specially reserved airspace until they can respond to air-traffic control directions like a manned aircraft in controlled airspace or while under instrument flight rules. The CAA says UAVs should have a highly developed "sense and avoid" capability in all sectors.
DAVID LEARMOUNT/LONDON
Source: Flight International
