The new European Union drone regulations will enter into force in 20 days, but included in the regs is the fact that they do not go into effect for one year. A little confusing, but I guess the intent is to give advance notice.
European Union Drone Regulations
On 11 June 2019, the new European Union’s regulation on drones was published. It consists 2 documents:
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947
These 2 documents are now available in 23 languages.
These common rules will help drone operators, whether professional or recreational, to have a clear understanding of what is allowed, or not. At the same time, it enables them to operate across borders. Once drone operators have received an authorisation in the state of registration, they are allowed to freely circulate in the European Union. This means that they can operate their drones seamlessly when travelling across the EU, or when developing a business involving drones around Europe.
The new rules include technical as well as operational requirements for drones. On one hand they define the capabilities a drone must have to be flown safely. For instance, new drones will have to be individually identifiable, allowing the authorities to trace a particular drone, if necessary. This will help to better prevent events similar to the ones which happened in 2018 at Gatwick and Heathrow airports. On the other hand, the rules cover each operation type, from those not requiring prior authorisation, to those involving certified aircraft and operators, as well as minimum remote pilot training requirements. The new rules will replace existing national rules in EU Member States.
While the EU regulation will enter into force in the next 20 days, it will be applicable only in one year, in order to give Member States and operators time to prepare and implement it. As of June 2020, operators of drones will need to register in the Member State where they have their residence or their main place of business.
The applicability will be gradual according to a timeline that can be consulted on the EASA drone page.
EASA will soon publish guidance material and a proposal for two «standard scenarios» to support drone operators to comply with the adopted rules. Towards the end of the year, EASA will make a proposal to the European Commission for U-space service regulation to enable complex drone operations with a high degree of automation.
For additional information click here.
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