Order Number: 10019

ISBN 978-92-9249-718-7 

Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) are a new component of the aviation system, one which the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), States and the industry are working to understand, define and ultimately integrate. These systems are based on cutting-edge developments in aerospace technologies, offering advancements which may open new and improved civil/commercial applications as well as improvements to the safety and efficiency of all civil aviation.

 

The safe integration of RPAS into non-segregated airspace is a long-term activity with many stakeholders adding their expertise on such diverse topics as licensing and medical qualification of remote pilots, technologies for detect and avoid systems, frequency spectrum (including its protection from unintentional or unlawful interference), separation standards from other aircraft and development of a robust regulatory framework.

 

Civil aviation has, to this point, been based on the notion of a pilot operating the aircraft from within the aircraft itself and more often than not with passengers on board. Removing the pilot from the aircraft raises important technical and operational issues, the extent of which is being actively studied by the aviation community. Guidance on many of these issues is provided in this manual. As knowledge increases in the coming years, guidance for resolving the issues will become ever more refined. It is anticipated that information and data pertaining to RPAS will evolve rapidly as States and the aerospace industry advance their work and bring their input to ICAO.

 

The goal of ICAO in addressing RPAS is to provide an international regulatory framework through Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), with supporting Procedures for Air Navigation Services (PANS) and guidance material, to underpin routine operation of RPAS throughout the world in a safe, harmonized and seamless manner comparable to that of manned operations. Most importantly, introduction of remotely piloted aircraft into non-segregated airspace and at aerodromes should in no way increase safety risks to manned aircraft.