(AE) TRANSPORT: SESAR sets out blueprint for drone use in altitudes of less than 150 metres
Luxembourg, 16/06/2017 (Agence Europe) signalé par EDC
On Friday 16 June, at the request of the European Commission, the joint-undertaking, SESAR, presented a blueprint to ensure that the use of drones in at less than 150 metres in altitude is “a safe, secure and environmentally friendly activity”.
This strategy is based on U-Space, which covers an airspace of up to 150 metres in altitude and the development of the drone services related market in European Union territory. Registration of drones and drone operators, their e-identification and geo-fencing should be in place by 2019 and the discussion paper presented by the joint-undertaking is also proposing several basic principles in the context of setting out a future legislative framework that promotes innovation and takes on board concerns about drone use.
In a press release, EU Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said: “Drones mean innovation, new services for citizens, new business models and a huge potential for economic growth. We need the EU to be in the driving seat and have a safe drone services market up and running by 2019. The EU needs to take a leading role worldwide in developing the right framework for this market to flourish, by unleashing the benefits for key economic sectors”.
Among the basic principles, SESAR is proposing to introduce an air traffic management system for drones similar to the one applicable for piloted flights. U-Space is also expected to be able to provide highly automated or autonomous drones with information so that they can optimise their flight path and anticipate certain obstacles. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)