RPAS Operations

The main barrier identified for the deployment of RPAS in the maritime domain is the current lack of a mature pan-European legal framework with respect to the regulatory aspects to achieve flight approval for RPAS and operating RPAS in non-segregated airspace. It is however important to note that the EU’s goal of framing a regulatory structure to enable RPAS to safely move through Europe’s airspace is moving ahead. Updates on regulations and communication are available at EASA website.

Taking in consideration the complexity and lengthy preparatory work of each RPAS services deployment, a new approach has been proposed and approved by the Administrative Board. Starting from 2020 the RPAS operations are concentrated on maritime geographical areas with common operational interest for more than one Member State or EU agencies.