Analysis of the applicability of processes and procedures of a manned VFR flight on unmanned air transport

Abstract

Currently, many remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) are in use in various areas around the world. Amongst other things, they are used for example for photography or country surveying as well as for non-civil use during military action. The European Commission estimates that within the next 20 years, there will be more than 100,000 people employed in the European drone sector, which will have an impact on the economy of more than 10 billion € per year [1]. There is already a framework issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) which defines the rules under which a RPAS should operate. According to the ICAO DOC 10019, the RPAS consist of a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) and a remote pilot station (RPS) as well as a C2 link which represents the communication between the two parts. This definition by ICAO is a general one that includes all kind of remotely controlled flying devices. Problems arise, because the legal framework which defines the usage of these systems is not yet complete and the authorities only dealt with the issue of unmanned aircraft in a general manner. Within the EU, the national rules by the member countries are in conflict with the European regulations in terms of validity. Additionally, in Germany, unmanned aircraft operation is perceived as a danger to the manned aviation. Because of the lack of knowledge and findings of unmanned aircraft, it is desired, in the interest of flight safety, to perform a stepped integration into the airspace. [2]