The RPAS ‘Open Category’ in EASA’s Concept of Operations for Drones

Abstract:

This paper describes the position of Europe’s professional pilots on the standards and rules necessary for the safe use of drones in EASA’s ‘Open’ category. Acknowledging the potential this technology has for innovation and benefit to society, it is absolutely critical that the technology is introduced safely, in particular with regard to existing manned aviation – a future accident involving drones in which people are seriously harmed will do far more damage to the industry’s development than carefully thought out, effective, efficient regulation. The following points summarise this paper.