The Department for Transport (DfT) has now published the outcome of their consultation on the safe use of drones in the UK.  The document can be viewed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/631638/unlocking-the-uks-high-tech-economy-consultation-on-the-safe-use-of-drones-in-the-uk-government-response.pdf The document has evidently caused some concern within the model flying community and has set some ‘hares running’.  As such, I thought that it would be … Read More

<p><strong>NPA 2017-05(A) Introduction of a regulatory framework for the operation of drones </strong></p> <p>The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) began the process to create a regulatory framework for the operation of drones in 2015, when in August they published the A-NPA 2015/10 – “Introduction of a regulatory framework for the operation of drones”.  This document … Read More

<p><strong>European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Prototype Rules</strong></p> <p>The second of four scheduled EASA ‘Expert Group’ meetings to discuss and refine the ‘Prototype Rules’ took place in Cologne on 14^th December.  Areas covered included possible differentiation of commercial/recreational operations, requirements for registration, electronic identification and age restrictions.  The next meeting will take place on the 23^rd … Read More

<p>At a meeting on 10^th November, the Transport &amp; Tourism Committee (TRAN) of the European Parliament backed plans for the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to be granted the competence to regulate unmanned aircraft below 150Kg, including model aircraft.</p> <p>The TRAN Committee also backed plans requiring some form of mandatory registration and identification for all … Read More

<p>The rulemaking team at EASA have asked me to notify members that the deadline for feedback on the Prototype Rules was 15th October.  We understand that they are still receiving dozens of emails per day, mainly from the U.K!  Thank you to all those members who provided constructive feedback.</p> <p>The formal feedback response submitted to … Read More

<p>Europe Air Sports and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale have issued a joint update on the latest position with EASA's Prototype Rules for Unmanned Aircraft which you can view here: <a href="https://bmfa.club/Portals/0/xNews/uploads/2016/10/11/EAS%20&amp;%20FAI%20Statement%20on%20the%20EASA%20Prototype%20Rules%20for%20Unmanned%20Aircraft%20-%2004-10-2016%20V2.pdf">EAS &amp; FAI update</a></p>

<p>The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has recently launched its ‘Prototype Rules’ for the regulation of ‘unmanned aircraft’ throughout Europe.  In their current form, the proposals represent a serious threat to model flying as we know it which I cannot understate.  You can read the ‘Prototype Rules’ and the ‘Explanatory Note’ here: <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu/easa-and-you/civil-drones-rpas">https://www.easa.europa.eu/easa-and-you/civil-drones-rpas</a></p> <p>The … Read More