The core task of the Informal Drone Expert Group at the European Commission in Brussels is to advise and support the EU Commission in implementing measures that serve to integrate drones into the aviation system and create a suitable operating environment and infrastructure for drones. UAV DACH is part of the committee and was represented by Deputy Chairman Oliver Lichtenstein at the most recent IDEG meeting at the European Commission in Brussels. The two board members Michael Wieland and René Wagner participated virtually in the hybrid event.
The agenda covered a wide range of topics relating to the commercial use of drones. The participants agreed that the implementation of the U-Space requirements from Brussels within the member states is currently highly inadequate and that a uniform approach within the European Union is currently rather unlikely. Further work is needed here to avoid a patchwork of different regulations or the permanent absence of U-Space areas. In addition, the committee members discussed the ongoing process of frequency allocation for UAS operations. The Radio Spectrum Committee is expected to make decisions on this matter before the end of this year, which should result in easier conditions for BVLOS flights, including those across national borders.
Furthermore, two current initiatives were discussed. Proponents hope that the “EU Trusted Drone Label” will enable manufacturers to clearly demonstrate to potential customers that their product meets comprehensive safety and security requirements. In this regard, UAV DACH believes that the design of such a label must be in line with existing regulations in order to provide legal certainty for manufacturers and operators. This is particularly important if such a label were to become mandatory.
Michael Wieland also presented a concept idea agreed upon by UAV DACH for a comprehensive rollout of ADS-L technology in lower airspace. The aim is to contribute to increasing acceptance of eConspicuity through significantly improved usage. In addition, the aim is to significantly increase the level of safety and the available data on traffic in lower airspace.