Important approach. Significant weaknesses – A recent study published by the German Federal Environment Agency aims to assess the “opportunities and risks of unmanned aviation for humans and the environment.” As a trade association for the UAS industry, UAV DACH welcomes the scientific examination of the possible effects of unmanned aviation on humans and the environment. However, in the opinion of UAV DACH, the present study has significant weaknesses in terms of content and concept.
- The title suggests a comprehensive overview of unmanned aviation. In fact, the study focuses almost exclusively on urban parcel logistics in a specific regional context.
- Market-relevant applications such as inspection, surveying, public safety, agriculture, disaster control, and government operations are largely ignored.
- The international environment is not included, even though UAS-based logistics services are already in regular operation in several countries.
- The necessary distinction between drones for services and eVTOL systems for passenger transport is not made.
- The main obstacles to scaling up are not related to technology or demand, but rather to regulation and sustainable airspace integration.
The study provides important insights, but should not be misunderstood as a comprehensive assessment of unmanned aviation. A cross-application analysis, a clear separation of system classes, and consideration of international operational experience are necessary in order to draw holistic conclusions.