EASA is continuing to move forward with preparations for an update to the “Drone Regulations” 2019/945 and 2019/947. After the Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) 2026-103 had been reviewed and commented on by, among others, the members of UAV DACH, a workshop on the proposed regulations was held at the headquarters of the European Aviation Safety Agency. During the workshop, representatives from regulatory authorities and industry discussed the current status of the process as well as specific proposed changes.
Representing our association, Deputy Chairman Oliver Lichtenstein participated in the discussion and presented the perspective of the European Association for Unmanned Aviation, based on feedback from its members.
A key point in the discussions was the idea of a “U-Space Level 1,” which is intended to accelerate the rollout of the U-Space concept. Under this approach, certain obligations assigned to “U-Space Service Providers” (USSPs) could be waived. For example, individual flight authorization. In large areas up to a flight altitude of 400 feet above ground level, specific requirements for electronic visibility would instead apply to manned aviation as well. Oliver Lichtenstein once again represented the position of UAV DACH that the mandatory introduction of ADS-L for all airspace participants would lead to greater safety in flight operations—both within and outside U-Space areas.
EASA has announced that it will now incorporate feedback from associations and experts into its further planning. In July, an addendum to the current (NPA) 2026-103 is also scheduled to be published, which specifically addresses the U-Space Regulation 2021/664.