Collect geodata, monitor construction progress, inspect infrastructure: The use of Drones is on the stands and aisles of the INTERGEO Expo and Conference an important topic. However, while some companies have already been able to establish workflows and gain experience, others are still at the beginning and many questions are still waiting to be answered. Accordingly, there was great interest in the discussion rounds organised by UAV DACH at the Unmanned Systems Stage.
In particular, the panel on the legal basis pursuant to Sections 21h and 21k of the Air traffic regulations - Keywords: geographical areas and "authorities' privilege" - was characterised by a strong participation from the audience. The numerous interposed questions and opinions made clear that there was a great deal of interest in both the UASIn particular, the panel on the legal basis in accordance with Sections 21h and 21k of the Air Traffic Regulations - keywords: geographical areas and ‘’authority privilege‘’ - was characterized by strong participation from the audience. The numerous questions and opinions expressed by the audience made it clear that both Hashtag#UAS operators and their potential customers would like to see simplifications for the drone economy and, last but not least, greater harmonization in the implementation and interpretation of European regulations by the EU member states.
Simplification and support for the industry was also the subject of a debate on the authorisation procedures for UAS operations in the special category. For many companies, this represents a structural and economic challenge for various reasons. And quite a few are looking forward with some uncertainty to possible upcoming changes in the application process due to the upcoming implementation of the individual risk assessment according to SORA 2.5 It became clear that standardised procedures and processes could simplify matters, but would not solve all problems.
In addition to questions of regulatory principles and the leanest possible bureaucratic processes, the Unmanned Systems Stage also focussed on very practical issues of commercially sustainable UAS operation. The various presentations provided valuable insights into the very practical challenges that manufacturers, users and service providers are currently facing and which solutions could be pursued.
The lecture and discussion program moderated by board members Michael Wieland and Jan Schönberg at the world's largest trade fair for Geodesy, Geoinformation and Land management was a good example of how UAV DACH helps to promote UAS operations in Europe and institutionalise contact between the drone economy and potential user industries through information and networking.