via the State Letter process before the Conference. Therefore, the Conferencewill be a great opportunity to discuss, build consensus, obtain commitments andformulate decisions necessary for effective and efficient progress of importantair navigation initiatives by ICAO and States. The proposed revisions of theseglobal plans should correspond to the expected operational changes andemerging technologies of international civil aviation such as unmanned aircraftvehicles (RPAS, drones), cybersafety, and other current priorities.Integration of drones in the airspace - The Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems(RPAS) Panel was established in late 2014. Since then, panel meetings havebeen held three times per year, and actively discussed and coordinated withother relevant panels to develop SARPs for RPAS. The ANC conducted apreliminary review at its 204th Session of a proposed amendment to Annex 1,regarding licensing requirements for RPAS pilots. Annex 6 for RPAS operationsand Annex 8 for airworthiness will be reviewed in the near future by the ANC,and will be followed by the State Letter consultation process. Regarding drones,many States and international organizations requested at the 39th Assemblythat ICAO develop specific provisions. The Commission understands that theoperation of drones generally takes place within domestic airspace; however,if it is operated in the vicinity of airports, it could be a threat to internationalcommercial aircraft due to collision risks. Recognizing the limited budgetsand resources within the ICAO Secretariat and the RPAS Panel, theCommission and the ANB are seeking to leverage outside resources fromindustry to address this issue. The Commission will make sure that proposedICAO provisions properly address the risk to civil aviation and serve as abenchmark for States and international organizations.
展开▼
