EASA task force to assess the risk of collision between drones and aircraft

The results will be published at the end of July

The European Aviation Safety Agency is to create a task force to assess the risk of collision between drones and aircraft.

The EASA said the task force will include representatives of aircraft and engine manufacturers and will consult the European member states, foreign authorities, and other relevant stakeholders.

The task force will review all relevant occurrences, analyse existing studies on the subject, study the vulnerabilities of aircraft taking into account the different categories of aircraft and their associated design and operational requirements, and consider the possibility to do further research and perform actual tests.

It will publish its results at the end of July and will organise a workshop with stakeholders to present and discuss its findings and recommendations.

The regulatory framework for the safe operations of drones in Europe currently being developed by EASA already addresses the issue of collision between drones and aircraft. A combination of measures are envisaged such as: operate in visual line of sight, fly under 150m height above ground, be equipped with identification and geo-limitation functions and be registered. Any operation of drones close to aerodromes would require a specific authorisation from the national aviation authority based on a risk assessment.