IFree for commercial use
today Amsterdam Drone WeekNathanal Apter, a Swiss-based consulting firm UA Solutions We discussed the prospects for large-scale drone operations in Europe.
Challenges to Large-Scale Commercial Operations: SAIL Requirements, U-Space
Apter said regulation is a topic that sometimes gets too much or not enough attention when talking about scaling drone operations. The European risk-based approach to regulation is parties defined by SAIL (Specific Assurance and Integrity Level) scores. Broadly speaking, very simple, low-risk operations, such as farming operations in sparsely populated areas, have a low SAIL score for him, while more complex operations, such as drone swarming and flying in densely populated areas, have a lower SAIL score. score higher.
SAIL scores range from I to VI with higher levels of compliance requirements. SAIL I requirements include basics such as maintenance standards, checklists, and operating procedures. By the time operations reach SAIL IV levels, they will be closer to the requirements of manned air operations.
Apter said many companies are starting with the assumption that they can fly anywhere just by certifying SAIL VI operations. However, it may not be the best approach to expanding commercial drone operations in Europe. His SAIL requirements at the higher levels are complex and can be difficult and costly to achieve. “Also, SAIL V and his SAIL VI are not yet fully defined,” he notes Apter.
Airspace Consolidation Issues: U-Space
U-Space, the European framework for unmanned traffic management and drone integration into the airspace, is under development. Although much work is being done both at the European level and in Member States, U-Space has not yet been implemented in any European country. This can put commercial drone operators who want to fly BVLOS operations at scale in a difficult position.
“U-Space airspace is necessary for BVLOS flights,” says Apter. “The U-Space implementation will help us ease operations and scale.”
Reaching a viable commercial scale in Europe today
While the challenges are clear, Apter says there is now a path to large-scale commercial drone operations. His recommendation is for companies to start small and build.
Deepen your understanding of SAIL I and II
Apter says there’s a lot you can do with SAIL I and II. As an example, one client received permission to fly agricultural scale missions in any space meeting Swiss and French standards. “It’s big business,” he says. “A good place to start.”
Gradually increase SAIL.
Starting with SAIL I and SAIL II operations, companies can work incrementally to meet the requirements of higher levels and more complex operations while maintaining business.
follow a standardization process
An industry standard is currently being developed. However, these standards are implemented to define and inform operational authorization. Stakeholders should closely track the development of these standards to ensure that their own efforts are headed in the right direction.
Maintain an open source mindset
Apter says collaboration is key to achieving certification. “After exchanging [work] Together, we can progress faster,” he comments. is the way to do it.”
get professional help
Apter encourages companies to build compliance capabilities in-house, but external resources may be required to navigate the process of obtaining and maintaining a permit to operate.
“Getting approval is not the only goal,” says Apter. “You have to maintain approval. You have to maintain compliance over time. Once you have the paper, the job isn’t over. It’s just the beginning.”
“Regulations are evolving very quickly and there are regulatory changes that have a big impact on operations.
Future drone operations
According to Apter, the process may seem difficult, but it’s getting better. “Many aspects of SORA’s methodology are ambiguous,” he says Apter. “JARUS is currently reviewing and clarifying the methodology.” His V2.5 of the SORA methodology should be clearer and easier to follow.
For more information, Apter provides free resources and instructions. here.
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