In order to meet the requirements for the operation of UAS in the open category, the EU Drone Regulation requires the use of UAS with – depending on the subcategory of the missions (A1, A2, A3) – CE marked drones (C0-C4) from 01 January 2024. To provide guidance on which certified drones are currently available, EASA has published the “UAS with CE Class Markings” overview.
A process that started years ago at JARUS (Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems) and will now results in this new era. One feature in particular, the “Remote ID,” is expected to significantly change public acceptance of drones, as well as improper use of open category UAS. Remote ID will allow anyone with a simple cell phone to track the operator ID, launch position and type of drone. For open category operators, this will be another milestone, but not the last.
But there are still uncertainties:
- How has the open category evolved in the market and is the current regime established in all member states?
- Where are there weaknesses and areas where the current regulation is not in line with the requirements of the open category?
- What is needed to build more confidence and increase the market for open category applications without compromising safety?
Many open questions for EASA – we need to talk and will discuss these and other topics at the EUROPEAN DRONE FORUM.
Image source: https://www.easa.europa.eu/
