Developing a drone operations manual that complies with standards outside the UK.

Developing a drone operations manual that complies with international standards for operations outside the UK can present significant challenges due to the myriad regulations governing drone activities across different countries. This analysis covers the differences between UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and flying internationally, along with how rules vary based on national aviation authorities in various nations, including Germany, Switzerland, and those where English is one of the official languages.

1. UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 vs International Operations:

UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 continues to apply within the United Kingdom However, when operating drones in foreign territories, it is essential to comply with local laws set by your host country. This means thoroughly understanding and adhering to the specific requirements and limitations imposed by that nation's regulatory body.

2. Differences in Regulations by National Aviation Authority:

a) United States: In the U.S., drone operations are primarily regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which enforces rules under Part 107. These guidelines lay out criteria for commercial flights, including pilot qualifications, airspace restrictions, flight limits, and operational procedures.

b) Canada: In Canada, Transport Canada regulates drones through two categories: Basic and Advanced Operations. Basic operations have fewer requirements, while Advanced Operations require more stringent certification depending on factors like weight class and type of operation.

c) Australia: The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) oversees drone regulation in Australia. Their framework requires registration and certification coupled with knowledge assessments categorized according to drone weight and function—covering excluded Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), unregulated systems, or certified classes.

d) New Zealand: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of New Zealand governs aerial vehicle activity categorized into three segments: Ordinary (up to 25 kg), Shielded (above this limit without individuals below or above people themselves). Each segment comes with distinct certification responsibilities and operational guidelines.

e) South Africa: The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) manages local drone activities using a risk-based approach that categorizes operations into four levels based on mass considerations alongside complexity limits; these levels entail specific compliance obligations.

f) Germany: In Germany, the Federal Aviation Office (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt, LBA) regulates drone operations. Operators must register their drones if they weigh more than 250 grams, and remote pilots are required to hold a competency certificate for drones above 2 kg. Operations are classified into Open, Specific, and Certified categories, with varying degrees of restrictions based on risk assessment and intended use. Strict rules apply to flights over residential areas, crowds, and near critical infrastructure.

g) Switzerland: Switzerland follows similar regulatory frameworks to the EU but with oversight from the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). Drone operators must register with FOCA, and remote pilots may need training certifications depending on the drone’s weight and purpose. Switzerland emphasizes safe operation in populated areas and imposes specific altitude and distance restrictions. Cross-border operations involving drones also require compliance with Swiss-specific directives.

It’s crucial to understand that every nation may implement its own unique regulations accompanied by relevant terms and practices. Therefore, when preparing an operations manual for global missions, you must carefully research and adapt your documentation not only in alignment with overarching mandates from national aviation authorities but also keeping localized standards in mind.

Consulting legal professionals or aviation advisors who focus specifically on evolving legislation surrounding drones could provide substantial assistance towards effectively incorporating these diverse regulations into your comprehensive operations manual. By addressing the specific requirements of other regions, you ensure operational compliance and readiness for international drone missions.

To find out how Drone Docs could help you address these challenges give us a call on +44 (0)1353 880988 or email info@drone-docs.co.uk