ERA welcomes the adoption of the updated EU aviation safety rules by the European Council which aim to increase efficiency and lower costs, while bringing greater competitiveness and less administration for airspace users.
The new rules include first ever EU-wide rules for civil drones of all sizes. ERA supports any initiative that results in safer operation of drones and encourages all EU member states to work together more closely and share essential information to maintain the highest possible aviation safety standards.
The aim of the revised aviation safety rules is to ensure safe, secure and environmentally friendly aviation for EU citizens. The new framework for drones included in the revised mandate lays down basic principles to ensure safety, security, privacy, data protection and environmental protection.
ERA’s Director General Montserrat Barriga comments: “These new rules, a major deliverable of the Commission’s Aviation Strategy for Europe, are welcomed by ERA. We especially commend the first ever EU-wide rules to integrate civil drones into European airspace in a safe manner. In the past, many EU member states employed different rules over the use of drones and as such, there was a lack of harmonious approach with regards to safety. As the skies in Europe become busier, we understand that these new rules are necessary to ensure a safer airspace”.
