VIDEO: MEPs discuss drone regulation

MEPs on the European Parliament’s transport committee have signalled support for a resolution urging new EU regulation for civilian drones.

The draft text, drawn up by British Conservative MEP Jacqueline Foster, says that new EU-wide rules are needed to clarify issues such as airworthiness testing and the training and approval of pilots for commercially-used drones.

The European Commission has argued that growth in the sector is being held back by the lack of EU-wide rules that would make it easier for drones to operate cross-border in civil airspace, like piloted planes.

It has promised to propose new measures for civilian drone regulation before the end of this year, and said it wants to overturn current rules which limit the involvement of EU regulators to drones weighing over 150kg.

At least 11 EU countries have developed systems to regulate drone use. In the UK, drones heavier than 20kg have to comply with many of the same regulations that apply to manned aircraft.

Use of unmanned aircraft for commercial purposes has increased considerably in a number of areas, including crop analysis, photography and land surveying.

Ms Foster told MEPs that new legislation would be needed to ensure safety standards in the sector, which had seen “absolutely huge” growth over the last 10 to 15 years.

The draft resolution also advocates, as far as possible, the drawing up of “global rules” for civilian drone development, as well as for drones to respect no-fly zones, such as airports and other critical infrastructure.

It also warns that air traffic management systems will come under increasing pressure due to the growth of drones for sporting and leisure purposes.

MEPs will vote on the resolution on Tuesday, before it is due to go for a full plenary vote in the Parliament next month.

The European Parliament’s disclaimer on the use of simultaneous interpretations can be found here.