There has been increasing prominence in unmanned aviation in the Asia and Pacific (APAC) region, so there was a need to address critical aspects of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) history, categorization, and the development of model regulations to meet operational needs effectively. Unmanned aviation affords opportunities, including cargo transportation, delivery of life-saving materials, wildlife monitoring, disaster management support, infrastructure inspection, and much more. However, it also presents unique challenges to ensure safe operations.
From 9-10 May 2023, 127 participants from 21 APAC region administrations came together for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Implementation/Regulation Webinar. Organized by ICAO, this groundbreaking virtual event was aimed at shaping the future of UAS and RPAS regulation and operations.
The two-day webinar saw ICAO experts present the latest updates on UAS and RPAS regulatory framework advancements and innovative tools for training and implementation. ICAO is responsible for coordinating and developing global Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), Procedures, and Guidance material for unmanned aviation with the goal to facilitate a safe, secure, and efficient integration of unmanned aircraft into the global aviation system.
One of the event’s highlights was the participation of key contributors from prominent APAC nations, including China, Hong Kong China, Japan, Republic of Korea (ROK), and Singapore. These experts shared their invaluable experiences in the field of unmanned aviation, shedding light on their respective regulatory and operational challenges.
ICAO’s RPAS panel played a pivotal role during the webinar, emphasizing the importance of the certified category, which included standards for licenses and safety management systems (SMS) by operators. The stringent safety management rules were also applied to the design and manufacturing of RPAS, ensuring that the highest safety standards are maintained throughout the industry.
Participants were informed about two highly anticipated symposiums, the Drone Enable symposium in December 2023 and the Advanced Air Mobility Symposium 2024 (AAM 2024). Furthermore, we introduced the formation of an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Study Group, demonstrating their commitment to regulating the AAM ecosystem and fostering a harmonized approach to its integration into the aviation sector.
The second day of the webinar witnessed five APAC Administrations taking the stage to share their experiences and insights on the regulatory and operational aspects of UAS. These informative presentations are now accessible on the ICAO APAC Regional Office meetings web pages, providing valuable resources for those seeking to learn from successful implementations and best practices.
Interactive Q&A sessions during the webinar facilitated engaging discussions on various topics, including UAS RPAS operations, limitations, and future developments. The knowledge-sharing atmosphere contributed to the collective effort to ensure the safe integration of unmanned aircraft into the skies alongside manned aircraft.
The significance of regular meetings and discussions, highlighting their role in addressing operational challenges and fostering idea-sharing among industry experts. By creating a collaborative environment, we can pave the way for UAS RPAS operations to thrive safely and seamlessly in the aviation ecosystem.
In conclusion, the UAS RPAS Implementation/Regulation Webinar has proven to be a vital platform for experts from ICAO and the APAC region to steer the course of UAS and RPAS regulation and operations. As technological advancements continue to unfold, such forums will play a crucial role in guiding the aviation community’s response, ensuring the safe and efficient implementation of unmanned aircraft systems.
Click here more information about the webinar and here for more on our efforts in Unmanned Aviation and Advanced Air Mobility.
