The new EU regulatory framework for U-space
In order to support the deployment and implementation of U-space, it is essential to have the appropriate regulations in place to adopt the necessary requirements as well as for the safe integration of drones with manned aviation.
With the participation of Member States and following a long process of several meetings and discussions at European level, the U-space regulatory package was approved within the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Committee in February 2021.
Subsequently, in April 2021 the European Commission adopted and published the policy package regulating U-space, which is made up of three implementing regulations whose new provisions will be applicable as of 26 January 2023.
This regulatory package consists, on the one hand, of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/664 of 22 April 2021 on a regulatory framework for U-space, which regulates the technical and operational requirements for the U-space system, as summarised in the previous section of this edition.
On the other hand, it was necessary to amend two implementing regulations to complement the regulatory regime on U-space, which was necessary to incorporate requirements and obligations for air navigation service providers and manned aviation in U-space airspaces:
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/665 amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/373, establishing common requirements for air traffic management and air navigation service providers to establish the specific coordination procedures and communication facilities between ATS units, U-space service providers and UAS operators.
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/666 amends Regulation (EU) No. 923/2012 (laying down the rules of the air (SERA Regulation)), establishing the common rules for effectively making the presence of manned aircraft operating in U-space airspace electronically conspicuous.
Currently, EASA continues to work on developing acceptable means of compliance (AMCs) and guidance material with which to help implement the U-space regulation package adopted at European level.
