Eurocontrol: published Specifications for Use of UAVs in European Airspace. Eurocontrol has published air traffic management (ATM) specifications that set out how military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) should fly in European airspace.

When military UAVs operate outside specifically designated areas they are subject to numerous restrictions to ensure the safety of other airspace users. However, these restrictions are preventing the full use of UAVs’ unique operational capabilities.

In 2003, a pan-European high-level military conference asked Eurocontrol to develop an ATM framework that would allow UAVs to operate in all classes of airspace and across national borders.

Following a safety assurance process and public consultation, Eurocontrol has now published its “Specifications for Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles as Operational Air Traffic outside Segregated Airspace”.

“Safety of all users of the airspace is paramount,” said Mike Strong, Chairman of the Eurocontrol UAV-OAT Task Force. “These new specifications ensure that UAV operations will be carried out with the same level of safety as for manned aircraft. Nothing else would be acceptable.“

www.eurocontrol.int