UK CAA considers new advisory panel on unmanned aircraft systems
The UK Civil Aviation Authority is seeking views on a new set of advisory panels, including one for unmanned aircraft systems. A UAS panel could be set up within the next two years.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the country's aviation regulator, is asking for views on creating a new range of advisory panels. The move is part of a review of how the authority engages with industry and other stakeholders. The proposals also cover unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), a field that includes drones.
One option under consideration is a series of Stakeholder Advisory Bodies. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) already use similar structures.
The CAA says such bodies could give the aviation community a more consistent and transparent framework for engagement. In its view, the panels would let stakeholders contribute earlier in policy and rule development, offer a more structured route for feedback and highlight areas where existing regulations may be outdated.
Which panels are planned
Depending on the feedback received, a UAS advisory panel could be established within the next two years. The CAA also names possible panels on safety management, Air Traffic Management and Air Navigation Services (ATM/ANS), commercial aviation and other areas.
The programme would first be introduced within the CAA's Safety, Airspace and Regulatory Group. The first panels would provisionally begin meeting next summer.
