Eurocontrol Takes Aim at UAV Integration

Eurocontrol launched a program aimed at safely and efficient integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the pan-European Air Traffic Management (ATM) Network. At a workshop held in Brussels May 7-8, more than 200 from Eurocontrol’s stakeholder community were briefed on the new program. Eurocontrol will employ a two-stream approach. The first will address the integration of UAS in the short to medium term –– up to 2020 –– within the framework of the existing ATM environment. The second stream will aim to work with integration post-2020, which is when SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) will be fully implemented. “The challenge of UAS integration is global,” said Jean-Robert Cazarré, director of civil-military coordination at Eurocontrol. “It will not happen without the relevant national and international organizations, agencies and bodies all cooperating closely with each other … In addition, we need to sustain a strong partnership with industry, operators and airspace users, particularly general aviation, to ensure that all concerns are properly addressed.” For related news