Regulation of Model Aviation – SMV and DMFV at EASA

On December 18, representatives of the German and Swiss model aviation associations met with the EASA team responsible for drafting the European UAS regulations (NPA 2017-05). During the three-and-a-half-hour meeting at the agency’s offices in Cologne, the two model aviation associations presented and discussed the proposed amendments they had submitted to improve the current draft regulation. It was gratifying to note that the strict age requirements had since been removed from the EASA draft, leaving it up to member states to determine the minimum age at which a particular drone or model aircraft may be flown. Regarding other areas problematic for model aviation—such as altitude limits outside of club operations or the cumbersome procedures for transitioning to the new rules—we were able to use real-world examples to demonstrate that action is needed and to show how practical solutions are possible. EASA has signaled its understanding of our concerns and will review them. We are confident that our requests will be incorporated.

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