Dronov market - game by the rules

On April 28, 2017, the State Aviation Service presented a prepared updated concept for regulating the direction of UAVs. European practice is used as a basis. Along with the concept, the current situation of the UAV market was announced in a report by Valery Yakovenko, co-founder of DroneUA

The concept proposes an updated classification of drones, taking into account both mass and type of control. Requirements for the operation of drones are also proposed. Based on weight, drones are divided into 4 classes:

• 0th class - Up to 250 grams
• 1st class - From 250 grams to 20 kg
• 2nd class - From 20 kg to 150 kg
• 3rd class - Over 150 kg

Classification by type of control

• Manual Visual - Class A
• Hand tool – class B
• Autonomous – class C

Comments from Drone.UA “ In our practice and according to market data, the majority of UAVs are platforms weighing up to 25 kg, with the possibility of fully automatic flights; according to the current classification, this is class 1c. For the first time in Ukraine, we see the presence in the classification of platforms weighing up to 250 grams, to which, according to the regulator, extremely strict operating requirements will be applied.”With regard to the requirements for the operation of drones, the following points are defined: For the operation of drones of class “0” - Does not require registration, but each pilot / owner / operator is obliged to strictly comply with the rules of safe use (Safety promotion) For the operation of drones of class 1, a distinction is introduced for the first time between commercial and not commercial exploitation. Thus, for the non-commercial use of drones weighing up to 20 kg, but more than 250 grams, it is necessary to register the drone on-line, presumably on the State Aviation Service website. You must pass the online Safety promotion test. It is necessary to perform flights at altitudes of up to 120 meters with a maximum distance of up to 500 meters, in a line of sight zone. For commercial flights, the pilot must have a certificate after completing training; permission to operate a UAV is required. It is necessary to perform flights at altitudes of up to 120 meters with a maximum distance of up to 500 meters, in the line of sight zone. To operate drones of class “2” (drones over 20 kg and up to 150 kg), mandatory registration with the State Aviation Service is required, passing type certification / flight requirements airworthiness, an air operator's certificate is required. To operate Class 3 drones (over 150 kg), the same requirements apply as for manned aircraft. If we talk about general requirements, the following points were formed Air Operator Certificate required To operate Class 3 drones (over 150kg), the same requirements apply as for manned aircraft. If we talk about general requirements, the following points were formed Air Operator Certificate required To operate Class 3 drones (over 150kg), the same requirements apply as for manned aircraft. If we talk about general requirements, the following points were formed

1. The use of the UAV is intended only under direct visual contact (VLOS) conditions of the remote pilot or visual observer without the assistance of other devices;
2. When using a UAV, a visual observer must be used if the remote pilot is unable to visually control the UAV;
3. The maximum flight speed of the UAV is 150 km/h;
4. Maximum flight altitude is 120 meters above ground level and 500 meters from the remote pilot if a visual observer is not involved;
5. UAVs are prohibited from flying within the 8-kilometer perimeter of the airport, as well as in restricted areas;
6. All UAV flights must not be conducted over persons other than the remote pilot or visual observer;
7. Flights should only be carried out during daylight hours;
8. The remote pilot can only operate one UAV at a time.
9. When using a UAV, it is necessary to conduct a pre-flight technical inspection by a remote pilot;
10. The UAV must be free of hazardous materials other than batteries.
11. The remote pilot must ensure normal physical and psychological condition for safe operation (alcohol consumption or fatigue).

For the first time, the concepts of a visual observer and a remote pilot were introduced into the discussion. The next steps in 2017 are expected to be

• Amendments to the Air Code of Ukraine
• Discussion and formation of a project to improve the Aviation Rules of Ukraine
• Development and launch of the Safety promotion program (educational course for on-line users, website for safe operation rules)
• Development of a training course for obtaining a UAV remote pilot certificate

Opinion and position of DroneUA: The formation of rules in the UAV market is a positive trend; taking into account the rapid development of technology, the safety of both UAV operators and other airspace participants requires special attention. I would like to be sure that the proposed processes for pilot certification and UAV registration will be simplified as much as possible. As a technology operator, we are interested in ensuring that the process of developing new requirements remains as open to discussion as possible. And now we can emphasize that all organizations and government services that take part in this process are open to dialogue with all market participants.

Video presentation:

Presentation of the concept, report of the State Aviation Service

UAV market, DroneUA report