The House of Lords EU Committee supports the EU's proposals to harmonise safety rules across the EU but argues for flexibility in national safety rules for small drones or remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).
The report recognises growing public concern over the use of drones by private individuals, with little knowledge of aviation rules. It calls for measures to improve safety and the enforceability of existing laws, such as developing a shared manufacturing standard for drones, such as the CE marking (kite mark) and creating an online database of drone operations to track and manage drone traffic. The Committee expects that commercial operators could register their drones on an online database or app in the near future, and that in the longer term it would encompass leisure users as well.
Other measures are to widen the application of geo-fencing technology, which limits flights over high risk sites; and creating guidance for the police to enforce existing safety rules.
Growth and jobs in this emerging sector will be created as businesses across Europe use small drones for photography, filming and surveying; they can also be used to carry out dull, dirty or dangerous jobs, such as cargo shipping and search and rescue. The report did note that for potential to be realised, the safety of drone operations will have to be demonstrated and gain public approval.
The report finds that stifling the industry through over-regulation can be avoided if safety rules are proportionate to risk. The Committee also welcomes the Commission's support for research into key technologies, such as 'detect and avoid', but urges that research projects should include the small drone sector.
Although current EU and UK legislation covers data protection issues, the committee recommends increased guidance on data protection and insurance requirements for commercial operators. In light of evidence that the media and police use of drones will increase, the report also recommends urgent public debate regarding acceptable civilian applications for drones.
