UAS Traffic Management (UTM) Request for Information: One month left

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As the development of UAS Traffic Management (UTM) continues to advance, there remains a need to focus on the next evolution of the ability for aircraft, both manned and unmanned, to safely integrate into a finite airspace structure. The primary requirement remains to ensure such integration, without negatively impacting the safety of manned aviation operations or the safety of persons and property on the ground, considering security and equal and fair accessibility for all airspace users.

ICAO’s third Request for Information (RFI) has been developed to address several of the key challenges and is available on ICAO’s Unmanned Aviation site. Deadline for submissions is 15 June 2019.

“ICAO is soliciting input from the UTM community to assist in developing the regulatory framework that will shape the implementation of UTM across the globe,” remarked ICAO Programme Manager, Leslie Cary. “UTM is an exciting new field within aviation, spearheaded by innovators from the technology and aviation industries, R&D facilities, academia and yes, civil aviation authorities. We look forward to hearing from the best and brightest who have solid ideas on moving the work forward.”

The intent of the RFI is to assist ICAO with the collection of the most current and relevant information/best practices regarding the specific problem areas being addresses this year.

The main problem areas being addressed by this year’s RFI include:

  • Development of a UTM Safety Risk Assessment Model
  • Contingency Operations
  • Deconfliction and Separation Management
  • UTM Service Suppliers’ (USS) organizational construct and approval processes

All submissions to the RFI will be evaluated by a select group of international experts with the best submissions being offered the opportunity to present at DRONE ENABLE/3, which will be convened from 12 to 14 November 2019 in Montréal, Canada.

DRONE ENABLE/3 will focus on complex issues related to the introduction of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS traffic management. In addition to the RFI panels, the following areas will also be discussed:

  • the aircraft registry network, spearheaded by ICAO, including its purpose, intended functionality and interaction with national registry systems;
  • cyber resilience issues;
  • information management;
  • uncertificated unmanned aircraft (UA) operations in high seas airspace;
  • operations above FL600;
  • and rules of the air.

Results and observations from DRONE ENABLE/3 will be used to support the continued development of guidance material by ICAO. This material will assist States and industry with the development of harmonized regulation and the deployment of critical capabilities, while at the same time ensuring the safety of all airspace users.