scope:

This manual addresses RPAS as one subset of UAS. RPAS are envisioned to be an equal partner in the civil aviation system, able to interact with air traffic control (ATC) and other aircraft on a real-time basis. The scope of ICAO provisions in the next 5 to 10 years is to facilitate integration of RPAS operating in accordance with instrument flight rules (IFR) in controlled airspace and at controlled aerodromes. While not excluding visual line-of-sight operations from consideration, these are viewed to be a lower priority for global harmonization of international flights.

The following subjects are not within the scope of this manual (see Figure 1-1):

a) State aircraft, without prejudice to the obligation for "due regard" in Article 3 (d) of the Chicago Convention;

b) autonomous unmanned aircraft and their operations including unmanned free balloons or other types of aircraft which cannot be managed on a real-time basis during flight;

c) operations in which more than one RPA is being managed by an RPS at the same time; and

d) model aircraft, which many States identify as those used for recreational purposes only, and for which globally harmonized standards are not considered necessary.

The guidance provided herein applies to any RPAS used for other than recreational purposes.

This guidance is consistent with the existing aviation regulatory framework and will assist in the development of future RPAS-specific SARPs.

The material is recommended for the benefit of the entire UAS community (e.g. regulators, manufacturers, operators, pilots, air navigation service providers (ANSPs)) and addresses the following domains: a) ICAO regulatory framework and scope of the manual (Chapter 1);

b) introduction to RPAS (Chapter 2);

c) special authorization (Chapter 3);

d) type certification and airworthiness approvals (Chapter 4);

e) RPA registration (Chapter 5);

f) responsibilities of the RPAS operator (Chapter 6);

g) safety management (Chapter 7);

h) licensing and competencies (Chapter 8);

i) RPAS operations (Chapter 9);

j) detect and avoid (DAA) (Chapter 10);

k) command and control (C2) link (Chapter 11);

l) ATC communications (Chapter 12);

m) remote pilot station (RPS)

PURPOSE OF THE MANUAL

The purpose of this manual is to provide guidance on technical and operational issues applicable to the integration of RPA in non-segregated airspace and at aerodromes. The material contained herein is consistent with those standards already adopted for RPAS. The manual will be updated and expanded as additional provisions are developed.