The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) India and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate cooperation in the areas of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Innovative Air Mobility. This agreement aims to foster collaboration between the two civil aviation authorities specifically in the fields of unmanned aircraft and emerging technologies related to air mobility.
DGCA and EASA Cooperation
Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) India and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the two organizations will collaborate on various aspects of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and innovative air mobility.
- This cooperation will involve the development of certification standards and environmental requirements for UAS and innovative air mobility operations.
- It will cover areas such as licensing of personnel, training, air traffic management, and infrastructure, including the establishment of Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) standards and services.
- The MoU also facilitates the sharing of information on technological advancements and research in the field, as well as strategies for engaging relevant stakeholders.
- Additionally, it paves the way for joint conferences, workshops, and training programs organized by DGCA and EASA.
- By promoting harmonized standards and facilitating collaboration, the signing of this MoU is expected to drive the growth of the unmanned aviation sector in India.
The initial steps towards this collaboration were taken during the EU-India Aviation Summit held in New Delhi on 20th April 2023 when DGCA and EASA signed a letter of intent (LoI) on Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Innovative Air Mobility.
What is an Unmanned Aircraft System?
An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), also known as an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drone, is an aircraft without a human pilot on board. It is controlled either autonomously by onboard computers or by remote control from a ground-based operator. UASs are used for a variety of purposes, including military, commercial, and recreational.
UASs have a number of advantages over manned aircraft. They are less expensive to operate, they can be flown in dangerous or difficult-to-access areas, and they can be used for missions that would be too dangerous for humans. However, UASs also have some disadvantages. They can be difficult to control, they can be easily hacked, and they can pose a privacy risk.
The most common uses of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
- Military: Surveillance, reconnaissance, and attack.
- Commercial: Photography, videography, mapping, delivery.
- Recreational: Photography, videography, racing.
- Scientific research: Studying weather patterns, wildlife, and the environment.
- Agriculture: Crop monitoring, spraying, and seeding.
- Public safety: Search and rescue, disaster relief, and law enforcement.
UASs are a rapidly growing technology, and their use is expected to continue to expand in the years to come. As they become more sophisticated, they will be used for a wider range of purposes. However, it is important to ensure that their use is safe and responsible.
- 3 August Current Affairs 2023 in English
- MoU Between Subroto Mukerjee Sports and Education Society and All India Football Federation (AIFF) to Promote Football at Grassroot Level
- Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Delivers Keynote Address at the 13th Indian Organ Donation Day ceremony
- Education Ministry Forms Expert Panel on Anti-Discrimination in Higher Education
- Concerns Arise Over Cheetah Deaths at Kuno National Park