European Union Policies and Civil Drones

Abstract

This chapter provides an analysis of the drone policies in the European Union, divided into types of actors (manufacturersManufacturers, operatorsOperators, and pilotsPilots), drones (more or less than 150 kg, risk classificationClassification), licenses, and insuranceInsurance (depending on the drone and the activity), at the European level. All these policies affect producers and operators. The problems related to licenses, the type of drone and activity, and the chance of obtaining insurance will have an impact on the development of the drone industry in the future. According to the European Union, there are two main current recommendations when regulating drone use: (a) distinguish not by mass but by risk (although mass is a parameter to bear in mind) and (b) do not distinguish the use/mission of the drone, since, depending on the drone, the risksRisks can be the same for both professionalProfessional and hobby/leisure use.