The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has launched Annex 6 Part IV to ensure the safety and efficiency of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).
The annex provides comprehensive standards and recommended practices (SARPs) for the international operation of RPAS, serving Member States, civil aviation authorities, air navigation service providers, and aircraft operators. It establishes the framework for international RPAS operations, detailing the requirements for obtaining an RPAS operator certificate.
Developed by the RPAS Panel on behalf of the Air Navigation Commission and adopted by the ICAO Council, the annex became effective in July 2024 and will become applicable from 26 November 2026.
This first edition of Annex 6, Part IV, focuses on safe and standardised international RPAS operations, with additional standards to be developed as the industry evolves. Specifically, the SARPs cover flight operations, performance operating limitations, RPAS instruments, equipment and flight documents, RPAS communication and navigation equipment, RPAS maintenance, remote flight crew, flight operations officers/flight dispatchers, lights to be displayed in the air and on the ground during operations, contents of an operations manual, and flight time and flight duty period limitations.
ICAO’s Advanced Air Mobility Symposium, which takes place at the organisation’s headquarters from 9-12 September, will offer the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in RPAS safety and discuss the implications of these new technologies.
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