Regulating the UAV industry is undoubtedly a difficult task. Current UAV regulation
is not a cause for concern as is so often suggested. Regulations for commercial UAV
usage are fit for purpose and are likely to become more relaxed as UAV technology
evolves. Whilst hobbyist UAV usage and the impact UAVs have upon legal concerns
such as liability do require greater attention, regulation is increasingly moving in this
direction; criminal law for example is becoming more prevalent for improper UAV
usage cases. Striking a balance between ensuring safe UAV usage without halting
innovation is the challenge that will remain for this emerging industry. It is important
to bear in mind, of course, that the UAV industry is still in its infancy and therefore so
is the regulatory system that governs it. The coming year is likely to see substantial
changes within UAV regulation. Commercial operations are likely to be afforded flexibility for larger projects, tougher enforcement when rules are breached will become
more common place, and a more streamlined regulatory approach will develop. Another issue which is becoming increasingly more prevalent, and which could serve
as a stumbling block to the development of UAV regulation, is the malicious use of
UAVs. Recent episodes in the Paris Eiffel Tower area and Invalides have the potential
to radically impact the entire UAV regulation debate. The security issues caused by
possible intentionally malicious use of UAVs could result in the implementation of
very restrictive regulations upon the industry and is certainly an area to watch over
the coming months.
Regulation will continue to evolve as the industry and the technology do; as with
other technological innovations an effective regulatory solution will no doubt be
achieved. On this matter Joseph Dalby has noted that, ‘if we have done so with cars,
aircraft and the internet, I have no reason to suppose it will not be achieved with
drones’.
For more details about the Fly Safe, Fly Legal Campaign visit the website at http://
flysafeflylegal.co.uk/Welcome
By Megan Roden
@Skytechevent
#Skytech #UAV #Drones