GCAA hosts Unmanned Aircraft Systems integration

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems, UAS, Integration in UAE skies conference, hosted by the General Civil Aviation Authority, GCAA, has taken a number of important decisions, including one to host the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking of Unmanned Aircraft system, JARUS, plenary meeting in the UAE in 2018, and hosting the first Drone Air Show in 2018.

Other decisions included establishing a centre of excellence in the UAE for UAS, accommodating more UAS users to conduct specific and more advanced operations, educating and bringing the level of awareness for drone and UAS users and continue working with other international regulatory authorities.

It was also decided that the current conference will be held as an international event in 2017.

Titled 'Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration in UAE Skies', the event focused on operating unmanned aircrafts and assuring continuous improvement of aviation safety. Over 100 officials attended the workshop, representing 45 governments, international and privet entities.

"The authority will establish a so-called "eco-system", where it will allow all drone innovators, technology designers, manufacturer and users to develop the future of drone in the UAE, support the integration of drones in the UAE in a safe manner," Saif Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of GCAA, announced at the conference.

"The GCAA encourages all manufacturers and drone innovators to join a common platform to design, develop and test drones within the eco-airspace which is planned to be established in the first quarter of 2017. The authority announced the formation of a (Multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholders) Rule Making task in charge of revamping and looking at opportunity for simplification of the rule framework to facilitate "UAS integration" without compromising safety," Ismaeil Al Blooshi, Assistant Director-General of the Aviation Safety Affairs Sector, said.

Representatives from lead companies like Nokia, Intel, Yuneec, and others presented their initiatives in developing the technology that meet the regulatory requirements and serve the growth of the UAE economy.

The GCAA also launched an awareness programme inclusive of all aspects related to the use of drones during the current year, provided an electronic brochure, and distributed banners stating "The use of drones is prohibited" in strategic points throughout the country.

During the event, a live demonstration of drone capabilities was conducted to demonstrate the capabilities and the advanced technologies.