In recent years, Unmanned aerial Vehicles have become a very popular aviation topic. Pick up any major aviation trade magazine and there is sure to be mention of, if not a feature article on, some aspect of UAVs. Even the mainstream media, in covering recent international conflicts, has given mass exposure to the world of UAVs. This increased awareness has helped to generate an ever-increasing set of proposed new applications for these vehicles in both civil and commercial markets. However, a number of issues must be addressed before the widespread introduction of UAVs into civil airspace.
The air traffic authority is responsible for ensuring UAS are safely integrated into the national airspace system's air traffic control procedures, airport operations and infrastructure, and with existing commercial, military and general aviation users of the system.
ICAO has established a UAS program office and is reviewing the body of manned aviation regulations to determine the modifications needed to address UAS.
ICAO is taking steps to developing standards, but has been slow to analyze the data that it has already collected. ICAO is also coordinating with other countries to harmonize regulations as establishing The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Group.
ICAO is working with international aviation bodies and maintaining contact with other countries as they also work to overcome the challenges of integrating UAS into their respective airspaces.
The Air navigation Commission at the sixth meeting of its 188th session held on 21 June 2011, considered a proposal for the amendment of Annexes 2(Rules of the Air) and 7(Aircraft Nationality and Registration Marks).
The proposed amendments which originated from the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Group, and as modified by the discussions of the Commission.
The Purpose of the proposed amendment to Annex 2 is to bring remotely-piloted aircraft and remotely-piloted aircraft systems under the regulatory framework provided by the rules of the air.
An amendment is proposed to Annex 7 with respect to classification of unmanned aircraft and remotely-piloted aircraft; as well as nationality and registration marks; and the location and content of identification plates for RPA.