The proposed framework, EASA said, balances safety with keeping the industry agile and growing. At the same time, the agency said its proposals address the risk posed to people on the ground and to other aircraft, as well as "privacy, security and data protection."
The proposal suggests mandating registration for UAV operators who fly machines weighing more than 250 grams, as well as other safety and security updates.
EASA said that its proposal is "breaking new ground" by combining product and aviation legislation. That means that design requirements for small drones will be implemented using the legislation "relative to making products available on the market, the well-known CE (Conformité européenne) marking."
The proposal allows a high degree of flexibility for EASA member states.
