Its 364-page final report on Aviation Autonomy, published last week, calls for remotely piloted and autonomous unscrewed aircraft systems, such as drones, to operate under equivalent levels of safety as crewed flight. Once incredible scenarios, such as a single pilot controlling multiple aircraft, are now possible. The report notes there is no specific law prohibiting this, which creates legal uncertainty. It suggests updating the definition of ‘pilot’ and giving remote pilots powers to restrain passengers, refuse entry and maintain discipline on board.
Other recommendations include updating the Aviation Security Act 1982 to recognise the hijacking of remotely piloted aircraft by persons not on board the aircraft.
Professor Alison Young, Commissioner for Public Law, said aviation was ‘changing rapidly, and the law must keep pace’.
