Australia ponders registration, geofencing for smaller drones

Australia could require limits on the use of smaller drones amid rising global worries about the explosive growth of remotely piloted aircraft systems and the risks they pose to commercial aircraft.

Australian Transport Minister Darren Chester on Thursday released the terms of reference for a wide-ranging inquiry by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) into the safety and operation of drones. It will be followed by a discussion paper asking fo0r public comment.

Among the issues to be canvassed are the safety benefits and cost-effectiveness of introducing mandatory registration, education and training for all drone users and the deployment of “geofencing” capabilities.  Geofencing uses software to prevent drones from straying into restricted areas.

Chester said the Australian Government was committed to fostering an environment that ensured the safety of aircraft, drone users, people and property “while facilitating growth and innovation in the use of drones in Australia”.

“We are already seeing drones being successfully used in agriculture, mining, infrastructure assessment, search and rescue, fire and policing operations, aerial mapping and scientific research,’’ he said in a statement.

“CASA will be mindful that any proposed new regulatory requirements should also support the potential of drone operations to improve productivity, reduce costs and improve workplace safety across a range of industries and applications.”

Chester said the government wanted to gain an understanding of how registration, education and training, geo-fencing and shielding capabilities would affect commercial and recreational drone operations within Australia.

“The review will also consider developments overseas, including work done by the International Civil Aviation Organization and other international aviation safety agencies,’’ he said.

The International Air Transport Association has warned that drones are becoming a growing threat to commercial aviation and has been calling in recent years for global government action.

IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac told a safety conference earlier this year that the number of incidents was rising and the industry could not afford to ignore the issue.

The industry group wants governments to develop standards and definitions to ensure global harmonisation of regulations for small drones.

The UN-backed International Civil Aviation Organisation is working to develop standards for larger drones equipped to share airspace with manned aircraft.