ATC should not have to apply different rules or work with different criteria in order to handle UA. From the air traffic controller’s perspective, the provision of ATS to an UA shall be transparent. This includes all stages of the flight from pre-notification to landing. There should be no difference in RTF, landline communications or transponder data procedures nor should the controller have to apply different rules or different criteria.
IFATCA Policy is:IFATCA is opposed to the operations of any autonomous aircraft in nonsegregated airspace. All UAS operations shall be in full compliance with ICAO and/or national and/or local regulations. For the purposes of air traffic control, the same division of responsibilities and liabilities shall apply to manned and unmanned aircraft. ATCOs shall not be held liable for incidents or accidents resulting from the operations of UAS that are not in compliance with ICAO and/or national and/or local regulations. Standardized procedures, training and guidance material shall be provided before integrating UAS into the Civil Aviation System. IFATCA recommends the development of risk-based procedures for UAS operations regardless of whether the operation is authorized or not. Contingency procedures and controller training shall be provided for the management of infringements into controlled airspace by Unmanned Aircraft. IFATCA urges the development and implementation of technology to prevent infringements into controlled airspace by Unmanned Aircraft. IFATCA encourages education and awareness campaigns on the use of UAS for the general public. |
| See: WP 90 – Melbourne 2005, WP 91 – Dubrovnik 2009, WP 160 – Sofia 2015, Resolution B3, B4, and B5 – WP 88 – Toronto 2017, Resolution BC2 – WP 94 – Montego Bay 2023 |
Last Update: October 2, 2023