U-Space - a way to integrate RPAS into the civil aviation concept

Applications of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are growing rapidly. They are used for a wide range of tasks, including logistics, surveillance, geo information or agriculture, and their economic significance is assessed to grow rapidly in the future. Worldwide, Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) are working on regulatory frameworks for UAS. In many major aviation regions there is a clear sign of convergence towards a risk-based and operation-centric approach, based on recommendations from the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS). This approach allows CAAs and industry to address safety for a wide range of different UAS operations. However, it is also becoming increasingly clear that a risk-based approval process is perhaps a necessary, but not adequate condition for the scalable use of UAS technology. UAS Traffic Management (UTM), which in Europe is commonly referred to as U-Space, is increasingly seen as an additional prerequisite to enable large-scale sustainable use of UAS.
(Contribution from Switzerland)