AEROMOBILI UNMANNED: PROFILI NORMATIVI E DI SAFETY (PARTE II)

Unmanned aircraft, of which remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) represent the most important category, currently constitute one of the most interesting and promising technologies in the aviation sector, both with regard to their use in the military field and, of particular interest here, in the civil domain. This new reality, after having found widespread use in the military sector (where, in the conduct of many missions, they have replaced or complemented traditional aircraft, so-called manned aircraft) is today also extensively employed in civil aviation. The phenomenon has developed to such an extent as to require the elaboration of an adequate and coherent regulatory framework, aimed not only at fostering orderly growth from a technical, operational, and managerial standpoint, but also at ensuring their progressive integration with the world of manned aircraft, in compliance with the safety principles that characterize aviation, and civil aviation in particular. After outlining a historical profile of unmanned aviation, the article focuses on the definitions and classifications of the aircraft in question, highlighting their multiplicity. It then analyzes the regulatory framework currently in force, considering the regulations issued by ICAO (the ICAO Annexes), European Union sources, and Italian legislation. This examination reveals a regulatory framework that is highly articulated, very complex, extremely technical, and often difficult to interpret. Finally, the article addresses the safety issues related to the use of unmanned aircraft, focusing in particular on interference with airport operations and with the flight of manned aircraft, as well as on mid-air collisions. Lastly, brief reference is made to safety investigations conducted following events involving unmanned aircraft, highlighting the most significant differences compared with investigations carried out for events involving manned aircraft.