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A proposed reference framework for unmanned aerial vehicle and system airworthiness requirements

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

A. Maneschijn ,
T. Jones ,
T. W. von Backström  and
L. A. Ingham
A. Maneschijn
Affiliation:
Faculty of Engineering Stellenbosch University, South Africa
T. Jones
Affiliation:
Faculty of Engineering Stellenbosch University, South Africa
T. W. von Backström
Affiliation:
Faculty of Engineering Stellenbosch University, South Africa
L. A. Ingham
Affiliation:
Faculty of Engineering Stellenbosch University, South Africa
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Abstract

Various programmes are underway internationally to establish legislative instruments for regulating civil and military unmanned aerial vehicles and systems. An analysis of a selection of these programmes revealed that the approaches used for airworthiness regulation are not harmonised and are usually limited to specific unmanned aerial vehicle types, indicating the need for a generic framework for airworthiness requirements. A functional Reference Framework for unmanned aerial vehicle and system airworthiness requirements was developed using Annex 8 of the Chicago Convention as a reference basis, supplemented with airworthiness procedures and functional requirements derived from manned aircraft regulations, unmanned aerial vehicle and system airworthiness material, and flightworthiness guidelines for reusable launch vehicles. Various airworthiness elements were identified for which further research is required to develop appropriate airworthiness requirements. This paper summarises the development of the framework and proposes the Reference Framework as a functional basis for generating comprehensive South African civil and military airworthiness requirements for unmanned aerial vehicles and systems.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 111 , Issue 1120 , June 2007 , pp. 345 - 358
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2007 

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