Having had the opportunity to follow the meeting of the European Network of U-space Stakeholders yesterday, we are finding the following insights as aptly summed by Munish Khurana, sticking with us this morning ⏩️
🔍 First, highlighting that a common lexicon – or the cross-distribution of existing terminology – between technical development, operations, regulators and end-users, is a prerequisite for progress in the field. Whilst it is certainly not a novel conclusion, its articulation in a room filled with representatives of each of these sectors, who were all empowered to engage with the discussion presented, indirectly demonstrated its effectiveness and represented the argument for its necessity in a broader and more diverse context.
🔍 Second, having now established some channels of communication between those stakeholders, for example through SESAR Joint Undertaking projects (we were particularly proud here, of the mentions of SAFIR-Ready , the entire SAFIR family of projects, and BURDI.eu), positing that there is an urge for those end-users to articulate their need for a quick take-up of #uspace technologies not only to regulators but one step further, to legislative and governance bodies. The significance of broadening such discussions, to both higher and lower levels of the value-chain, cannot be understated. To this end, the indication that taking up the concept of u-space in Parliamentary sessions might be in the cards, especially as it pertains to medical and emergency response, was very encouraging!
Throughout the event, we were also quite happy to see ⬇️
📝 The role and participation of collectives such as the Joint European Drone Associations (JEDA) and DORAI being highlighted.
📝Some brief but poignant discourse on the importance of engaging with the concerns of the individual drone operator or member of the public; whether that is to address making u-space access affordable and equitable, or to alleviate concerns about the visual or auditory impact of such operations.
Cheers again to EUROCONTROL for an incredibly well-organised event, leaving us with plenty of ideas and room for thought!
Safety Manager at OAS Helicopters
1wChris, thank you. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the bereaved at this difficult time