ENABLE DRONES TO POPULATE OUR SKIES. In view of the motto of our company, it is evident that day by day the number of drones that fly through our skies is increasing. The variety of drones that exist is very wide, as is the range of missions that they can execute. In most cases, the design of a drone is conditioned by the mission it’s going to carry out. It’s in this area where the Concepts of Operation (CONOPS) come into place.
CONOPS to regulate UAV operations
The CONOPS records the operating conditions of a system, in this case of a drone. This concept was born with the intention of regularizing the use of drones within the different airspaces, guaranteeing the security of existing aviation systems. Its importance is such that the establishment of a CONOPS is of vital importance within an Aeronautical Safety Study (EAS). The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) uses these CONOPS to carry out a regularization of UAVs based on the risk levels of their operation. EASA distinguishes a total of three possible categories of operation:
· Open operation: Within this category are all those operations that are carried out within the imposed limits present a low level of risk. This type of operation will not require approval by the Aviation Authorities.
· Specific operation: The level of risk of this type of operation is higher. This makes it necessary to approve an Operation Authorization, issued by the Aviation Authorities, so that a series of operational limitations are imposed that mitigate the level of risk.
· Certified operation: Includes higher risk operations. The level of limitations required in this type of operation would be very similar to that of piloted aircraft. Drones destined for this type of operation must undergo a certification process similar to that of manned aircraft.
As can be seen, the type of mission to be carried out, CONOPS greatly conditions not only the use of a type of drone, but also the certification processes and approvals necessary to operate it. This is a factor that at Embention we take into account, as we adapt our products and services to satisfy the needs and requests of our clients.
