International event: ANAC presents the progress of drone operations in the country

The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) presented to aviation agencies, industry and enthusiasts from around the world how the Agency has progressed in recent years in the regulation of unmanned aircraft in Brazil. The main results obtained by the industry in this subject was highlighted on April 21^st, during the last day of the annual edition of the Drone Enable Symposium, promoted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

At the event, the Agency was represented by the Head of the Department of Airworthiness, Roberto Honorato, and the coordinator of the area of Drones and New Technologies Ailton José, who, during the panel “Brazil Focus”, described how the advancement of technology has contributed to the evolution of the drone industry and how the aircraft have been used in commercial and non-commercial activities.

The Head of Department cited the proliferation of the use of drones in various activities after the publication of the rule that regulated the registration and operation of drones in the country - the Brazilian Special Civil Aviation Regulation (RBAC-E) N. 94, from May 2017. “Since then, the use of drones continues to grow in Brazil, and there are currently about 80,000 unmanned aircraft in the Agency’s registry. More than 30,000 are used for commercial purposes,” he highlighted.

Honorato also recalled that, because of the frequent evolution of aircrafts and the way they have been exploited in different activities, ANAC has always kept a dialogue with society in order to allow new market opportunities. “Since the beginning, the Agency has dedicated efforts to promote public participation, either by industry, potential operators and citizens in general, who have had the opportunity to present their views and provide comments, data and projections. Importantly, this approach has proven to be key to the success of the regulation,” he concluded.

The future perspectives on drone operation were highlighted in the presentation by coordinator Ailton José. He mentioned that there are still many challenges in the regulatory sphere to be debated that will allow promoting the development of the sector safely. “Some of these challenges are: increasing the level of compliance, meeting the demand of operators, and allowing even more advanced operations,” he pointed out.

International Symposium

Since 2017, Drone Enable had been held in person in countries previously selected by ICAO. The 4th edition of the event was scheduled to be held in 2020, in Rio de Janeiro, however, due to social distancing and containment measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the ICAO preferred to postpone the event to this year and in virtual format. The symposium was held from April 13^th to 15^th and from the 20^th to 21^st.

The presentation made by ANAC at the ICAO forum can be watched on the Agency’s official YouTube channel (click on the link to access).