Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Panel

Background

The Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Panel coordinates and develops ICAO SARPs, Procedures and guidance material for RPAS, to facilitate a safe, secure and efficient integration of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) into non­‐segregated airspace and aerodromes.

Scope

The RPASP will, in collaboration with other ICAO expert groups, undertake specific studies and subsequently develop provisions to facilitate the safe, secure and efficient integration of RPA into non­‐segregated airspace and aerodromes while maintaining the existing level of safety for manned aviation.

Objectives

Serve as the focal point and coordinator of all ICAO RPAS related work, with the aim of ensuring global interoperability and harmonization, develop an RPAS regulatory concept and associated guidance material to support and guide the regulatory process, review ICAO SARPs, propose amendments and coordinate the development of RPAS SARPs with other ICAO expert groups, assess impacts of proposed provisions on existing manned aviation, coordinate the development of a common position on bandwidth and frequency spectrum requirements for C2 of RPAS for the ITU WRC negotiations.

Working Arrangements

The panel is supported by several working groups (at present seven of them), namely command and control (C2), detect and avoid (DAA) and ATM. Specific elements addressed by these working groups are handled via an identified coordination with domain specific expert groups such as the CP and SP. The RPASP liaise with the various groups of experts responsible for other Annexes and disciplines, as appropriate (e.g. CP, SP and ADOP).

Required expertise

The panel is composed of experts involved in airworthiness (design, production, manufacture, certification, continuing airworthiness, command and control (C2), etc.), RPAS operations (certification, oversight, human performance, RPAS operators, safety management, etc.), personnel licensing (knowledge of pilot and ATCOs licensing), medical requirements, telecommunications for C2 and ATC, detect and avoid (DAA) or surveillance systems including ACAS, GPWS or other safety nets, and ATM.

IFATCA RPASP REPRESENTATIVE - Eugenio Diotalevi (ANACNA, Italy)

Mr. Eugenio Diotalevi (ANACNA, Italy) represents IFATCA on the Panel. Mr. Diotalevi started his ATC career in 2000 as an air traffic controller in Pisa, Italy (Aeronautica Militare Italiana). In 2010, he continued his work with ENAV S.p.A. in Padova ACC, where he is still currently working. Mr. Diotalevi has held (and still holds) a number of position within his local association ANACNA He namely held the title of Director of Press Bureau (2016-2019) and more recently the title of Director of Foreign Affairs Office (2019-present). Regarding his contribution to IFATCA, he has represented Italy on the PLC (Professional and Legal committee) (2017-present), has been the IFATCA RPAS Task Force Coordinator (2019-present) and served as IFATCA Representer on the ICAO UAS-AG (2020-present). Mr. Diotalevi is also a pilot; he holds two private pilot licences (PPL), for both Aircraft and Helicopters. Mr. Diotalevi can be reached at eugenio.diotalevi@ifatca.org.