CAA International (CAAi), the technical cooperation arm of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, has been appointed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to draft new drone regulations. The nine-month project aims to enable CAAT to safely integrate the operations of the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) into Thailand’s aviation system.
Experts from the British aviation regulator will work with CAAT to draft new UAS regulations in alignment with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards. CAAi will also support CAAT with industry engagement to ensure air transport and UAS operators understand how to comply with the new standards.
With drones becoming increasingly used in Thailand, especially in the agricultural sector, a solid regulatory framework is vital for safe operations and achieving further socio-economic benefits.
Commenting after the contract signing, Rob Erskine, Head of International Operations at CAAi said, “We are delighted to be working with our regulatory counterparts in Thailand again, and we look forward to maturing Thailand’s aviation system in the areas of drones. As the UK CAA was one of the first regulators to announce UAS regulations back in 2013, we’re pleased to leverage our niche regulatory experience to pave the way for the future of Thai aviation oversight.”
Dr. Chula Sukmanop, Director-General of CAA Thailand, added, “As UAS has become more common to our daily life, CAAT intends to provide a regulatory system to ensure that new technology and innovation fits well with aviation safety.”
(Sources: CAA International; Aerospace Manufacturing Magazine)
