The Rise of the Drones: Framework and Governance— Why Risk It!

Development summary

Sarah J. Fox examines the problem of legislators and regulators being unprepared for the expanding civilian use and market potential of drones. The analysis also considers how failures of preparation, cooperation and coordination in manned civil aviation have contributed to fragmentation in the past.

The discussion focuses on risk, governance and liability in drone operations, particularly safety, security and the protection of third parties. It considers the direction of the European Union and lessons from the development of the manned civil aviation framework, arguing for the adaptation of existing aviation mechanisms, the use of best practice and learning from past failures.