Under GM1 Article 2(17), are flight phases where the remote pilot loses the command-and-control connection considered autonomous?

No, flight phases during which the remote pilot has no ability to intervene in the course of the aircraft due to a loss of the command-and-control connection are not considered autonomous operations.

What is the regulatory basis for the definition of 'autonomous operation' in the EASA Easy Access Rules?

The definition is provided in GM1 Article 2(17) Definitions, under ED Decision 2019/021/R.

GM1 Article 2(17) Definitions

Q: In the context of the definition of 'autonomous operation', what is the key characteristic of an automatic operation?

An automatic operation is an operation following pre-programmed instructions that the UAS executes while the remote pilot is able to intervene at any time.

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GM1 Article 2(17) Definitions

ED Decision 2019/021/R

DEFINITION OF ‘AUTONOMOUS OPERATION’

Flight phases during which the remote pilot has no ability to intervene in the course of the aircraft, either following the implementation of emergency procedures, or due to a loss of the command-and-control connection, are not considered autonomous operations.

An autonomous operation should not be confused with an automatic operation, which refers to an operation following pre-programmed instructions that the UAS executes while the remote pilot is able to intervene at any time.

Details

Source-Title: GM1 Article 2(17) Definitions View latest amendments

Erulesid: ERULES-1963177438-15547 Compare versions

Domain: Unmanned Aircraft System

Applicabilitydate: 1 July, 2020

Entryintoforcedate: 11 October, 2019

Regulatorysource: ED Decision 2019/021/R Navigate

Regulatorysubject: Cover regulation

Typeofcontent: GM to IR (Guidance material to implementing rule)

Parentir: Article 2 - Definitions

Origin: EASA

Category: EAR