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GM1 UAS.OPEN.010(4)  General provisions

ED Decision 2019/021/R

OPERATIONS WITH UNMANNED SAILPLANES

This derogation was included to allow model gliders to continue to operate along slopes. Strictly applying the 120-metre distance from the closest point of the surface of the earth would have had disproportionate consequences. These operations have been conducted successfully for decades and have generated a micro-economy in certain countries. Two measures have been put in place to reduce the risk:

(a) A maximum takeoff mass (MTOM), including the payload, limited to 10 kg to reduce the consequences of an impact. 10 kg should cover the vast majority of gliders in operation.

(b) The maximum height above the remote pilot is limited to 120 m, which reduces the air risk.