EASA’s updated UAS guidelines now include flights over railways

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has released the updated Guidelines for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) operations in the open and specific category, which now include best practices for drone flights over railways in the open category.

EASA says that hovering and sustained flights above, or along, railways are posing high risks for third parties not involved in the UAS operations and therefore should be always avoided unless they are performed in coordination with the railway operator. 

“Crossing of railways in the open category may be possible under the following conditions: a) a minimum height of at least 20 metres above the railway is maintained; b) using a trajectory that minimise the time flying over the railroad (e.g. using a trajectory perpendicular to the railway); c) the remote pilot is positioned in a place that allows to maintain visual line of sight operation even in case of arrival of a train. The remote pilot should also be able to keep sight of the traffic on the railway; d) no moving trains are present.”

The updated guidelines also state that operations in close proximity to (not directly over) railways in the open category are possible under the condition that the UAS is kept at a safe distance from them. 

EASA states that if the railway is already covered by a geographical zone, the prohibitions, conditions or flight authorisations for the geographical zone take precedence over these guidelines.

These updated guidelines will be discussed at the upcoming EASA Innovative Air Mobility Implementation Forum from 22-23 October, along with other recent updates.