The EU regulatory framework already established in 2019 (the Implementing Regulation 2019/947) provides a solid basis for the execution of drone operations with the required respect for safety, security, privacy and environmental protection. However, to face the increasing number of demands of drone flights and the growing complexity of operations, the creation of UAS geographical zones will reach their limitations in some locations.
That is why there is a general consensus that the true scalable integration of drones in more dense airspace requires the implementation of the new U-space framework (as per the publication of the Implementing Regulation 2021/664). The candidate solution should be able to tackle such U-space framework in uncontrolled airspace, outside any reserved airspace.

SESAR partners are implementing U-space concept within uncontrolled airspace, outside any reserved airspace. Thus, for manned aircraft, conditions to access to this portion of airspace is the general conditions applicable in conformity with the Commission implementing regulation (EU) 923/2012 of 26 September 2012 (SERA). The implementation of U-space concept relies on designation of the UAS geographical zone concerned as U-space airspace, as well as certification of designated CISP and USSP concerned. The U-space services provided will be the 4 mandatory U-space services and, depending of the outcomes of the Airspace Risk Assessment, the 2 additional ones, as defined within the Commission implementing regulation (EU) 2021/664 of 22 April 2021 on regulatory framework for the U-space, articles 8 to 13.

The solution enables :

• Higher number of drone operations within the uncontrolled airspace concerned
• More complex drone operations to be performed, including BVLOS ones