JEDA 2024 Survey: Gathering Crucial Feedback to Shape the Future of European Drone Regulations

The drone industry in Europe is at a pivotal juncture, where regulation and innovation must go hand in hand to ensure the sector's growth and sustainability. Recognizing the need for comprehensive feedback from drone operators and stakeholders, JEDA (Joint European Drone Associations) has launched the JEDA 2024 Survey, an ambitious effort to shape the future of drone regulations across Europe.

 What is JEDA?

JEDA is a coalition that unites European drone associations with the mission of promoting the development, operation, and fair integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) into European airspace. It serves as a crucial platform for sharing best practices, driving technological advancements, and facilitating communication between drone professionals and regulatory authorities. 

JEDA’s mission includes:

- Supporting research, design, production, and operations of all UAS and RPAS.

- Representing a consensus-oriented, unified European drone community.

- Promoting the fair integration of drones into the broader aviation ecosystem.

- Facilitating the exchange of expertise and information regarding the drone industry and its regulatory environment.

- Encouraging the adoption of new regulations, technologies, and standards to enhance drone operations in Europe.

 Why Drone Professionals and Companies Should Participate in the JEDA 2024 Survey

The JEDA 2024 Survey offers a unique opportunity for drone operators, manufacturers, and related stakeholders to voice their opinions and provide critical insights on the evolving drone regulations in Europe. Here are a few key reasons why participation is essential:

 1. Influence the Future of Drone Regulations

European authorities are currently revisiting existing drone regulations, and they are receptive to suggestions that can foster the harmonious development of the sector. By participating in the JEDA survey, you can directly contribute to shaping these policies to better support the industry’s growth and address challenges faced by drone operators.

 2. Share Your Successes and Challenges

The survey seeks to understand the successes and difficulties encountered by drone professionals across Europe. Whether you have navigated complex regulatory frameworks or faced operational challenges, your experiences can help identify the areas that require improvement and simplification in future regulations.

 3. Highlight Industry-Specific Needs

With 25 targeted questions, the survey covers topics such as regulatory challenges, aeronautical information, geographical zones, registration, and examinations. It also invites participants to provide specific insights into the type of drone operations they are involved in, helping regulators understand the diverse needs of different industry sectors.

 4. Enhance Operational Standards and Best Practices

JEDA aims to foster a community that shares best practices in using emerging regulations and technologies. The feedback gathered through the survey will contribute to the creation of standardized tools and procedures, making it easier for drone operators to comply with regulations and optimize their operations.

 5. Be Part of a Broader Dialogue

The results of the survey will play a crucial role in shaping the discussions at the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) Innovative Air Mobility Implementation Forum in Cologne on October 22-23, 2024. Your feedback will directly contribute to this dialogue, ensuring that the needs of drone professionals are adequately represented in future policy decisions.

 Call to Action: Participate Now!

To ensure the most comprehensive representation, JEDA is urging all drone operators, manufacturers, and stakeholders to participate in the survey. The deadline for submission is September 30, 2024. By taking part, you are not only contributing to the betterment of your own operations but also helping shape the future landscape of the drone industry in Europe.

To take the survey, click here. 

JEDA’s efforts are backed by numerous national drone associations across Europe. Here is a list of key associations involved:

1. Austrian Association for Drones

2. Associação Portuguesa de Aeronaves Não Tripuladas

3. Associazione Italiana per i Light RPAS

4. Bulgarian Aviation Industry Association

5. Belgian Drone Federation

6. Croatian Unmanned Systems Association

7. Dutch Certified RPAS Operators

8. Asociacija Dronea

9. Drone Industry Association

10. Estonian Aviation Cluster

11. Fédération Professionnelle du Drone Civil

12. Flanders Make

13. Hungarian Drone Coalition

14. Hellenic U-Space Institute

15. Royal Dutch Aviation Association Drones

16. Latvian Association of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

17. Luxembourg Drone Federation

18. RPAS Finland ry

19. Swiss Federation of Civil Drones

20. Unmanned Aircraft Association of Ireland

21. UAV DACH e.V. – Unmanned Aviation Association

22. UVS Romania

Take this opportunity to be heard. Your input is essential to ensuring the drone industry in Europe continues to thrive under regulations that reflect the realities of those working within it.