Study on third-party liability and insurance requirements of remotely piloted aircraft systems : final report

A key requirement for the development of civilian RPAS operations is that they are as safe as manned aircraft, insofar as they must not present or create a greater hazard whilst on the air or on the ground. Nonetheless, accidents may happen and victims (which could include other airspace users or third-parties on the ground) need to be adequately compensated for any injury or damage caused by the operation of an RPAS. The purpose of the study is to analyse the liability regimes and the legal requirements for third-party liability insurance existing today in Europe, as well as the current industry practices and insurance market, and (when appropriate) to make recommendations. In making recommendations, the primary objective is to ensure that third parties are adequately protected, but subject to this, there is also an objective of supporting the development of the EU RPAS sector, by facilitating the availability of adequate coverage at affordable price.