Conclusion, Recommendations and Way Forward

This chapter provides a one-stop-shop repository of all that is covered in the preceding seven chapters of the book. It is acknowledged that there is lack of a unified international UAS regulatory framework, a phenomenon that significantly hampers their integration into civil aviation at the global stage. This happens against the backdrop of increased technological use of UAS without effective integration into the national airspace. Inquiry is made into how and to what extent the existing international regulatory frameworks viz., the Chicago Convention and ICAO address current UAS-related challenges of safety, security and privacy. Of focus in this regard is how the US, South Africa and Kenya through institutional, policy and legal frameworks have responded to UAS regulation in addressing current needs and challenges in operation within their domestic frameworks. Investigation is made of the rights and obligations of States in addressing UAS challenges under international and domestic laws, with a view to providing recommendations to aid faster and safer integration of UAS into civil aviation by the States from different sub-regions. Practical recommendations and opportunities for improvement in operations of UAS to international, regional, sub-regional, domestic frameworks and stakeholders towards addressing safety, security and privacy challenges are also offered.