Airworthiness Technology: The Key for the Development and Application of Civilian Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The last several decades have witnessed a bloom of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) worldwide. Civil UASs are utilized in so many fields that entering the non-segregated airspace is upcoming, which proposes new challenges for both airworthiness agencies and aviation community. This paper reviews airworthiness technology of major civil aviation authorities in the world for civil UAS, analyzes existing problems and provides suggestions for the authorities and manufacturers. The rapid development of civil UAS in recent years and the urgent need for airworthiness are presented firstly. Then challenges faced in airworthiness are presented based on the characteristics of unmanned aircraft system. Technical route, development status and practices of major civil aviation authorities are summarized. Problems are discussed along with suggestions for authorities and manufacturers.