Oct 27, 2020

Last week representatives from global standards organization ASTM International and European standards organization ASD-STAN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU will support a closer working relationship between ASTM and ASD-STAN on Direct Remote Identification (also known as Remote ID) for UAS (drones). 

The MoU was signed by Jeff Grove, ASTM International vice president of global policy and communications, and Pari Aliyeva, ASD-STAN director.

“We are excited to work closely with ASD-STAN to advance standards efforts in Europe on Remote ID for drones,” says Grove. “This agreement will allow for a robust partnership with hundreds of technical experts around the world and promotes closer technical alignment in standards that support regulations.”

The MoU promotes standards development cooperation and information exchange between the ASTM International unmanned aircraft systems committee (F38) and ASD-STAN’s UAS working group (ASD-STAN D05/WG08).

ASD-STAN also announced the release of a new standard on direct remote identification (ASD-STAN prEN 4709-002) for public enquiry which, once published, will become a harmonized European Norm. The European standard incorporates ASTM International’s Remote ID standard (F3411) requirements for drone identification and tracking. Users from Europe and around the world can rely on compatible technical solutions. 

“This work was achieved in close cooperation with ASTM’s unmanned aircraft systems committee members by using the same technical references, thus preventing divergence of technical specifications,” notes Christophe Mazel, convener of the ASD-STAN UAS working group. “We believe the collaborative approach with ASTM will largely benefit all drone manufacturers. I sincerely thank the F38 team for supporting the experts developing the European direct remote identification standard over the last few months.”  

ASTM International’s unmanned aircraft systems committee (F38) boasts more than 528 members from 25 different countries who oversee 25 standards covering the airworthiness, flight operations, personnel training, qualification, and certification for drones.  

ASD-STAN’s UAS working group (ASD-STAN D05/WG08) represents the European interests for the standardization activities in the field of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) including, but not limited to, classification, design, manufacture, operation (including maintenance), and safety management of UAS operations. Currently the UAS Working Group is focusing on the Open Category of UAVs as defined by EASA Opinion 01/2018.

For more information on ASTM International’s latest efforts on drone standardization, read this article from a recent issue of Standardization News. 

About ASD-STAN
ASD-STAN is an industrial association which develops and maintains European standards for the European aerospace and related defence industry. As an associated body to CEN (European Committee for Standardization), ASD-STAN is the main provider of European Aerospace Norms (EN).

About ASTM International
Committed to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence, and overall quality of life. We integrate consensus standards – developed with our international membership of volunteer technical experts – and innovative services to improve lives… Helping our world work better. 

Media Inquiries: Dan Bergels, tel +1.610.832.9602; dbergels@astm.org 

Release #11117

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