Towards International Standardization in UAS Pilot Licensing: A Comparative Analysis of EASA and FAA Frameworks

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 3, 808 - 815, 19.10.2025

Anastasia Tsotra

https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1727378

Abstract

This study aims to examine critical issues and gaps in main regulatory frameworks (European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)), concerning the training, licensing, and certification of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilots. Particular attention is given to issues such as the minimal age requirement for pilots, the absence of observers and practical flight examinations to ensure operational competence. The paper, mainly using research articles, regulation etc., highlights the lack of regulatory harmonization between the European Union and United States, especially concerning the mutual recognition of foreign certifications, underlining the need for unified standards as advocated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Furthermore, the study criticizes the oversimplification of EASA's requirements, where self-training and lack of qualified examiners may compromise the operational proficiency of UAS pilots. Through comparative analysis of FAA and EASA approaches in theoretical and practical training, risk-based categorization, adherence to safety standards and critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), this paper identifies the need for enhancing an international unified framework for UAS pilot licensing, proposing practices.

Keywords

UAS Licensing , ICAO , FAA , EASA , Unmanned aviation

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