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

Anastasia Tsotra

doi:10.30518/jav.1727378

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

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

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Aerospace Structures

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Anastasia Tsotra ^*
0009-0001-3648-4049
Greece

Early Pub Date

October 19, 2025

Publication Date

October 19, 2025

Submission Date

June 25, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 24, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 9 Number: 3

DOI

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

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA94EZ74EL

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Tsotra, A. (2025). Towards International Standardization in UAS Pilot Licensing: A Comparative Analysis of EASA and FAA Frameworks. Journal of Aviation, 9(3), 808-815. https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1727378

AMA

1.Tsotra A. Towards International Standardization in UAS Pilot Licensing: A Comparative Analysis of EASA and FAA Frameworks. JAV. 2025;9(3):808-815. doi:10.30518/jav.1727378

Chicago

Tsotra, Anastasia. 2025. “Towards International Standardization in UAS Pilot Licensing: A Comparative Analysis of EASA and FAA Frameworks”. Journal of Aviation 9 (3): 808-15. https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1727378.

EndNote

Tsotra A (October 1, 2025) Towards International Standardization in UAS Pilot Licensing: A Comparative Analysis of EASA and FAA Frameworks. Journal of Aviation 9 3 808–815.

IEEE

[1]A. Tsotra, “Towards International Standardization in UAS Pilot Licensing: A Comparative Analysis of EASA and FAA Frameworks”, JAV, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 808–815, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.30518/jav.1727378.

ISNAD

Tsotra, Anastasia. “Towards International Standardization in UAS Pilot Licensing: A Comparative Analysis of EASA and FAA Frameworks”. Journal of Aviation 9/3 (October 1, 2025): 808-815. https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1727378.

JAMA

1.Tsotra A. Towards International Standardization in UAS Pilot Licensing: A Comparative Analysis of EASA and FAA Frameworks. JAV. 2025;9:808–815.

MLA

Tsotra, Anastasia. “Towards International Standardization in UAS Pilot Licensing: A Comparative Analysis of EASA and FAA Frameworks”. Journal of Aviation, vol. 9, no. 3, Oct. 2025, pp. 808-15, doi:10.30518/jav.1727378.

Vancouver

1.Anastasia Tsotra. Towards International Standardization in UAS Pilot Licensing: A Comparative Analysis of EASA and FAA Frameworks. JAV. 2025 Oct. 1;9(3):808-15. doi:10.30518/jav.1727378