U-space Implementation Handbook: Turning early experience into guidance

The U-space Implementation Handbook has been published, bringing together Europe's early experience with the deployment of U-space - the regulatory and operational framework designed to enable the safe, secure and efficient integration of drones (UAS) into European airspace alongside manned aviation.

The handbook is a key deliverable of the recently completed U-ELCOME project, a SESAR Digital Sky Demonstrator, co-funded by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and led by Eurocontrol Innovation Hub. Over the last three years, U-ELCOME has supported the first coordinated steps towards U-space implementation across Europe, in line with the EU U-space regulatory framework - Regulations (EU) 2021/664, 2021/665 and 2021/666.

The handbook brings together the experience collected from different projects, initiatives and Member States throughout the early phases of deployment according to U-space regulation.

Drawing on experience from multiple projects, initiatives and Member States, the handbook consolidates 70 lessons learned and recommendations, together with 6 technical appendices. These are set within a clear theoretical and regulatory framework, offering a structured reference for future implementations.

The development of the handbook was led by U-ELCOME, with major contributions from U-space Digital Sky Demonstrators, BURDI and ÉALÚ-AER, and valuable input from a wide range of stakeholders engaged throughout the project.

The handbook serves as a foundation for building a collaborative knowledge base that accelerates U-space implementation across Europe.

How this U-space Handbook can be used?

The handbook reflects the experiences of those who first implemented U-space. At this pivotal moment for the industry, it is essential that authorities and regulatory bodies, together with the stakeholders across Europe, work alongside to overcome challenges. The handbook covers a wide range of information, from foundational concepts and regulatory aspects to technical and operational details of implementation. It is therefore intended to be used in different ways depending on the reader's level of knowledge and stage of involvement in U-space. Some sections may present basic information for certain readers, while others may contain more advanced material; all sections are included to provide a comprehensive reference and should be considered in the context of the full document.

Early-stage implementation stakeholders

For stakeholders that are still in the early stages of researching and developing the U-space concept, it can serve as a practical guide to better understand U-space and its implications. It is a valuable tool for dissemination within government bodies to raise awareness and share knowledge about U-space.

Example: Local authorities, aviation regulators, or educational institutions can use the handbook to gain a foundational understanding of U-space, its regulatory framework, and the potential implications for airspace management.

Intermediate-stage implementation stakeholders

For stakeholders who have made progress in integrating UAS into the airspace, but have not yet fully implemented U-space, the handbook can serve as a practical guide to help them establish a baseline for their initial efforts. It can also act as a reference, allowing them to learn from the approaches and lessons learned by others.

Example: Regional U-space airspace coordinators, UAS operators and U-space/ATM service providers can use the handbook to align operating procedures, coordinate with other stakeholders, and compare progress with the experiences of early adopters.

Advanced-stage implementation stakeholders

For stakeholders that are already involved in certification or U-space designation processes, the handbook can show how others approached similar challenges and leverage from their experience. These stakeholders are also encouraged to share their own lessons to further enrich the collective knowledge base.

Example: National authorities, U-space Service Provider (USSPs) and single Common Information Service Provider (sCISPs), among others, can use the handbook to refine operational strategies and prepare the processes of certification.

Download the handbook

More about U-ELCOME