Guidelines for integration of autonomous UAS in Global ATM

In recent years there is a crescent interest for operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in new areas beyond the current reserved airspace. Such fact has forced regulatory organisations such as the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) to evaluate unmanned aircraft and to propose regulations for the expanded use of such aircraft. The definition of these regulations is a challenge for the ICAO and the academic community. This paper proposes guidelines seeking the integration of autonomous UAS into the Global ATM proposals from the aircraft viewpoint, the autonomous pilot and the aircraft interaction in Global ATM. The possibility of integrating UAS into airspace depends on regulations that are yet to be defined and proper data with which to assure the flight safety standards of this new aircraft type.