Roger Sethsson discussed the impact of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) on the insurance industry. RPAS operations are growing globally but integrating them poses challenges. RPAS have a higher accident rate than manned aircraft and there is a risk of them damaging other aircraft or injuring people. Critical information is needed for insurers to properly assess the risks associated with different types of RPAS, operators, and operating environments. This information includes the size and design of the aircraft, how it is controlled, the skills of the operator, and applicable regulations.

2. Roger Sethsson Inter Hannover
RPAS IN AVIATION
THE IMPACT ON INSURANCE

3. LIDINGO, STOCKHOLM LAST SUNDAY

4. RPAS OPERATIONS AROUND THE GLOBE

5. CHALLENGES FACING RPAS INTEGRATION
 Terminology
• UAV, UAS, RPAS and Drone
 Liability and Potential Damages
• Damage to the Drone, other Drones or manned aircraft
• Injuries to persons in manned aircraft or on ground
• Property

6. HIGHER ACCIDENT RATE
 Military UAS versus All military manned aircraft
• 9.31 accidents versus 3.03 accidents/100,000
flight hours (Source: USAF)
• 47 military drone crashes in US from 2001-2013
• 23 accidents involving public agency drones in US
since 2009
• Pilots have reported 15 near collisions with drones
since 2011 (Source: FAA)

7. NEAR MISSES
• Cessna jet – unknown, Denver, CO Mar. 2012
• Alitalia B777 – unknown, quadcopter, JFK Mar. 2013
• US Air CRJ-200 – unknown fixed wing, Tallahassee, FL
Mar. 2014
• Police helicopter – DJI Phantom 2, Manhattan, NY
July 2014
Small UAS owners are unlikely to have adequate insurance coverage.

8. SMALL RPAS CAN DAMAGE AIRCRAFT

9. CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR RISK ASSESSMENT
Type of aircraft
• Size
• Engine type
• Launch and recovery
• Method of control
• Communication links
• Autonomous or pilot
• Sense and avoid technology
• Skill/training of operator
• Operating environment
• Contracts liability clause
• Applicable regulations