Research Information System
International Journal of Sustainable Aviation, vol.10, no.4, pp.350-384, 2024 (ESCI)
This study presents a comparative analysis of the classification factors in regulations developed by civil aviation authorities for uncrewed aerial vehicles. A new analysis method, consisting of two steps and sub-parameters, has been developed for this research. The first step involves the comparative determination of the usage statistics of classification factors in classification approaches, with the aim of achieving a global perspective. The second step involves analysing four parameters: applicability, conventional aircraft systems, technical performance, and sustainability. The study concluded that the current classification regulations for UAVs are inadequate in terms of technical-performance based sub-classification factors. Therefore, the paper proposed a framework of classification factors for civil applications. This study is the first to provide a detailed analysis of the sub-classification factors in the regulations. The paper is expected to contribute to sustainable aviation from the perspective of the interaction between aviation regulations and sustainable aviation.