RuAviation

Russia has officially introduced a new airspace class, designated as Class H, specifically for the operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The corresponding regulation was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, according to the government’s press service. This document amends the Federal Rules for the Use of Airspace and aims to establish a regulatory framework to support the further development of civil unmanned aviation.

Class H encompasses airspace from the surface up to 150 meters (approximately 500 feet) above ground or water level. In certain cases, special corridors may be designated for UAS operations at altitudes up to 3,050 meters (10,000 feet). Within these corridors, a simplified airspace access procedure applies to drones with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 30 kilograms (66 pounds). The Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) will publish information on these routes and their operational requirements in the Russian Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).

By introducing Class H, Russia becomes one of the few countries to establish a dedicated airspace segment for unmanned systems. Previously, Russian airspace was divided into Classes A, C, and G, all of which primarily served manned aviation. The new class is intended to streamline UAS integration into the national airspace system and reduce administrative barriers for drone operators.

Operational requirements for Class H include equipping UAS with navigation lights, anti-collision strobes, appropriate navigation systems, and reliable command and control links. These measures are designed to enhance safety during concurrent operations of manned and unmanned aircraft. Piloted aircraft conducting visual flight operations are permitted to cross UAS-designated routes, provided they adhere to established procedures.

Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev stated that the government continues to monitor the implementation of the new regulations and will adjust the legal framework as necessary. The introduction of Class H reflects the growing use of unmanned systems across various sectors, including logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure monitoring.

Internationally, only a limited number of countries have established dedicated airspace classes for UAS. In most jurisdictions, drone operations are regulated within existing airspace classes, which complicates UAS integration into the broader air traffic management system. The Russian model may serve as a reference for other nations seeking to advance civil unmanned aviation.

The exact number of designated routes and the current extent of Class H utilization have not yet been disclosed. As operational experience accumulates and new technological solutions emerge, the regulatory framework is expected to evolve. The establishment of Class H lays the groundwork for expanding UAS applications and improving operational efficiency in the civil sector.