RuAviation

On September 29, the President of Russia signed amendments to the Air Code, introducing a risk-based approach to mandatory certification of aviation equipment. This update was announced by Alexey Rogozin, CEO of the Russian Aircraft Manufacturers Union, via his official Telegram channel.

Under the new regulations, requirements for the design and operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be determined not only by the type of aircraft but also by the risk level associated with each specific mission. This approach enables differentiated rules for various categories of UAVs, ranging from small agricultural drones to heavy tiltrotor aircraft.

The changes are governed by Russian Government Decree No. 806, dated May 30, 2025. The decree establishes the Federal State Information System for Mandatory Certification of Aviation Equipment. This system is designed to automate and enhance the transparency of certification procedures, streamlining interactions among operators, manufacturers, and regulators.

Rogozin notes that, for the first time, Russia has legislated a risk-based approach consistent with international best practices. Globally, aviation safety requirements are shaped by risk analysis of specific operations, rather than solely by aircraft type. In Russia, this principle is now further supported by the national standard GOST R 71996-2025, which defines risk assessment methodologies for special-category unmanned aviation systems. The standard details risk analysis procedures and enables their application in UAV certification and operations.

Transitioning to a risk-based regulatory model replaces the previous blanket prohibition system with an engineering-driven safety management approach. This decision is expected to reduce certification costs for low-risk market segments while maintaining stringent requirements for high-risk operations. The new framework fosters the development of civilian unmanned aviation, encourages the adoption of advanced technologies, and supports innovation within the industry.

In the near term, the primary challenge will be developing industry-specific methodologies and practices for implementing the new approach, Rogozin believes.
“In essence, this marks a paradigm shift: from blanket prohibitions to an engineering-based safety management model. It is crucial not to stop at legislative wording, but to advance toward industry methodologies and practical application,” he writes.

The success of this phase will determine how quickly and effectively the new standards are put into practice. The comprehensive regulatory framework—including the updated Air Code, the Government Decree, and the national standard—provides the legal foundation for further development of unmanned aviation in Russia.