Licensing is commonly used as part of regulation. In order to operate, an entity has to demonstrate that it is able to meet and committed to conform to the standards and other requirements of the relevant regulation. Once the authority is content that the entity does so, a licence is issued to allow the entity to operate. The licensing regimes for manned aviation have evolved over many decades and although normally mature and effective, they are subject to amendment and renewal in the light of sector developments.
RPAS pose some new issues for licensing, especially in the light of the very rapidly evolving nature of the RPAS sector.
Further Reading
Content to follow...