Breaking news
After the last Notified Body Forum, we would like to update our customers with the latest news about the drone regulation and standardisation.
The European Commission informed the Notified Bodies about the publication of the new version of standards. The expected publication date of the EN4709-001 and EN4709-003 will be on 2026 March. For EN4709-004, EN4709-006 and EN4709-007, the expected publication date is June of 2026. Moreover, the expected release date of EN4709-008 is the beginning of 2027.
The Tethered UA has also undergone some modifications. According to the decision of the European Commission and EASA, the verification method for tethered UAs will change. In the verification of the tethered system, when determining the ultimate load for the mechanical strength of the tether components, we previously used the MTOM as the basis for the test load. However, following the modification, we may use the actual aircraft weight including payload and accessories, excluding the waterpipe with water and the tether cable instead, which results in a lower test load which reflects reality and provides a much more pragmatic method.
Follow-me Mode
The Follow-me Mode for UAVs is a key function for the Manufacturers and for the conformity assessment procedure as well, as it involves strict requirements and a testing environment that is difficult to establish.
With deep technical expertise and hands-on experience, we provide manufacturers and integrators with the required tests to ensure full regulatory compliance under EU Regulation 2019/945 and FprEN 4709-001:2024 Standard.
What is the Follow-me Mode?
Follow-me mode means a mode of operation of a UAS where the unmanned aircraft constantly follows the remote pilot within a predetermined radius.
The Follow-me Mode is an opportunity (not mandatory) in UA Class C0 and C1. If the UA equipped with a follow-me mode and when this function is on, be in a range not exceeding 50 m from the remote pilot and make it possible for the remote pilot to regain control of the UA.
In such cases, if the drone has or is nominated under a different class mark (e.g. C2, C3, C5, or C6), we will be ready to evaluate the Follow-me mode function.
Understanding the verification of FmM.
The Follow-me mode has four requirements to which the manufacturer of the UA must always pay attention to. These are the following:
- the UA shall follow the remote pilot within 50 meters.
- in case of excess of a distance of 50 m between UA and remote pilot… the UA shall stop and maintain its last position or enter in a failsafe mode…
- in excess of a distance of 50 m between UA and remote pilot, the UA shall not activate follow-me mode. At a distance below 50 m between UA and remote pilot, the UA shall not automatically resume to follow me mode.
- the remote pilot shall be able to regain control of the UA.
For the verification, it is necessary to use GNSS receivers to determine the accuracy of the UA and remote pilot positions. The test shall be conducted on a road or similarly paved way without obstacles obstructing radio transmission and line of sight, that allows the pilot’s vehicle (a car) to safely accelerate and maintain a higher speed.
Why choose CerTrust?
Based on our testing experience, the Follow-me mode represents a significant challenge for UA manufacturers. They often struggle to keep the UA within 50 meters when the remote pilot accelerates and attempts to move away from the aircraft. In many cases, the UAs follow the remote pilot but continues to follow the pilot even after exceeding the 50-meter limit.
Our test environment is well equipped and prepared to evaluate the function of FmM. We use two GNSS receivers, which can be easily installed on the drone and the remote controller. We have a stable method for measuring the distance between the two receivers. Essentially, we perform the calculations using a programming language based on numerical methods; however, for cross-checking and accuracy verification, we also evaluate the data in a GIS software environment. We not only measure the distance between the UA and the RP, but we also provide our applicant with a diagram that shows the speed, distances and acceleration, deceleration as useful information for further adjustment of the UAS’s software if needed.
Another key element of the testing is the test track. We use an out-of-service airbase with a concrete runway, where we can accelerate to high speeds. There are no obstacles and no disturbing traffic.
Feel free to reach out to us for more information or to schedule a consultation.
