Liability impact of automated systems in air traffic management

Abstract

In the current operational scenario of Air Traffic Management (ATM), liability is mainly allocated to the operators who are responsible for air traffic control and air navigation (e.g. controllers and pilots). However, this scenario will rapidly change: the SESAR concept of operations, in the context of the development of the Single European Sky,1 is defining a new high-performance air traffic management system, involving the adoption of new technologies, devices, and high automation levels, which will enable the future development of air transport. Advances in automation and technology may bring about drastic changes from the legal and regulatory perspective, questioning the allocation of liability mainly to operators. Innovation and automation run almost parallel in ATM and the more innovation progresses, the more the theme of liability attribution will be crucial. The ALIAS project (Addressing Liability Impact of Automated Systems - recently started as part of SESAR Work Package E), addresses liability and automation in ATM, and more generally in complex socio-technical systems. It analyses technological developments and their impacts on ATM, assesses current responsibility regimes and proposes future developments.