FAA and EASA on the Path to Regulatory Convergence for BVLOS Operations

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 @ 7 AM PT | 10 AM ET | 3 PM BST | Free Webinar

This webinar is a replay of a keynote panel from Commercial UAV Expo 2026. BVLOS operations are already happening across both the U.S. and Europe, but getting those operations normalized and scalable, in a way that works for operators with global footprints, requires regulators on both sides of the Atlantic to find common ground. The FAA and EASA share the same end goal of a safe, integrated airspace for crewed and uncrewed aviation alike, but they're taking notably different paths to get there.

Featuring Robert Reckert, acting division manager of the Emerging Technologies Division within Flight Standards at the FAA, and Daan Dousi, head of department for Innovative Air Mobility at EASA, and moderated by Julie Garland, CEO of Avtrain, this discussion offers a rare side-by-side look at how the world's two largest aviation regulators are thinking about the future of uncrewed flight.

The conversation covers:

Part 108 and the road to a final rule: where the FAA's rulemaking process stands and how pilot programs like the eIPP are shaping the data behind it
SORA and Europe's risk-based approach: how EASA sorts operations by ground and air risk, and the steps taken to simplify implementation since 2019
Diverging philosophies, shared safety outcomes: how "enable then regulate" and "regulate then simplify" approaches can still converge on comparable safety results
Public perception across the Atlantic: cultural differences in how the U.S. and Europe view use cases like delivery, and what it takes to build public trust
What regulatory convergence could look like: the bilateral work already underway between the FAA and EASA, and what still needs to happen for operators with global footprints

This session is relevant for operators, program managers, and industry stakeholders who need to understand how U.S. and European drone regulations are evolving, and what a more harmonized global regulatory environment could mean for their operations.

Speakers

Rob Reckert, Division Manager, Emerging Technologies Division, FAA

As Acting Deputy Director of the Office of Safety Standards within the Flight Standards Service, Robert Reckert plays a pivotal role in shaping aviation safety regulations, policy, and oversight nationwide. He provides specialized technical assistance while setting overarching priorities, goals, and strategic plans that impact the certification and operational standards of airmen, air carriers, air agencies, and designees. Through executive leadership, Robert ensures regulatory consistency, operational efficiency, and the ongoing evolution of safety standards within the aviation industry.

Prior Leadership Roles

Before assuming his current role, Robert held senior management and executive positions across multiple divisions and functional offices, including Air Carrier Safety Assurance and General Aviation Safety Assurance. Most recently, he served as Manager of the Air Transportation Division, leading the development of safety regulations governing certification, training, and operational requirements for commercial operators and air carriers. His ability to foster collaboration and streamline policy initiatives has significantly strengthened regulatory oversight and industry compliance.

Military and Aviation Background

Robert is retired from the United States Army, where he served as a U/HH-60M Black Hawk Standardization Instructor Pilot and AH-64D Apache Longbow Maintenance Test Pilot. Prior to joining the FAA, he worked as a Part 135 Helicopter Emergency Medical Services captain.

Robert holds a Master of Science degree from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a Commercial Pilot, typerated in the S-70 and S-70M, a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII), a Remote Pilot, and an A&P Mechanic with Inspection Authorization.

Daan Dousi, Head of Department, Innovative Air Mobility, EASA

Daan is the Head of Department for Innovative Air Mobility at the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), a position he has held since June 2025. Daan possesses a strong foundation in aviation, having held a flight crew license, instructor rating, and type rating on the Boeing 737-800. He also holds academic credentials, including a bachelor’s degree in business and management, as well as a master’s degree in air safety management. Throughout his career, Daan has accumulated extensive experience in the aviation industry. As a Dutch national, he began his professional journey in ground operations with KLM, followed by roles in commercial flight and training operations with Ryanair. In 2012, he joined EASA as a flight crew licensing expert and has since held various management positions within EASA’s aircrew and medical, and air operations domains, demonstrating his expertise and leadership capabilities. As a seasoned aviation professional, Daan is committed to advancing the industry through innovative technologies and products. Recently, he obtained his drone pilot certificate, further solidifying his expertise in emerging aviation trends.

Moderator

Julie Garland, CEO / Vice-Chair, Avtrain / JARUS ISB

Capt Julie Garland BL, FRAeS is the Founder and CEO of Avtrain – one of Europe’s leading drone training and consultancy organisations setting the standards for others to follow. She is a former Airline Training Captain, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Barrister at Law, Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and President of JEDA- Joint European Drone Associations; prior to undertaking her position as CEO of Avtrain she was the Director Compliance for Norwegian Air International.

She is the President of Joint European Drone Associations (JEDA) and holds the EASA Stakeholder Advisory Body (SAB) Plenary seat representing all of the European Drone and Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) Industry. Julie is also the JEDA representative on JARUS – the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems where she is Vice-Chair of the JARUS Industry Stakeholder’s Body Steering Committee. She sits on the UK CAA UAS Advisory Committee. She also a member of the Board of Advisors for the Estonian Aviation Academy (EAVA), the Ireland Liaison for the Advanced Air Mobility Institute, a member of the Flight Safety Foundation Autonomous and Remotely Piloted Aviation Capabilities (ARPAC) Advisory Committee, sits on the UKRI Future Flight Challenge Advisory Board and is a Royal Aeronautical Society Mentor for aspiring aviators.