Overview
ISO 23629-5:2023 defines a common UTM functional structure for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM). It provides a detailed description of the UTM system layer in the UTM Framework, establishing shared terminology and core UTM functions to support safe, harmonized UAS operations. The document purposely excludes role-sharing among entities, technical communication methods between functions, and commercial/business models.
Key topics and requirements
- Classification of UTM functionalities - The standard groups UTM capabilities into core functional categories that underpin safe, scalable UTM systems.
- Core UTM functions (high-level descriptions):
- Registration function - Official recordkeeping for remote pilots, UAs, and operators (qualification, aircraft type, serial numbers, ownership, authorization).
- Flight information management - Exchange of aeronautical information, traffic information and interfaces with Air Traffic Services (ATS) to deconflict manned and unmanned flights.
- Operation plan management - Planning and dynamic management of operation plans (routes, departure/arrival times, and plan changes during flight).
- Position data management - Collection, management and sharing of UA position and status to monitor compliance with plans and generate advisories/alerts.
- Reporting function - Collection and sharing of incident/accident reports for analysis and operational improvement.
- Supplemental data supply - Provision of supporting data such as meteorological and geospatial information.
- Functional structure and interactions - Guidance on relationships between functions to support system design, evaluation and verification.
- Implementation guidance - Recommendations for using the functional structure for procurement, system design, testing and conformance assessment.
- Scope limitations - Excludes detailed communication protocols and business models; refers implementers to ISO 23629-12 for UTM service provider requirements.
Practical applications and users
ISO 23629-5 is intended for:
- UTM service providers designing functional architecture and ensuring compliance with service-level requirements.
- National authorities and regulators harmonizing UTM capabilities and defining geozones, routes and authorization mechanisms.
- UAS operators and manufacturers aligning registration, position-reporting and operation-planning capabilities with a common functional baseline.
- Systems integrators, procurement agencies and testers using the functional structure as a reference for procurement criteria, evaluation, testing and verification.
- Standards bodies and policy makers comparing UTM frameworks and fostering international interoperability.
Related standards
- ISO 23629-12 - Requirements for UTM service providers (referenced for communication services and provider requirements).
- ISO 21384-4 - UAS vocabulary (terms and definitions referenced by ISO 23629-5).
- ISO 23629 series - Other parts of the UTM suite providing complementary guidance.
Keywords: ISO 23629-5:2023, UAS traffic management, UTM functional structure, UTM functions, registration function, flight information management, position data management, operation plan management.
