LARPAS is the Latvian Remote Piloted Aircraft System Association, an organization dedicated to uniting and coordinating the representatives of the remote piloted aircraft system (RPAS) industry in Latvia. This includes operators, manufacturers, insurers, training institutions, research and development centers, as well as legislators, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders. LARPAS aims to enhance flight safety in Latvian airspace and promote the overall development of the industry.

But what exactly is a remote piloted aircraft? It is an unmanned aerial vehicle, regardless of its size, configuration, or application, that is operated without a pilot onboard. There are two types: autonomous and remote-controlled. Autonomous RPAS are self-operating, while remote-controlled aircraft are controlled by a remote pilot who can provide the necessary commands throughout the flight, ensuring a successful and incident-free operation.

A remote piloted aircraft system consists of the aircraft itself, a base control station, necessary control links, and other elements required for operations. While the term drone was originally used to describe military unmanned aircraft, it now commonly refers to any unmanned aerial vehicle, particularly multi-rotor aircraft, in everyday language. Even professionals in the field use the term drone, although it is not considered an official terminology in civil aviation