AirShare, an unmanned traffic management (UTM) system used to safely integrate unmanned traffic into airspace, will be deployed for a group of New Zealand unmanned airfields and large landowners as part of airspace integration trials. The first is Tekapo Aerodrome.
AirShare has been used by Aviation New Zealand since 2014 to support the safe management of unmanned aircraft throughout New Zealand’s airspace. UTM systems help reduce risks associated with unmanned aerial vehicles and improve situational awareness for airspace managers.
Unmanned airfield operators and large landowners participating in the trial will have visibility into recorded drone flights within the airspace they manage and the ability to easily grant approval for flights as needed.
Drone pilots operating near airfields and other locations are encouraged to record their flights through AirShare, saving time and effort in requesting permission to fly and streamlining the processes for airfield operators involved in managing drone flights. The test will also help improve situational awareness for both airfield and drone pilots.
Testing will last at least three months at each airfield or site. Participants and drone operators will provide feedback to AirShare which will be shared with key stakeholders such as the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department of Transport to inform and facilitate future decision-making for drones flying in New Zealand.
The AirShare team worked closely with the first trial participant, Tekapo Aerodrome, to field the UTM, with both organizations working with local drone pilots who fly within 4km of the airfield.
Sharon Cooke, CEO of Airways International, which developed AirShare, said: “The AirShare team has enjoyed working with the airfields participating in this trial to further improve aviation safety through extensive situational awareness of drones throughout the airspace. We look forward to hearing feedback from Air Safaris and drone operators as AirShare and aviation stakeholders work together to learn about air sharing and safe airspace integration.”
Justin Sturrock, Safety Manager at Air Safaris, which operates Tekapo Aerodrome, said: “We often work with drone operators around Lake Tekapo. AirShare UTM will help you effectively monitor and manage drone activity around your airfield. We strongly encourage all drone pilots to record their flights using AirShare, which supports safe operations and the safety of all airspace users.”
Tests at additional unmanned airfields will be announced once the agreement is finalized.
Learn more in sUAS News
Subscribe to receive the latest posts by email.
