Uncrewed traffic management system AirShare is being deployed into airspace at Tekapo Aerodrome in New Zealand as part of an integration trial.
The trial is being run by Airways International, the commercial arm of ANSP Airways New Zealand and The developer of the uncrewed traffic management (UTM) AirShare.
During the trial several New Zealand unattended aerodromes and large landowners will use AirShare to gain visibility of drone flights logged within the airspace they manage, and will be able to give authorisation for flights as required.
The UTM system has been used by Airways New Zealand since 2014 to support safe management of uncrewed aircraft across New Zealand airspace. The system helps reduce risks related to uncrewed aircraft, and enhances situational awareness for airspace managers.
Drone pilots operating near the aerodromes and other sites will be encouraged to log their flights with AirShare, saving them time and effort in requesting permission to fly and streamlining the aerodrome operators’ processes around uncrewed aircraft flight management.
The trial will run for at least three months at each aerodrome 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 Ministry of Transport, to inform and facilitate future decision-making around uncrewed aircraft flying in New Zealand.
The AirShare team has collaborated closely with first trial participant Tekapo Aerodrome to deploy the UTM onsite, and both organisations have liaised with local drone pilots who fly within 4km (2.5 miles) of the aerodrome.
Sharon Cooke, CEO of Airways International said, “The AirShare team has enjoyed working with aerodromes participating in this trial to help further enhance aviation safety through wider situational awareness of drones across our airspace.
“We look forward to hearing feedback from Air Safaris and drone operators, as AirShare and aviation stakeholders work together to learn about sharing the air and safe airspace integration.”
Justin Sturrock, safety manager for Air Safaris, which operates Tekapo Aerodrome said, “We often work with drone operators around Lake Tekapo. AirShare UTM will help us to monitor and manage drone activities around the aerodrome – we strongly encourage all drone pilots to log their flights with AirShare which will support safe operations, and the safety of all airspace users.”
Trials at further unattended aerodromes will be announced as agreements are finalised.