Technical project report: “Use of drones near airports: challenges and opportunities”

Project number: 8.802.50007

Author:
AIRlabs Austria GmbH

Use of drones near airports – Safety is the top of priority

The use of drones near airports is a complex underpinning that involves both legal hurdles and promising opportunities. The legislation surrounding the use of drones near airports is strict for good reason. Flight safety is a top priority and therefore strict rules must be adhered to. Airports are sensitive areas and unmanned aircraft can be potentially dangerous if not operated properly.

Project goal: Determination of flight requirements at Graz Airport

Despite the challenges, emergency services and airport operators can benefit from the use of drones. During rescue operations, drones can provide a quick overview of the situation, locate missing people, explore accident scenes from the air and provide valuable information for operations management. Airport operators can use drones to monitor runway lighting to detect possible deficiencies or failures. Drones can also be used to inspect the airport fence for damage. The aim is therefore to determine the requirements for flights at Graz Airport.

Project results: “Specific” definition of the requirements of a BVLOS flight

Graz Airport and AIRlabs Austria have examined the requirements for the use of drones at Graz Airport in a joint project. Specifically, the scenario of an aerial view of the fence was used. Both ground-specific and air-specific requirements for a BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) flight in the drone category “Specific” were identified.

The most important findings from the project are:

1. Stakeholder involvement: Before conducting drone flights, important stakeholders such as ÖAMTC, general aviation, gliding clubs, skydivers and airport security must be informed. 

2. Approval from the competent authority: A positive approval for the “Specific” drone category in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 as well as the operation of flights of unmanned aircraft in security zones of an airfield in accordance with Section 18 Paragraph 4 LVR 2014 of the competent authority is required. Particular attention must be paid to the requirements for Enhanced Containment.

3. Flight clearance and runway crossings: The clearance for the flight and the runway crossing is carried out via the Austro Control Dronespace app in consultation with the responsible air traffic controller.

4. Security Check: If the drone had to make a stopover, a security check must be carried out before flying into the sensitive area of the airport.

The insights gained can be used by AIRlabs partners at any time to save time and costs when planning and executing drone flights in the airport environment.

Image rights ©Flughafen Graz Betriebs GmbH