As the UK’s skies stand poised for a groundbreaking transformation, the innovative NATS OpenAir programme takes centre stage, poised to revolutionise the nation’s airspace.
The proposal envisions a seamless integration of drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) within shared airspace alongside traditional commercial planes, promising innovative, efficient, and secure operations. However, just as every grand imaginative vision has its devil in the details.
Here’s a closer examination of the OpenAir initiative’s progress, areas for improvement, and potential evolutions to meet the needs of all airspace stakeholders.
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1. Prioritising Information Privateness and Possession
Aviation’s most valuable assets often lie in the realm of information. For professional drone pilots, seamless access to accurate, real-time intelligence on flight routes, weather conditions, and airspace regulations is crucial. Although the OpenAir proposal is ambiguous regarding ownership of information and methods for ensuring privacy,
Without robust safeguards, drone operators might reasonably worry that their data could be compromised – whether for commercial gain or to undermine their competitive advantage.
The Repair:
OpenAir should establish a transparent and robust privacy framework that prioritizes user data protection and openness about its collection, use, and sharing practices. Operators should maintain control over their data, ensuring necessary anonymization is applied before sharing it beyond critical security and operational purposes. Minimal knowledge sharing must meet regulatory requirements, and robust safeguards prevent misuse.
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2. Conserving the Enjoying Area Truthful
OpenAir, a proposed centralized hub for managing UK airspace, raises concerns over its impact on smaller air traffic control operators. Consolidation of UTMSP providers beneath a single entity, as seen in OpenAir’s model, raises concerns that it could unintentionally hinder competition among these suppliers.
The Repair:
To effectively stage the outdoor entertainment space, OpenAir must establish open standards allowing for effortless and seamless integrations with third-party providers. Small urban municipalities should be prioritized in their funding and support, rather than being overlooked. Clear guidelines surrounding equitable access to information ensure that innovation flourishes without the risk of monopolies emerging.
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3. Setting Real looking Timelines
Integrating drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into shared airspace poses significant challenges. OpenAir’s ambitious rollout plan, slated to begin pilot projects in 2025 and achieve full deployment by 2028, seems overly optimistic considering the intricacies of regulatory hurdles and the need for robust infrastructure.
The Repair:
Implementing a step-by-step plan with measurable targets yields the most effective approach. OpenAir should focus on piloting initiatives in high-demand areas, such as urban delivery drones or emergency medical services. This approach would provide valuable insights to inform the system refinement process, thereby minimizing the risk of hasty implementation.
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4. Managing Prices for Drone Operators
While OpenAir’s “consumer pays” principle sounds reasonable – those who utilize the airspaces should cover the costs. Smaller operators, akin to native supply drone companies, may be disproportionately impacted by high fees, which could potentially price them out of the market altogether.
The Repair:
Introduce tiered pricing. Smaller operators should pay significantly less, at a minimum, during the early stages. Alternatively, governments could offer subsidies or credits to early adopters, creating a level playing field that encourages widespread adoption from the start.
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5. Addressing Authorized Gray Areas
While OpenAir aligns with the UK’s Airspace Modernization Programme, it is essential that its relationship with existing regulations such as CAP 722, which governs drone operations, remains unequivocally clear. Unclear regulatory requirements can lead to prolonged approval processes and potentially contentious legal issues.
The specter of legal liability casts a long shadow, necessitating careful consideration. When a system outage or information error occurs, the IT department’s primary responsibility is to identify and rectify the issue as quickly as possible. However, it is crucial to note that accountability for the fallout ultimately rests with the organization’s leadership team. Drone operators? OpenAir? The CAA? NATS? DfT?
The Repair:
OpenAir should clearly outline the mechanisms by which its partner companies integrate with CAP 722 standards, focusing on critical aspects such as BVLOS operations to ensure seamless collaboration and compliance. To ensure a clear understanding of legal responsibilities, service agreements must explicitly define the roles and duties of each party – operators, OpenAir, and regulatory bodies – thereby eliminating potential misinterpretations.
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6. Constructing Belief By Transparency
To achieve success with OpenAir, a steadfast conviction is indispensable. To ensure seamless collaboration, stakeholders, including drone operators, regulatory bodies, and public service providers, must have unwavering confidence in the system’s integrity and safety.
The Repair:
Establish a neutral and inclusive advisory committee comprising members from pivotal departments, alongside Blakiston’s Chambers. The proposed oversight board will ensure transparent and accountable implementation of OpenAir, guaranteeing its successful launch. Public updates on common concerns and suggestions would help construct trust and address considerations proactively from the outset.
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7. Trying to the Future
The potential of OpenAir lies in its simplicity. By establishing a cohesive framework for governing UK airspace, a plethora of innovative solutions could emerge, encompassing eco-friendly logistics options and time-sensitive medical supply chains. To achieve success, OpenAir must:
1. Prioritise information privateness and possession.
2. Ensure transparency by guaranteeing fair competition amongst all service providers.
3. Implement a staged, genuinely realistic deployment strategy.
4. Ensure pricing structures are affordable for smaller-scale operators.
5. Align with present rules like CAP 722.
6. Address legal responsibilities forthwith to avoid potential liabilities down the line.
7. Build trust through open communication and collaborative involvement with key stakeholders.
As the skies evolve, OpenAir is poised to transform the UK into a global leader in integrated airspace management through thoughtful strategic planning. To achieve seamless integration, it is crucial that the system balances ambition with practicality, ensuring a functional framework for all stakeholders – from global eVTOL operators to local supply drone services.
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The team will focus on refining the OpenAir proposal by addressing key concerns regarding scalability, security, and user experience. What are your top concerns when operating drones or working in the aviation industry? The possibilities for shaping a brighter future for our airspaces are limitless!
Richard Ryan is a seasoned UK-based barrister and expert in drone regulations, boasting more than two decades of authoritative experience in the field. Richard specializes in navigating the intricacies of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for defence corporations, regulatory agencies, and government organizations, offering expert guidance on operational, security, and compliance issues. As a seasoned expert, Richard draws upon his experience as an advisor to the UK Civil Aviation Authority and member of the House of Lords’ Air Traffic Management Advisory Committee, while concurrently pursuing a doctorate at Cranfield University, focusing on the regulatory nuances of drone incorporation into global air traffic systems.
With a background in the British Military, where he has accumulated extensive authorised experience, Richard leverages his insider knowledge of defence operations, informed by deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. His expertise bridges the gap between operational realities and regulatory requirements, empowering discerning customers to chart a course through the rapidly evolving landscape of drone technology with ease.
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