Ensuring Seamless Integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at Tekapo Aerodrome through AirShare’s UTM Solution: sUAS Insights

AirShare, an unmanned traffic management (UTM) system designed to facilitate the safe integration of uncrewed aerial vehicles into controlled airspace, is set to be deployed at a cluster of New Zealand’s unattended aerodromes and large landowners as part of an innovative airspace integration trial, with Tekapo Aerodrome serving as the first location. 

Since 2014, AirShare has collaborated with Airways New Zealand to facilitate the secure management of unmanned aerial vehicles across New Zealand’s airspace. The Universal Time-Based Message (UTM) system significantly reduces risks linked to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), while also elevating situational awareness for airspace administrators. 

During the trial, unmonitored aerodrome administrators and substantial landholders participating in the initiative will gain transparency into logged drone flight activities across their managed airspace, allowing them to swiftly grant necessary clearances. 

Drone operators flying throughout neighborhoods surrounding aerodromes, as well as online platforms, are incentivized to log their flights with AirShare, thereby reducing the need to request permission to fly and streamlining the process of unmanned aircraft flight administration for aerodrome operators. The trial also enhances situational awareness for both parties. 

The trial will last a minimum of three months at each aerodrome and online platform. Members and drone operators will submit proposals to AirShare, which will likely be disseminated to key stakeholders, including the Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Transport, to inform and facilitate future decision-making on uncrewed aircraft flight in New Zealand? 

AirShare staff have worked closely with Tekapo Aerodrome, a pioneer in the initial trial, to successfully implement Unmanned Aerial System Traffic Management (UTM) technology onsite, while fostering close relationships with local drone pilots who regularly operate within a 4km radius of the aerodrome. 

According to Sharon Cooke, CEO of Airways Worldwide and developer of AirShare, “Our team at AirShare has thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with participating airports during this trial, as it enables us to contribute to enhanced aviation security through heightened situational awareness of drones in our airspace.” As we move forward, we eagerly anticipate feedback from Air Safaris and drone operators, collaborating with AirShare and aviation stakeholders to explore sharing the skies and ensure seamless airspace integration. 

According to Justin Sturrock, Security Supervisor at Air Safaris and operator of Tekapo Aerodrome, his team frequently collaborates with drone pilots in the vicinity of Lake Tekapo. To ensure seamless monitoring and handling of drone activities across the aerodrome, the AirShare UTM will be instrumental in this endeavour. We urge all drone operators to register their flights on AirShare, a crucial step towards maintaining secure operations and safeguarding airspace customer safety. 

Trials at additional unstaffed aerodromes will likely be implemented once agreements are finalized.