Drone operators rely on applying for access to airspace through segregated, Temporary Danger Areas (drone safe zones).
These are short 90 day flying windows which require completion of a lengthy flight approval process each time.
The nirvana for scaled drone operations is safe integration of uncrewed and crewed traffic using new technology solutions to efficiently deconflict and monitor flights.
NATS Services worked with Flylogix to streamline the process of conducting Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations for offshore methane inspections in the North Sea - a complex airspace shared with commercial, military, and other traffic.
The evolving regulatory framework for beyond visual line of sight operations in the UK means that frequent and timely use of drones can be a complex and time hungry task which often can result in falling back to traditional, higher risk, less sustainable and more expensive solutions.
The Context
Flylogix, a UK-based technology company, operates remote, autonomous drone services in challenging environments, primarily to the energy sector. NATS Services and Flylogix have been working together delivering safe BVLOS services in the North Sea since 2018.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a significant contributor to climate change. Accurate monitoring and reduction of methane gas emissions by the oil and gas industry is crucial for environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance. Traditional methods for methane detection, which often involve helicopters or on-site inspections, are costly, logistically challenging, and can be dangerous for the people involved in conducting them.
The Solution
Through a series of long-range BVLOS trials, NATS facilitated the safe operation of drones for Flylogix.
NATS conducted detailed risk assessments, engaged with the regulator, other airspace users and the airport to ensure the success of the application to fly.
As a part of the flight process, NATS also provided air traffic management services, strategic and tactical real-time de-confliction and monitoring to safely integrate the drones into North Sea airspace.
Benefits
Flylogix can run an enhanced, frequent and timely BVLOS inspection service for their customers that optimises safety and efficiency.
The drone, flown by a single remote pilot, results in zero-risk for crew, consumes less fuel and so is more cost efficient, is quieter than helicopter inspections and improves accuracy of measurements.
The Future
This work is contributing to the development of a more robust regulatory framework for BVLOS operations in offshore environments, moving the UK closer to a fully integrated airspace which would eliminate the need for short flying windows in drone safe zones and minimise the disruption that temporary flying windows can create for other airspace users.
To this end, NATS has supported Flylogix in a successful application to the CAA to enable their flights to take place in a new kind of airspace – a Temporary Reserved Area – in which uncrewed and crewed aircraft to safely share the air.
Looking further ahead, Transponder Mandatory Zones would allow for a truly integrated airspace, enabling suitably equipped drones to operate just like any other aircraft.
Delivering that would be major step toward us enabling the routine use of drones in the UK and a realisation of many of the operational concepts NATS has developed as part of Future Flight projects Caelus and AMEC.
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