Aberdeen Airport (ABZ/EGPD) has become the latest UK airport to launch a dedicated Drone Approval Service in collaboration with National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and Altitude Angel.
The new system means that Drone pilots can request permission to operate in the Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) of Aberdeen Airport via the Altitude Angel website or app cutting the processing time from 14 days to a few minutes in most cases.
The rapid service is a paid-for option aimed at commercial drone users but for recreational pilots, the 14-day option is still free.
Altitude Angel has worked closely with airport operators and drone pilots to create a system that is easy to use and promotes safe and responsible drone flight around airports. This is also the first time they have launched the system at an airport where NATS manages the airspace.
Richard Ellis, NATS Services New Airspace Users Director, said: “We want to continue to support drone operators in and around Aberdeen airport, but they need certainty and a level of immediacy we couldn’t offer using the previous process. They will now be able to submit flight plans quickly and securely and get flying, while our controllers will continue to know exactly what is in the airspace around them at all times.”
NATS says it plans to roll out the system to more UK airports where it manages air traffic in the coming months.
Chris Forster, Altitude Angel’s chief Operating Officer, said: “We are excited to be able to help enable more drone operations within the FRZ at Aberdeen, giving the airport and their existing drone users an understanding of the airspace and who is operating within it, so everyone can fly safely and securely.”
Fiona Smith, AGS Airports, Sustainability Director, added: “We have worked hand in hand with NATS over the years to ensure the safe integration of drone flights in and around the airport. We are delighted that this new safety-enhancing tool will be rolled out at Aberdeen International Airport.”
