New Zealand’s AirShare web app has been updated with various new functions and features for drone pilots. An AirShare mobile update is expected to follow in the next few weeks.
Drone pilots can now extend their flight by up to 30 minutes, even if the flight has already passed its original end time. This ensures that if their flight runs longer than expected, they can continue operating safely and stay compliant without needing to create a new flight request.
When a flight is extended after the original finish time, the system will automatically send a Terminate SMS to the pilot once the updated end time is reached (if the flight hasn’t been manually terminated).
The extension option won’t be available if a request to land or flight termination is already in progress, the operator is flying under Part 101 rules and the extension would push the flight past daylight hours.
This function is currently only available on the web app.
Pilots can also now choose how they receive messages and verify their AirShare accounts – either by WhatsApp or SMS. This change has been introduced to make it easier for those users without a New Zealand or Australian phone number to stay connected and verified.
Additional updates to the web app include an allowance for manual entry of height, access to the VHF radio contact button in all areas, new options (VLOS, EVLOS or BVLOS) to be selected for P102 operators, and a new flight purpose list.
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