Manna has requested permission to operate uncrewed aerial system (UAS) flights within the Cork control zone.
The airspace area around Cork Airport has been designated to the Irish air navigation services provider, Air Nav Ireland, for the provision of ATC. This control zone covers Cork Airport, Cork city and a large portion of the surrounding areas.
The service provider for the Cork ATC Control Zone, AirNav Ireland, entered into discussion with Manna to establish operational procedures to allow for its beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. The block or volume of airspace required to safely contain the BVLOS operations was also determined. AirNav Ireland then made an application to the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to establish a UAS geographical zone (UGZ) – additional blocks of airspace within a control zone with specific rules for UAS operations.
With the introduction of a new UGZ, a drone pilot must coordinate, in advance, with Cork ATC by submitting a form to AirNav Ireland. This is required to ensure the safety of operations within the Cork ATC control zone.
“Under European regulation, when required, the ANSP should apply to the IAA to establish a UGZ to help ensure safe use of the airspace,” IAA said. “The Irish Aviation Authority reviews each application in detail, including the proposed activities and supporting evidence, to determine whether the introduction of a UGZ is justified and meets required safety standards. Applications may restrict UAS/drone activity, for example near an airport or other critical infrastructure, or to enable a certain type of UAS/drone activity.”
IAA said there will be no change to how ‘blue light’ emergency services access this airspace. “Emergency services will continue to have absolute priority, and all non-emergency drone activity will be paused immediately whenever required to ensure safe access”.
To gather feedback on establishing a UGZ in Cork, the Irish Aviation Authority is currently seeking input from airspace users.
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Image: Manna
