Spain’s Aviation Safety Agency (AESA), with the collaboration of national air navigation service provider ENAIRE, has published a guide for operators conducting high-altitude civil operations with uncrewed systems in a specific category.
AESA says the growth of such operations presents new challenges for their integration into the aeronautical system, hence the need for procedures and criteria that enable its incorporation to be addressed safely.
The new guidance sets out the main considerations that operators should take into account when preparing and submitting their applications, as well as the different coordination processes that may be necessary depending on the characteristics and level of risk of each operation. It also sets out the main actions related to airspace coordination, including interaction with air navigation service providers where necessary.
This coordination is particularly relevant in operations which, due to their characteristics and flight altitudes, require adequate planning and specific assessment of their possible interaction with other airspace users.
In Spain, several High Altitude Platform System (HAPS) projects promoted by companies and technology centres are already being developed, such as AALTO, ELSON Space and CATEC, for which AESA has issued operational authorisation.
For more information
AESA/ENAIRE guidance for high altitude operations [PDF in Spanish]
Image: AESA