Today we are very pleased to announce the launch of a UAV Traffic Management (UTM) trial for the regions of Canterbury and Queenstown Lakes.
Airways has partnered with global airspace management provider AirMap to deliver the trial platform that provides flight planning and management tools for commercial and recreational UAV pilots. The trial will help us learn about the value that UTM technology can offer authorities and UAV pilots.
Airshare would like to invite drone pilots to participate in the trial if you are based in Queenstown Lakes district or Christchurch City and Selwyn districts.
To participate, all you need to do is download the Airmap app on iOS or Android and start using it to plan your flights.
This trial has now been extended to the end of May 2018, providing valuable data as we continue to explore the best options for UAV traffic management in New Zealand.
With AirMap’s free iOS and Android apps, drone operators can seek necessary airspace and public land owner approvals to fly, file flight plans, and access real–time information about other UAVs in the area.
For the initial launch, the following authorities will be providing authorisations and advisory information through the app:
- Airways Air Traffic Control Towers in Queenstown and Christchurch
- Queenstown Lakes District Council, Queenstown Airport Company and Wanaka Airport
- Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council and Christchurch Airport
As the trial progresses, further stakeholders will be added to the system with the aim of providing an information and approval "one stop shop".
Please note that Airshare My Flights will continue to be available for use in the UTM trial regions for those who do not wish to use the AirMap app. If you are using Airmap and receive approvals, you do not need to also log the flight in Airshare.
