SkeyDrone reveals only 10 percent of Brussels drone flights obtained flight authorisation

SkeyDrone has released its first Drone Detection Report, which offers a high-level analysis of the drone flights detected within the broader Brussels Capital Region during the month of May 2024, based on SkeyDrone’s Drone Detection network.   

The report provides insights into various aspects of drone activity, including the types of drones used, frequency and timing of flights, duration, altitude, distance between drones and pilots, compliance with regulations as well as drone hotspots. It highlights both opportunities and challenges for public and private stakeholders.   

Key findings include:   

• Daily Flights: An average of 12 drone flights per day were detected.
• Maximum Altitude: The highest recorded flight reached 1640 feet (500 metres) above ground level.
• Pilot Distance: The furthest distance observed between a drone and its pilot was 997 metres.
• Authorisation: Only 10% of the detected drone flights had obtained the mandatory geozone flight authorisation.
• Conformity: 74% of authorised flights at least partially conformed to their submitted flight plans.
• Concentrations of unauthorised drones were detected above railways, tourist areas and royal estates.

SkeyDrone’s Drone Detection system is comprised of a growing network of distributed sensors, placed at strategically interesting locations and capable of detecting drones by capturing the radio frequency (RF) signals they emit; both C2 link signals (communication between ground control station and drone) and Direct Remote Identification (DRI) signals. SkeyDrone’s current drone detection network in the Brussels Region covers about 400 km.

The company plans to release similar reports for other regions in Belgium, providing continuous monitoring and insights into drone activities nationwide.   

Hendrik-Jan Van Der Gucht, Managing Director at SkeyDrone said the report provides undeniable evidence of the growing presence of drones in the Brussels region. “Our findings underscore the need for continued investments in advanced detection systems, collaboration with public authorities, and public awareness campaigns on drone legislation.”