Graz Airport and AIRlabs investigate requirements for BVLOS operations

In a joint project, Graz Airport and AIRlabs Austria have investigated the requirements for drone operations near airports, especially for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights. 

Despite the complexities and potential risks of operating drones near airports, emergency services and airport operators can benefit from uncrewed aerial operations. During rescue operations, drones can provide a quick overview of the situation, locate missing persons, explore accident sites from the air and provide valuable information for operations management. Airport operators can also use drones to check runway lighting to identify possible defects or failures. Drones can also be used to inspect the airport fence for damage. 

The aim of the project is to determine the requirements for a flight at Graz Airport. The scenario of a fence inspection flight was used for the project to determine both ground-specific and air-specific requirements for a BVLOS flight. 

The project confirmed the importance of stakeholder involvement before drone flights are carried out, for example informing airport security, general aviation and other interest groups. In addition, approval by the competent authority is vital, and clearance for flight and taxiway crossings must be given via the Austro Control Dronespace app in consultation with the responsible air traffic control centre. The project also noted the importance of safety checks to the drone before flights. 

AIRlabs will use insights from the project to reduce time and costs when planning drone operations in the airport environment.