Airways concerned about an increasing drone sightings in controlled airspace.

Air traffic control organisation Airways New Zealand says it is concerned about an increasing number of drone sightings in controlled airspace.

CEO Graeme Sumner says, “Over the past year we have received reports of at least one drone per week operating illegally in controlled airspace. Air traffic control technology is currently unable to detect small objects such as drones so we rely on drone operators to follow the rules and register with us before they fly to ensure all aircraft are integrated safely into our airspace.

“Drone detection technology is still in its infancy globally but Airways has been actively looking for solutions and we plan to begin trialling a new system within the next three months.” 

Airways has operated the airshare.co.nz website for four years, allowing drone operators to request flight clearances from air traffic control and providing information on where they can fly safely. In that time the number of drone flights logged with the system has increased from 30 to 600 per week with more than 7,000 users registered.

Drone operators in the Canterbury and Queenstown area can also join Airways’ AirMap trial - a free iOS and Android app, which they can access to seek necessary airspace and public landowner approvals to fly, file flight plans, and access real-time information about other aircraft in the area.

Airways urges all drone users to register with airshare.co.nz and log their flights before they fly.

For further information please contact:

Emily Davies, Head of Public Affairs

E: Emily.davies@airways.co.nz

P: 021 438 243