Aberporth UAS Danger Areas win CAA Approval.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved a request from the Welsh Government to establish additional segregated airspace in the vicinity of West Wales Airport and the area to the east of the airport. The new segregated airspace will be for the sole use of unmanned aircraft conducting flying operations from the West Wales Airport/ParcAberporth Unmanned Aircraft facility. The new airspace, designated as Danger Areas by the CAA, will only be activated when unmanned aircraft flying is scheduled.

The airspace change was requested in order to accommodate the future requirements for unmanned aircraft development. In line with CAA requirements, a full public consultation was conducted by the Welsh Government as part of its proposal. In approving the new airspace design, the CAA said that its primary duty to safety had been met.

However, the CAA also included a number of operational conditions to its decision, which reflect the measured approach that it is taking in progressing the introduction of unmanned aircraft operations into UK airspace. Environmental considerations were also taken into account.

A commitment to provide access for other aircraft to the new segregated airspace has also been provided, when it is safe to do so, through the provision of a Danger Area Crossing Service from the nearby Aberporth Radar Air Traffic Control Unit.

The revised airspace will become effective from 28 July 2011. The new
Danger Areas will be identified as EG D202 and EG D202A/B/C.

Aeronautical Information Circular

Details of the revised airspace is contained in AIC: Y 052/2011, which will be published on 16 June 2011 and will be available at: www.ais.org.uk