New drone Danger Area for Llanbedr

Snowdonia Aerospace is pleased to announce a new permanent Danger Area around Llanbedr Airfield has been approved by the CAA to support the ongoing development of novel aerospace systems in the UK, including drones-for-good, the next generation of electric air mobility vehicles and space launch and recovery systems.

Following completion of a formal 24-month CAP1616 airspace change process, the new Danger Area (DA), EG D217, is available with immediate effect (September 2021) and provides a unique mix of inshore, offshore, coastal lowland and mountain operational test environments and a corridor connecting to a further 7000 sq. km of additional airspace over Cardigan Bay for extended range, endurance, high altitude, and near-space testing.

None of the areas of the proposed DA areas will be permanently active and will only be activated by Notice to Aviators (NOTAV) when novel aerospace flying activities are scheduled to take place. Activation via NOTAV will be provided 24 hours in advance, the DA will only be active for the minimum time necessary, and Snowdonia Aerospace will provide a Flight Information Service (FIS) and Danger Area Activity Information Service (DAAIS). Airfield contact details will be included in the NOTAV.

Combined with our investment in an Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) system for the Snowdonia Aerospace Centre and our testing of a micro detect-and-avoid (DAA) radar for small drones, the Danger Area will be a key element in Snowdonia Aerospace’s own research activities under the UK Research & Innovation Future Flight Challenge as we seek to develop beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone services to support communities across Wales.