A new area of segregated airspace in Wales is to be set aside specifically for testing unmanned aircraft from the West Wales airport/ParcAberporth Unmanned Aircraft facility.
The airspace from 28 July will be designated a Danger Area, but it will be active only when unmanned air vehicle (UAV) operations are scheduled.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority said that it has approved a request from the Welsh Government to establish additional segregated airspace near West Wales airport and the area to the east of it.
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The airspace change was requested "to accommodate the future requirements for unmanned aircraft development", said the CAA, and a full local consultation process was undertaken before approval. The authority said it has ensured a commitment to ensure safe access for other aircraft through the provision of a Danger Area Crossing Service from the nearby Aberporth Radar air traffic control unit.
West Wales airport's managing director Ray Mann said: "The CAA announcement to allow this specialised airspace is now the strongest recognition that West Wales is the focal point for UAS development in the UK. The airspace adds significantly to the many specialised assets that already exist at the airport and gives Britain further opportunity to benefit from a market that is forecast to be worth £60 billion annually by 2020."
The UK has another UAV operating area near Boscombe Down in southern England, but that is purely for military use.
Source: Flight International
