German Drone Advanced Operations – What Are They?

German Drone Advanced Operations encompass high-risk flights that go beyond basic visual line of sight (VLOS) and standard operational limits. These operations include Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights, night operations, urban missions, and flights in controlled airspace. Due to the increased risks associated with these operations, they require additional certifications, permissions, and stringent safety protocols established by the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) and in accordance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations.

Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)

BVLOS Operations

• Definition: BVLOS operations enable drone pilots to operate the aircraft beyond their visual line of sight, facilitating longer-range missions like infrastructure inspections, agricultural surveys, and cargo deliveries. These operations are beneficial in areas where maintaining a line of sight is challenging, such as expansive rural landscapes or over large bodies of water.
• Certification Requirements: Operators must obtain specific authorization from the LBA for BVLOS flights. This involves completing a risk assessment, submitting an operational plan, and proving that the drone is equipped with detect-and-avoid systems to prevent collisions with other aircraft.
• Communication and Control Systems: BVLOS drones need advanced communication and control systems to ensure a stable link between the drone and the operator over long distances.
• Safety Protocols: Operators are required to implement emergency procedures for instances of lost communication or technical malfunctions. Drones must be programmed to return to home or safely land in a pre-designated area if the signal is lost.

Use Cases

• Infrastructure Inspections: BVLOS is ideal for inspecting long stretches of infrastructure, such as railways, pipelines, and power lines.
• Environmental Monitoring: Drones are utilized for large-scale environmental surveys in remote areas, gathering data on wildlife, deforestation, or water bodies.

Night Operations

Regulations for Night Flying

• Permissions: Night flying is considered high-risk and requires special permission from the LBA. Operators must submit an application detailing their flight plan, including how they will maintain safety during low-visibility conditions.
• Lighting Requirements: Drones must be equipped with anti-collision lights visible from at least 3 nautical miles, ensuring visibility to both the operator and others in the airspace.
• Safety Procedures: Operators must demonstrate that they are trained to manage night flying challenges, such as reduced visibility, and have contingency plans in place for emergencies.

Use Cases

• Search and Rescue: Drones are often used for search and rescue missions conducted at night, particularly in remote or hazardous areas where ground access is limited.
• Security and Surveillance: Drones are deployed for night-time monitoring of large events, industrial sites, or public safety scenarios.

Urban Operations

Flying in Densely Populated Areas

• Special Permissions Required: Flying drones in urban environments or over densely populated areas requires additional permissions from the LBA. Operators must submit a risk assessment outlining how they will avoid flying directly over people and manage potential emergencies like loss of control.
• Risk Management: Urban operations require rigorous risk management measures, including the use of drones equipped with obstacle avoidance systems to prevent collisions with buildings, power lines, and other infrastructure.
• Informed Consent: In some cases, especially for commercial purposes such as filming or real estate inspections, operators must obtain informed consent from property owners or individuals potentially affected by the drone’s flight.

Use Cases

• Media and Film Production: Urban drone flights are frequently used in filmmaking and media production to capture aerial footage of cityscapes or events.
• Inspection of Infrastructure: Drones are increasingly employed in urban areas for inspecting tall buildings, bridges, and other structures that are difficult to access.

Operations in Controlled Airspace

Flying Near Airports or Restricted Zones

• Authorization Requirements: Operations in controlled airspace, such as near airports or military zones, require prior authorization from both the LBA and Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS), Germany’s air traffic control authority. The operator must submit detailed flight plans and coordinate with air traffic controllers to prevent interference with manned aircraft.
• Geofencing Technology: Drones used for controlled airspace operations are typically equipped with geofencing technology to prevent entry into restricted areas. This ensures drones stay within the designated flight zone and automatically avoids prohibited airspace.
• Coordination with ATC: Operators flying near airports or heliports must maintain constant communication with air traffic control to coordinate flight paths and avoid conflicts with manned aircraft.

Use Cases

• Surveying: Drones are used to survey areas close to airports for construction or environmental studies.
• Delivery Operations: In some cases, drones deliver cargo within controlled airspace, requiring strict coordination with air traffic control.

Summary

German Drone Advanced Operations involve high-risk activities that go beyond basic recreational or commercial drone use. Whether conducting BVLOS flights, operating at night, flying in urban areas, or navigating controlled airspace, these operations require specific certifications, additional safety measures, and permissions from the LBA and air traffic control authorities. Compliance with regulations for German Drone Advanced Operations ensures that pilots can safely, legally, and effectively complete their missions, minimizing risks to people, property, and other airspace users.