North Rhine-Westphalia: Expert: Drone airspace could start in a year

Cologne (dpa / lnw) - According to expert estimates, the first urban airspaces in which drones are in regular operation outside the pilot's range of vision could be in autumn 2023.

North Rhine-Westphalia: Expert: Drone airspace could start in a year

Cologne (dpa / lnw) - According to expert estimates, the first urban airspaces in which drones are in regular operation outside the pilot's range of vision could be in autumn 2023. An EU framework regulation will open up the possibility of so-called U-Spaces from the end of January next year, but the national legislative process with specific rules will still take time, said the head of the Association for Unmanned Aviation (UAV DACH), Achim Friedl, the German press -Agency. So far, such flights are only possible with a kind of special permit after a complex procedure. This should be simplified.

The U-Spaces are urban airspaces near the ground in which the flights of drones, helicopters and airplanes are coordinated. In order to avoid collisions, the locations of these missiles should be made visible to everyone involved. A service provider authorizes the flights and gives the drone pilot instructions as to where he is allowed to fly. "U-Spaces can be a big step forward so that drones are used more frequently than before," said Friedl.

The missiles could monitor company systems, transport urgent tissue samples for clinics and take over services for craftsmen - for example if a roofer wants to get an overview in advance. However, Friedl fears that the fees could be so high that it is not worth it for many companies. "U-spaces must not become an obstacle, they slow down growth."

The Federal Ministry of Transport announced that it would present a proposal for a U-Space law in the coming year. "The first U-Spaces in Germany can be identified immediately after the legislative process." Until then, real laboratories could be designated for research purposes. This happened last year at the Port of Hamburg. Another real laboratory is being worked on in Ingolstadt.

The U-Spaces are one of the big topics at the European Rotors helicopter and drone exhibition, which starts this Tuesday in Cologne. 209 manufacturers and service providers present themselves at the important industry get-together.