Airspace design for integrating RPAS into terminal airspace

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) integration in non-segregated terminal airspace. This work aims to identify the potential airspace volumes where a free operation of RPAS can be developed by analysing the airspace design of the terminal airspace.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology considers five crucial elements of the airspace design: obstacles, prohibited, restricted and dangerous zones, aerodrome zones, departing and arriving procedures and visual corridors. Free operation of RPAS is performed in those airspace volumes that no interaction with instrumental flight rules (IFR) flights is expected. Free RPAS airspace volumes are separated through current IFR separation minima.

Findings

The results show there is a significant amount of available airspace that RPAS can operate without interaction with conventional aircraft. The more significant risks are allocated by the limitations imposed by departing and arriving procedures in the terminal airspace.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology is applied to medium-dense terminal airspace. This work assumes RPAS can perform visual or instrumental flights.

Originality/value

RPAS is a capital issue for the majority of aviation actors. This work underlay the further development of a methodology regarding airspace design for RPAS in a terminal control area.

Citation

Arranz Moneo, M., Pérez-Castán, J.A., Gomez Comendador, V.F., Rodríguez-Sanz, Á. and Arnaldo Valdes, R.M. (2022), "Airspace design for integrating RPAS into terminal airspace", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 94 No. 1, pp. 14-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-12-2020-0313