Drone ATC

The challenge behind control of UAS

In the past five years the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) has grown dramatically in Australia and new operational demands are emerging across quite different user segments. While there is rapid growth in small UAS that are quite inexpensive and easily acquired by members of the public, other operators are looking to introduce large sophisticated systems. New services involving the movement of retail products and passengers around urban areas are also now emerging. This broad range of UAS operations requires the development of new safety regulations and new traffic management technologies. (It should be noted here that the term UAS can be used interchangeably with remotely-piloted aircraft system (RPAS) or drones.)

Until quite recently, UAS were mostly used for defence purposes. They are now being used in roles that support government authorities such as observing border areas, supporting maritime surveillance and conducting observations for fisheries and forestry agencies. Commercial UAS use is now very broad, including inspecting infrastructure, farming, surveying, real estate and many more.