Purpose of this change

This proposal is for a Temporary change to the notified airspace design, for which a scaled airspace change process applies and a change level is not applicable.

The Sustainable Aviation Test Environment (SATE) will create the UK's first operationally based low-carbon, aviation test centre in Scotland. Part-funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, the SATEconsortium aims to bring together technologies in electrification, aviation systems and autonomy to create new modes of air travel and capability. The SATE will be a UK first, and it is hoped to test and showcase new technology that can be adapted for island and broader use, with the aim to create social benefit and economic prosperity. Within this project, Windracers will demonstrate the use of ULTRA Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for delivering on-demand supplies to remote communities that currently suffer from mistimed or limited logistics. Preliminary trials and engagement with key local stakeholders have confirmed the priority for medical supplies for remote health care service providers, mail transport to highland and island communities and logistic support to the Scottish supply chain. Under the current regulatory and technological conditions, it is necessary to establish structures of segregated airspace that enable the intended Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) operations. This airspace change proposal aims to set up a Temporary Danger Area complex that enables the demonstration of these operations connecting Kirkwall to Inverness and then Inverness to the Glasgow area. These airspace structures will be activated during short periods of time, separately or in combination to allow the intended itinerary, whilst minimising the impact on other aviation activities. It is anticipated that the implementation of this ACP will last no longer than 2 weeks. Participation of Air Traffic Services will be sought to provide the TDA complex with information or crossing services during operation. ULTRA UAS is a 10 m wingspan, 350 kg MTOW fixed-wing remotely piloted aircraft that features multiple redundancies of critical subsystems, on-board electronic conspicuity (ADS-B and Mode S transponder) and standard visual conspicuityaids (navigation and position lights).

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Stage 1 : Define

This step has been started

During Stage 1 of the temporary and trial airspace change process, the change sponsor submits a Statement of Need setting out the objectives of their change proposal and the issues or opportunities it seeks to address. The change sponsor will need to identify the need for a temporary or trial change proposal, so that all stakeholders can understand their rationale for pursuing an airspace change.

Documents for this proposal (1 document)

Statement of Need (86.3kB PDF)

Stage 1 - Statement of Need

Date added: 02 September 2022

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Potentially affected area

This is the area which may be affected by this airspace change depending on its development. This area may change as the proposal is developed.

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