The launch of the Aviation Innovation Centre at Goodwood Aerodrome provides the UAV industry with a solution to develop, test, trial and showcase emerging technologies. It’s the first of its kind in the UK, coming at a time when the aviation industry is focusing heavily on the development of commercial unmanned technology and with the UK CAA seeing a significant increase in UAV operation approval requests.
With a focus on the UAV, UTM and UAM sectors, the Centre brings together a wide range of services and facilities that include:
- Segregated airspace to facilitate BVLOS operations. Availability currently includes a 9km radius circle around the aerodrome, providing a 270km2 range over largely rural areas
- A selection of ‘off-aerodrome’ landing sites in controlled areas within the segregated airspace area to facilitate UAV delivery trials
- Aerodrome facilities including Air Traffic Services, 3 grass runways, on-site firefighting service and in-house security services
- A controlled ground area within the aerodrome perimeter
- Short or long-term access to offices, meeting rooms and hangar space
- World class event hosting facilities
The centre also provides expert support to help customers with:
- CAA submissions, permissions and exemptions such as preparing ConOps, Operating Safety Cases and Specific Operational Risk Assessments (SORA)
- An on-site CAA certified Recognised Assessment Entity providing online and classroom-based pilot training and certification as well as specialist courses such as ‘multi-crew co-ordination’
- The availability of qualified remote pilots and observers
Goodwood Aviation Operations Manager, Mark Gibb said:
We’re delighted to partner with Across Safety on the launch of the Aviation Innovation Centre at Goodwood Aerodrome. Our range of facilities combined with the industry expertise of Across Safety offers the ideal solution for organisations’ developing, testing, trialing or showcasing unmanned aviation technologies. Our aim is to be Europe’s leading UAV technology centre.
Across Safety Development’s Managing Director Anthony Venetz said:
The unmanned aviation industry is at a pivotal moment, with commercial unmanned aerial systems, urban air mobility, unmanned traffic management and counter drone systems all predicted to grow exponentially over the next few years. There is a clear need for a centre that supports technological and operational innovation without lengthy delays related to establishing safe airspace and ground areas. Goodwood, within easy reach of London and Gatwick is the perfect location to do that.
Source: Press Release