Drone operators in Switzerland can now access a national Flight Information Management System (FIMS) to connect with UAS service providers following system deployment by skyguide, the Swiss air navigation service provider, and AirMap the platform provider, in partnership with the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). The FIMS is an aviation data exchange hub that connects skyguide’s air traffic management system to UAS service providers with open interfaces to support safe and compliant drone operations in low-altitude airspace. FIMS deployment is part of Switzerland’s U-space Implementation (SUSI) programme to develop a drone traffic management network infrastructure. Skyguide and Airmap partnered in March 2018 to develop the framework to support safe and efficient U-space operations across Switzerland.
Part of U-space, the FIMS is a cloud-based, interoperable platform that distributes airspace information, directives, and real-time traffic data from skyguide’s ATM systems to drone operators through a network of UAS service providers. Participating service providers connect to the FIMS using open interfaces to provide services that support drone operators in meeting their regulatory and operational requirements. The Swiss U-space FIMS is designed to connect with multiple service providers to support an open, competitive drone economy with a marketplace of drone services.
Trials are also underway to test U-space automated authorisation, involving over 200 operators. Drone operators are using the Swiss U-space mobile application to plan their operations and request and receive automated authorization to fly in controlled airspace near Lugano and Geneva airports. In the coming months, skyguide and AirMap will build on the ongoing market trials to move toward full U-space system deployment, currently targeted for early 2020.
(Image: skyguide)
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